Special Upland Game Hunts

Photo by Alan Peterson

Hunters who are 15 years of age and younger can participate in special chukar and pheasant hunts this fall.

These special youth hunts have been held in Utah for years. They’re a great way to introduce young people to upland game hunting.

“Kids really enjoy these hunts,” says Dave Olsen, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “They usually have plenty of birds to shoot at, and they don’t have to compete with older hunters for a bird.”

Participating in one of the hunts is easy. If you’re 15 years of age or younger, and you’ve completed Utah’s Hunter Education course, just go online at www.wildlife.utah.gov/uplandgame  and complete an application.


Application and hunt dates
To be considered for one of the youth chukar hunts, the DWR must receive your application no later than Aug. 23. Applications for the youth pheasant hunts are due by Sept. 6.

The youth chukar hunts will be held Sept. 4 on four state wildlife management areas (WMAs) and one Walk-In Access area. The youth pheasant hunts will be held Nov. 14 on four state WMAs and one Walk-In Access area. “We’re holding these hunts across Utah,” Olsen says. “No matter where you live, you should be able to find a hunt within two hours of your home.”

The WMAs and the Walk-In Access areas will be closed to all other hunters on the day the youth hunts are held.

Getting youth excited about upland game hunting
“The number of young people who hunt in Utah has declined through the years,” Olsen says. “We’re hoping these youth hunts will help reverse that trend by getting young people into the field and letting them experience what it’s like to take an upland game bird.

“The hunts also give us a chance to teach young people how to be responsible and ethical hunters.”

For more information about the hunts, call the nearest DWR office or see page 22 of the 2010 – 2011 Utah Upland Game Guidebook.

The guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks .