Northern Region Rifle Deer Permits Sold Out

All of the permits to hunt deer during Utah's upcoming general rifle deer hunt are sold out, the Division of Wildlife Resources has announced. Permits for the Northern Region sold out on Oct. 11, 11 days before the start of the hunt, which begins Oct. 22.

That's the fastest general deer hunting permits have sold out in Utah since the state started capping the number of general deer hunting permits in 1994.

About 1,500 permits to hunt elk on general any bull elk units are still available. Utah's 2005 general rifle any bull elk hunt is underway and ends Oct. 20. The 2005 general muzzleloader any bull elk hunt begins Nov. 2.
Nine-Day Rifle Deer Hunt Recommended for Southern Utah

Rifle deer hunters could hunt deer for nine days in southern Utah next fall under recommendations the Division of Wildlife Resources will propose at upcoming public meetings.

Those who attend the meetings can learn more about the DWR's 2006 big game hunting proposals and can provide their input and suggestions. Citizens representing Utah's five Regional Advisory Councils will take the public input received to the Utah Wildlife Board when it meets Nov.
22 in Salt Lake City to approve Utah's 2006 Big Game Proclamation. Meeting dates, times and locations are as follows (please note that the Southern Region meeting will start at 5 p.m.):

Southern Region
Nov. 1
5 p.m.
Dixie High School
350 E. 700 S.
St. George

Southeastern Region
Nov. 2
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
Nov. 3
6:30 p.m.
Uintah Basin Applied Tech. College
1100 E. Lagoon St.
Roosevelt

Central Region
Nov. 8
6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
165 S. 700 E.
Springville

Northern Region
Nov. 9
6 p.m.
Bridgerland Applied Tech. College, Room 171D
1301 N. 600 W.
Logan
AREAS OF ANTELOPE ISLAND CLOSE FOR 2005 BISON RANGE RIDE AND ROUNDUP

Syracuse - Antelope Island State Park managers will close the backcountry trails Thursday, October 27 through Saturday, October 29 for the 19th Annual Bison Range Ride and Roundup. The White Rock Group Area is also closed Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30. These areas are scheduled to reopen Monday, October 31. The eastside road, leading to the Fielding Garr Ranch, will remain open during this event, however visitors may encounter delays.

Assistant Park Manger Chris Haller reports these closures are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors, the bison herd, and those participating in the roundup. Haller also believes any inconvenience caused by the trail closure is outweighed by the unique opportunity to view this annual event.

Each year, helicopters, horseback riders, and four-wheel drive vehicles are used to move the bison from the southern tip of the island to the handling facilities on the north end.

To reach Antelope Island State Park, take I-15 to exit 332 (Syracuse-Freeport Center) and travel west on Antelope Drive to the entrance gate. Park fees are $8 per vehicle and $4 for bicyclists and walk-ins. For more information, please call (801) 773-2941.

Nathan Rafferty Named Ski Utah President

The executive board of Ski Utah/Utah Ski & Snowboard Association today announced the appointment of Nathan Rafferty to the position of President.

"Nathan brings a tremendous amount of energy and creativity to Ski Utah," said board chairman F. Scott Pierpont. "Throughout his nine years with Ski Utah, Nathan has proven to be a tireless advocate for the sport and our industry."

A Utah native and lifelong skier, Rafferty has been employed by Ski Utah in various capacities since 1994 including the position of Director of Communications which he has held for the past seven years. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Communication.

"With last season's fantastic snow year and record number of skier days as well as increased interest in promotional efforts from the State's newly-formed Utah Office of Tourism, our ski and snowboard industry is enjoying unprecedented momentum," said Rafferty. "I'm excited to be a part of Utah's future as we continue to promote the 'Greatest Snow on Earth.'"

Ski Utah, the marketing arm of the Utah Ski & Snowboard Association, is charged with promoting Utah's snowsports industry, including 13 alpine and seven cross-country ski and snowboard areas, as well as other winter-related businesses. The eight-person office is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Utah Ski Association, an organization founded in 1975 and comprised of business members dedicated to the advancement and growth of Utah's snowsports industry.

It's Official: SCI's Convention is Staying in Reno!

