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SALT LAKE CITY — Division of Wildlife Resources officials said similar to the past several years, there is not a limit on general archery elk permits in Utah this fall.
The general archery hunt started Saturday, but for those who were late applying for an archery elk permit, DWR announced that there is still a chance to hunt an elk in Utah this fall.
Hunters can get a permit anytime between now and the end of the extended archery elk hunt on Dec. 15, DWR said. Each hunter with a permit can take only one elk — either a bull or cow — during the general archery elk hunt. However, hunters should be adhere to their permit and only hunt spike and cow elk in spike elk units.
DWR big game coordinator Justin Shannon said elk are doing really well in Utah and there are currently more than 80,000 in the state.
"Taking an elk with a bow and arrow is a challenge, but plenty of elk are out there to pursue," Shannon said.
Even though the archery elk permits are unlimited, the herds won't be thinned too much. DWR spokesperson Mark Hadley said the success rate during the general archery elk hunt is extremely low. During the 2014 season, a total of 12,342 hunters bought a general archery elk permit, but only 11 percent of those hunters took an elk, Hadley said.
Before hunting in one of Utah's extended archery elk areas, hunters are required to complete the free Archery Ethics Course. The course is available online and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
For more information about the general archery elk hunt, check the Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook or call the Salt Lake City DWR Office at 801-538-4700.
