Must have a license to apply for a point

Basic hunting or combination licenses are required for additional permits.

New rules also apply to purchasing purchasing game permits — Read more

A change has led to some confusion among Utah big game hunters this year.

In addition to accepting applications for big game permits, the Division of Wildlife Resources is also accepting applications for bonus points and preference points.

But just like big game permits, you must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license before you can apply for a point.

"This change is important to the future of the state's wildlife," says Jim Karpowitz, director of the DWR. "As costs continue to rise, the requirement that hunters buy a license before they apply will provide us the revenue we need to continue managing big game and other wildlife into the future."

Karpowitz has some advice for you as 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.

Apply for a point by Feb. 29

Bonus points and preference points give hunters who won't be hunting this year a better chance at obtaining a permit next year.

Applications for a bonus point or a preference point will be accepted until Feb. 29. You can apply for a point through the Internet (wildlife.utah.gov) until 11 p.m. on Feb. 29.

You can also apply over the phone at (801) 538-4700. Phone-in applications for a point must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 29.

For more information, call the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office at 1-800-221-0659, the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.