SCI today announced that its Annual Hunters' Convention, the Ultimate Hunters' Market, will continue to be held in Reno, Nevada through 2009. Future SCI Convention Reno dates for 2007, 2008 and 2009 are now set for Jan. 24-27, Jan. 23-26 and Jan. 21-24, respectively.

"SCI is happy to extend its close relationship with Reno for the next several years," said SCI Executive Director Tom Riley. "The organization had to weigh the needs of its rapidly expanding show verses the warm welcome and hospitality it receives from the Reno-Sparks community. Thankfully, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center has made plans starting in 2007 to allow for the expansion of the Hunters' Convention, which will enable SCI to return through 2009."

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority agreed to several benefits based on SCI's continued presence at Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place, pending final RSCVA Committee approval in October. Two sprung structures will be constructed on the north-end parking lot nearest the Atlantis, adding up to 50,000 square feet that can be used for display or event functions. The RSCVA also will remove the hard wall from the "F" meeting rooms, opening up another 19,000 square feet in Hall 4 and making it much more attractive as exhibit show floor space.

In appreciation of long-term relationship between SCI and the RSCVA, and the business SCI brings to the Reno area, the RSCVA will sponsor the food and beverage for our exhibitor's reception and for the patron's lounge.

At SCI's 34th Annual Hunters' Convention, taking place in Reno Jan. 18-21, 2006, SCI is projecting some 22,000 Convention attendees from up to 50 countries around the world, more than at any other time in SCI history. As many as 400 of the world's top outdoor journalists also will attend, along with Nevada news media, wildlife officials and other outdoor experts from around the world and renowned outdoor celebrities.

As the Ultimate Hunters' Marketplace, the blockbuster 2006 event is expected to fill the Reno-Sparks Convention Center's more than 600,000 square feet of floor space, with some 1,100 exhibitors from the top companies in the outdoor and shooting sports industries. Thanks to extraordinary auction items and services graciously donated by these exhibitors, SCI is expected to raise millions to advance its unparalleled hunter advocacy and conservation efforts. Just some of these auction items and services will include unique firearms, once-in-a-lifetime hunting trips, professional taxidermy, beautiful artwork, fine furniture and intricate jewelry.

Sportsmen and -women attending the SCI Convention also can enjoy first-class entertainment on the exhibit floor and during the Convention's dazzling evening auction and awards banquets. Some of the evening event's riveting keynote speakers and entertainment will include comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Lt. Col. Oliver North (USMC, Ret.) and master impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon. Other personalities set to attend SCI's Hunters' Convention include author and television show host Jim Shockey, outdoor writer Craig Boddington, Dick and Mary Cabela of Cabela's the World's Foremost Outfitter, wild game cooking expert Chef John Schumacher and others.

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's 173 Chapters represent all 50 United States as well as 13 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit http://www.safariclub.org or call 520-620-1220 for more information.

SCI's record-breaking 33rd Annual Hunters' Convention hosted more than 19,700 sportsmen from 50 countries around the world. Thanks to over 1,100 top exhibitors helping hunters realize dreams around the globe, the Convention raised nearly $11 million for SCI and the SCI Foundation. To register to attend SCI's 34th Annual Hunters' Convention, call 888-746-9724 toll-free or visit http://www.safariclub.org.

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS

October 18 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Water Tanks Weed Roundup: Join park staff beginning at 5 p.m., for a volunteer work party and experience how you can make a difference in the park by helping to stamp out non-native tumbleweeds and other non-native plants. Work alongside other interested volunteers, learn to identify some of our area plants, enjoy free drinks and snacks, and go home with a free packet of native wildflower seed. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

October 21 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Wildfire Impacts in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve: Recent fires have burned over 14,000 acres of tortoise habitat in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Ann McLuckie of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources discusses the impacts of these fires and the challenges in re-establishing and protecting habitat in the future from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

October 22 Bear Lake State Park - Garden City
Bear Lake Halloween Spooktakular (weather permitting). For more information, please call (435) 946-3343.

October 24 - 28 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Navajo Weaving Techniques for the Advanced Student: Anita Hathale, master Navajo weaver, teaches an advanced class in Navajo weaving. Tuition is $400. For more information, please call (435) 678-2238.

