Change awaits those applying for 2008 black bear permit

You can start applying for a 2008 Utah black bear hunting permit on Feb. 1.

But before you can apply, you must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license.

A valid Utah hunting or combination license is also required if you want to apply for a bonus point.

"This change is important to the future of the state's wildlife," says Jim Karpowitz, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources. "As costs continue to rise, the requirement that hunters buy a license will provide us the revenue we need to continue managing bears and other wildlife in Utah effectively."

Karpowitz provides some advice to help you decide which license to buy: the hunting license, which costs $26 for residents, or the combination license, which costs $30. "I'd encourage you to buy the combination license," he says. "It costs $4 more than a hunting license, but it also allows you to fish."

Hunting and combination licenses are available at wildlife.utah.gov. You can also obtain one from DWR offices and more than 350 hunting license agents across Utah.

Start applying on Feb. 1

You can apply for a permit or a bonus point at wildlife.utah.gov starting Feb. 1. Your application must be received through the Web site no later than 11 p.m. on Feb. 29 to be entered in the draw for permits.

You can also apply over the phone. To apply over the phone, call (801) 538-4700 no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 29.

Results of the 2008 Black Bear Draw will be posted by March 14.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.