Stephanie and Dave Moreno pose with an elk they harvested. Dave Moreno - photo
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has released it's annual forecast of elk hunt conditions in 27 different states and provinces. Overall, "Elk herds are in great shape across most of the West, thanks to a mild winter and normal moisture. And, of course, the ongoing habitat stewardship projects supported by our members and volunteers have
helped, too," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.
Utah remains one of the top elk trophy hunting states in the nation, especially considering last year's world record non-typical "Spider Bull" bagged by Denny Austad. According to the RMEF, "Elk enjoy rich habitat with populations stable or trending upward across the state". Over-the-counter bull permits are limited, but available. Open bull areas are mostly found on the north and south slopes of the Uintas and the success rate is around 15
percent. More permits are available this year than last, giving more hunters a chance at a nice rack on the wall, or at least some meat for the freezer. DWR board members approved 2,738 limited entry bull elk permits for 2009, over 10 percent more than the 2,447 offered last fall. "Most of Utah's big game animals are doing well," says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "That's great news for sportsmen."
As of August 13th, there were according the DWR website, 2174 remaining Spike Bull permits, and 5959 permits for Any Bull. Cow permits are also available though mostly on private land. Before purchasing, make sure you obtain necessary permission to hunt the area. Hunters may purchase a cow permit in addition to a bull permit or two cow permits if the hunter doesn't have a bull permit. Hunters may not have two bull permits. Consult the Big Game Hunting Guidebook for further information.
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