October 21 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Skills for Thrills: Meet Park Volunteer Jake, as he shares some sweet outdoor skills to help keep you found, happy, and warm. Meet Jake at 7 p.m. at the Observation Point Shelter. For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

October 22 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Junior Ranger Program: BUGS! Discover the mini-beasts of Goblin Valley at 10 a.m. at the Observation Point shelter. Children six to 12 are invited to learn about and become a Junior Ranger. Earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

October 22 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River
Sand, Stars, and Goblins: Join the park naturalist for an evening walk through the goblins beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Observation Point shelter. Find out who lurks around in the night! For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.
Nine-Day Rifle Hunt in the Southern and Southeastern Regions

Rifle deer hunters in the Southern and Southeastern regions could find themselves hunting four extra days next fall, including an extra weekend, under recommendations the DWR will present at the meetings.

"Deer herds in Utah are continuing a slow but steady climb, and we believe the rifle hunt in the two regions can be lengthened without a negative effect on the deer herds," said Craig McLaughlin, big game coordinator for the DWR.

In 1999, hunters in the Southern Region asked that the season be cut to five days on the Pine Valley, West unit to try and improve the number of bucks on the unit. Five-day seasons were eventually expanded to cover all of the units in the region.

Hunters in the Southeastern Region asked for their first five-day season in 2000. "The problem is that five-day seasons don't do what they're intended to do," McLaughlin said. "Most of the deer taken during the rifle hunt are taken during the opening weekend, so a five-day
season really doesn't save many deer. And five-day seasons take an opportunity away from hunters to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

We'd like to bump the season back to nine days and give deer hunters a chance to enjoy a few extra days of hunting." McLaughlin says deer herds in Utah have improved to the point that the
rifle hunt can be lengthened to nine days without a big effect on the herds. "Deer numbers in Utah declined for several years because of the drought, but the herds started to rebound in the spring of 2003. And deer did even better in 2004," McLaughlin said. "We had a good, wet winter and spring that year, and all of the moisture that was received improved rangeland conditions for deer across the state. As the range conditions improved, so did the survival of deer fawns."

During surveys this past March and April, DWR biologists found an average of 70 fawns per 100 does across Utah. "We were happy to see that most of the fawns born in the spring of 2004 made it through this past winter," he said.

And more snow and rain fell this past winter and spring. "We'll start our post-deer hunt surveys in November, and I'm sure we'll see that a good number of fawns were born this past spring," he said. In addition to counting the number of fawns, DWR biologists will also
count the number of bucks. "If we find that the number of bucks per 100 does doesn't meet the minimum goal of at least 15 bucks per 100 does, we can address that next fall when we set recommendations for the 2007 hunt," he said.

"Lengthening the rifle season to nine days in the two southern Utah regions for one year is not going to have a big impact on the regions' deer herds, even if we find that the buck to doe ratio has dropped to less than 15 bucks per 100 does."
Watch Out, Utah Chubs: Tiger Trout Placed in Scofield Reservoir

A new game fish -- the tiger trout -- has been placed by the Division of Wildlife Resources in Scofield Reservoir. Tiger trout are a sterile hybrid, developed by combining the eggs of a female brook trout and the milt of a male brown trout. Because they're sterile, tiger trout grow fast, putting their energy into growth rather than reproduction. Tigers are also beautiful fish, renowned by anglers for their fight and their table quality.

About 80,000 fingerling (3-inch) tiger trout were planted by the DWR in Scofield in early September. They could be catchable-size (nine to 10 inches) by next fall.

The DWR has witnessed tremendous growth rates of tigers in other reservoirs. In Duck Fork Reservoir, for example, some fingerling tigers grew 12 or more inches in a single year. That's about double the rate rainbow trout will grow in a year.

The reason the DWR introduced another trout to Scofield is not entirely for sporting reasons. During surveys at the reservoir in the spring of 2005, DWR aquatics biologists discovered Utah chubs in their gill nets. That was the first time Utah chubs had shown up in surveys since the reservoir was treated in the early 1990s to remove undesirable fish populations, including
Utah chubs. Apparently, the chubs were brought to Scofield by anglers who were using them as live bait. The practice of using live fish as bait is illegal.

The discovery of chubs in Scofield could be catastrophic for the fishery. Utah chubs are extremely prolific. They reproduce rapidly and can outcompete game fish in a flat-water fishery. Joes Valley is a good example of this. Anglers, illegally fishing with live chubs, introduced this nuisance species to Joes Valley years ago. The number of chubs in the reservoir has prevented the Joe's Valley fishery from reaching its full potential. While trophy splake are still readily available, much of the reservoir's productivity is tied up in chubs. Fisheries managers are faced with trying to return this fishery to its full potential within financial and bureaucratic constraints that
eliminate many options.

Scofield Reservoir is among the four top fisheries in Utah. Losing Scofield's fishery to an invasion of chubs would be devastating. Chemically treating the reservoir again to eliminate chubs would be very costly. In today's dollars, a treatment would cost a staggering $1 million. In addition, it takes years to satisfy the environmental and bureaucratic requirements that must be met before a treatment can take place. Hopefully, the tiger trout will be the answer fisheries
biologists need to control the reservoir's chub population.

Chubs are commonly found in shallow water and shoreline zones, where they consume the food and occupy the space needed by young trout. As the trout grow, they often move to deeper, cooler water and lose contact with the chubs. This helps the chubs, because they're less
vulnerable to attack from fish that are large enough to eat them.

Tiger trout, however, are piscivorous (fish eaters) from an early age. They seem to be more willing to hunt for prey in shallower waters than many other trout subspecies are. Fisheries managers hope that tigers will keep Utah chubs from outcompeting and overrunning other game fish
in the reservoir.
2006 Sportsman Permit Applications Available by Nov. 2

Applications for some of next year's most prized Utah hunting permits -- 2006 Sportsman permits -- will be available by Nov. 2. Only Utah residents may apply for Sportsman permits. One Sportsman Permit is offered for each of the following species: Desert bighorn ram, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram, buck deer, buck pronghorn, bull elk, bull moose, hunter's choice bison, hunter's choice Rocky Mountain goat, black bear, cougar, sandhill crane and wild turkey.

The 2006 Sportsman Permit hunt runs Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2006. Hunters may hunt on any unit open for the respective species, except Antelope Island for bison; the Pilot Mountain unit for elk; and the Pine Valley, Virgin River unit for desert bighorn sheep.

"The long season dates and ability to hunt every open hunting unit in the state except three make Sportsman permits a highly prized item," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Beginning Nov. 2, hunters who have a major credit card can apply for a Sportsman Permit online at the DWR's Web site ( http://www.wildlife.utah.gov ). Hunters who don't have a major credit card must mail their application in. Sportsman Permit applications will be available by Nov. 2 from hunting and fishing license agents statewide and the DWR's six offices.

Applications submitted through the DWR's Web site must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Nov. 16 to be entered in the draw for permits. Mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 16.

"Those who don't apply on the Internet are reminded that it will take a few days for their application to arrive through the mail and to mail it as far in advance of the Nov. 16 date as possible," Tutorow said.

She also reminds hunters that a $5 nonrefundable handling fee is required for each species a hunter applies for. Results of the 2006 Sportsman Permit Draw will be posted by Dec. 7. Successful applicants will also be notified by letter. Those with questions may call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
More Wild Turkey Permits approved for 2006

More wild turkey hunting permits will be available in Utah in 2006 after the Utah Wildlife Board approved a 19 percent increase in the number of permits available for hunts this spring. Board members approved the increase at their Oct. 6 meeting in Salt Lake City.

A total of 2,034 Rio Grande turkey permits will be available for the 2006 hunt compared to 1,612 this past spring. The number of Merriam's wild turkey permits also increased, from 624 available in spring 2005 to 638 for the 2006 hunt. The 2,672 total permits include limited entry
permits (which are the permits most hunters obtain) as well as landowner, conservation and Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit permits.

And hunters will have some additional areas to use those permits next spring after the board approved a Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program for wild turkeys. A new Walk-In Access program also will be available to hunters in northern Utah.

Applications for 2006 Utah wild turkey permits will be available by Nov. 29. Applications must be received no later than Dec. 27 to be included in the draw for permits. Draw results will be available by Feb. 1, 2006.

"For the most part, wild turkey populations are doing well across
Utah," says Dean Mitchell, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. While populations in some of Utah's lower elevation areas haven't reached the number biologists are aiming for, populations in mid and higher elevation areas continue to grow. Part of the reason for the recent increase in turkey numbers is wet weather this past spring and early summer.

"Wet weather in the spring and early summer is important to turkey chicks, which are known as poults," Mitchell said. "The rain provides lots of grasses and forbs that provide excellent nesting cover for hens and plenty of places for the poults to hide from predators. The rain also provides lots of insects, which are an essential food source for poults."

Mitchell says Utah's turkey populations should be in great shape heading into the winter. "If we don't have a severe winter, hunters should see plenty of turkeys when the spring hunts get underway in April," he said.

Another reason for the climb in turkey numbers is the DWR's aggressive turkey transplant program, which will continue this winter. This past winter, 957 turkeys were moved within Utah to start new populations or help existing ones.

"We have enough turkeys in Utah now that we don't need to bring turkeys in from outside the state to help our populations," Mitchell said. "There are plenty of turkeys in Utah to move around." Utah's wild turkey hunters will have more areas to hunt this spring after board members approved a Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) program for wild turkeys. A new Walk-In Access program also will be available to hunters in the northern part of the state. Here's how
each program works:

Walk-In Access- The Walk-In Access program is a new program the DWR is starting on a
three-year trial basis in northern Utah. During the spring 2006 wild turkey hunt, hunters in the northern part of the state will have access to several private property areas that have been closed in the past.

"The Walk-In Access program is a big deal in many of the mid-Western states," Mitchell said. "It's opened thousands of acres of private land to hunters and anglers. We hope it will do the same thing here."

Private lands that have good wild turkey populations and provide wild turkeys with good habitat are eligible for the program. Property becomes enrolled in the program two ways: by DWR biologists approaching landowners to see if they are willing to open their property to public
hunters and by landowners approaching the DWR about enrolling their property in the program.

In return for enrollment, the DWR agrees to pay the landowner to allow hunters on his property. After an agreement is reached between the landowner and the DWR, signs are placed on the landowner's property indicating that the property is enrolled in the Walk-In Access program.

Maps showing lands enrolled in the program will be available from DWR offices by the end of March 2006. The maps will indicate whether hunters can hunt the property without contacting the landowner, or whether they need to call the landowner in advance to let him know when
they plan on hunting. Hunters using the property also must take good care of the property while hunting on it.

CWMU Program- The CWMU program the board approved has been in place for several years
in Utah for big game and has opened thousands of acres of private land to public big game hunters. Five CWMUs will be in operation for the 2006 wild turkey hunt. Private lands are designated as a CWMU if the landowner works with the DWR to manage the land for wildlife. Private landowners who own land that qualifies as a CWMU are given permits they can sell to hunters. In return, the landowner agrees to allow an equal number of public hunters,
who obtain a permit for his property through Utah's wild turkey permit draw, onto his CWMU to hunt.

Mitchell says a CWMU program for wild turkeys is a win-win situation for everyone: public hunters gain access to private lands that were once closed to them and landowners receive a financial incentive to manage their lands for wild turkeys.

Two ways are available to obtain a CWMU permit. Hunters can apply for one in the wild turkey drawing or they can contact a CWMU operator directly to inquire about purchasing a permit from the operator.

CWMUs open for the 2006 wild turkey hunt will be listed in the 2006 Utah Wild Turkey Hunting Guide. The guide will be available by late November.
Winterizing Tips for your Boat and Trailer

As the weather becomes cooler and boating season comes to a close, many boats are improperly stored for the winter, sometimes resulting in expensive spring repairs. Utah State Parks and Recreation employees provide the following tips to help recreationists winterize their boats and boat trailers to avoid potential damage during the upcoming cold months. Additional tips are suggested to have your boat ready for spring cruising when the weather warms again.

When storing your boat, be sure to support the critical areas of the hull, including the bulkhead, keel and motor. Cover boats to protect the gel coat, woodwork, metal, and vinyl.

Add a fuel stabilizer to gasoline or diesel fuel.

Change engine oil to eliminate residual acids and moisture in the crankcase. Use nontoxic, environmentally friendly antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion in raw water cooling systems.

If you have a battery on board to power a security system or bilge pump, make sure cells are filled with distilled water and fully charged. Clean the terminals with baking soda and apply a coat of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

Inspect key components on your boat trailer, especially if it travels regularly on bumpy roads.

Purchase and use an anti-theft device for your trailer or remove tires to discourage theft.

Check frame for loose bolts and rust.

If the trailer has brakes, make sure they are operating properly.

Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect the treads and sidewalls for wear.

All lights should burn brightly, check turn signals.

Inspect the hitch, coupler and ball.

Make sure the vehicle and trailer are level. A car or truck that has to much or too little weight at the hitch will be difficult to control.

For more information, including laws and rules or personal watercraft education, contact Utah State Parks and Recreation at (801) 538-7220.

Transport Game Properly

By Brian Brinkerhoff

Outdoors Correspondent

With deer numbers up and the potential of better hunting conditions, sportsmen are reminded to transport their game in a manner to avoid offending the non-hunting crowd and to maintain good relations, ensuring hunting privileges continue for a long time.

Brent Stettler, DWR Southeastern Region Information and Education Manager, reports, "When transporting harvested big game, hunters are urged to keep carcasses covered. Not only does this help protect the meat from flies, dust and heat, but serves the equally important purpose of not offending the non-hunting public."

He continued, "The sight of a bloody carcass draped over the hood of a vehicle or hanging out of the bed of a truck is distasteful to many and may wound the feelings of those who consider hunting immoral. Some states even have a law forbidding the "gratuitous display of wildlife," where hunters may be cited for transporting game in public view.

With the general buck deer season opening Oct. 21, highways will soon fill up with orange-clad motorists going to or from hunting camp. Mike Milburn, Lieutenant in the Division of Wildlife Resources' Southeastern Region suggested, "A true sportsman should be satisfied with the hunting experience, without feeling the need to 'show off' by flaunting the kill."

Hunters can do a lot to encourage public support of sport hunting by exercising sensitivity and common sense. Keeping game covered or out of view is a simple thing hunters can do to avoid offending others and safeguard their chosen pastime.

Tips offered during the Hunts

With hunting seasons now underway Uinta National Forest officials offer the following tips to help ensure recreationists have a safe and enjoyable autumn season.

Campgrounds - Most campgrounds and picnic areas will remain open throughout the hunts, although weather conditions may force closure of some campgrounds, and some water systems may be turned off. Contact Forest Service offices for current campground information.

Road Conditions - Hunters are urged to use caution when traveling, especially during inclement weather. Hunters should contact local Forest Service offices to obtain current road information and travel maps. Maps showing recreational vehicle routes may be purchased at all local Forest Service offices. Users are advised to travel only on those roads marked open, or shown as open, on a travel map. Questions regarding motorized vehicle use on specific roads or trails should be directed to a local Forest Service office.

Entrance Fee - The fee program for the American Fork Canyon-Alpine Loop area will be in effect throughout the hunt. A $3.00, 3-day pass; $10.00, 14-day pass; or $25.00, an annual pass may be purchased at local Forest Service offices, and the American Fork Canyon and Aspen Grove entrance stations. A pass entitles visitors to utilize parking, picnicking facilities and trailheads. Visitors using State Route 92 for through travel only do not require a pass.

Safety - Wear protective hunter orange attire and exercise extreme caution while hunting. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return. Be prepared for inclement weather by taking the proper clothing and equipment.

Leave No Trace - Minimize the impact to National Forest System lands, by staying on designated trails and roads and using designated campsites. Select campsites 200 feet or more from water sources and wet meadows. Dig catholes 200 feet or more from camp, trails, and streams. Pack it in. Pack it out. Bring pellets, grain, or weed-free hay for horses. Remove excess hay and straw.

For the most current information on campground, trail, road and recreation information, contact the Heber Ranger District, 435-654-0470; Pleasant Grove Ranger District, 801-785-3563; Spanish Fork Ranger District, 801-798-3571; Nephi Office, 435-623-2735; or the Uinta National Forest Supervisor's Office, 801-342-5100.