The Utah Wildlife Board recently approved the 2019 big game hunting permit numbers, as well as several new hunts.

The recommended number of hunting permits each year is based on a few factors.

“There is always an opportunity vs. quality debate when it comes to managing wildlife, but for us, biology and the health of the herd is a big priority,” said Covy Jones, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources DWR big game coordinator. “As a result, plans are an essential part of effective wildlife management.”

Below is the total number of elk permits approved for 2019:

2018 2019
General any bull elk 15,000 15,000
General spike bull elk 15,000 15,000
Cow elk 10,753 9,635
Youth any bull elk 500 500
Limited-entry bull elk 2,876 2,938

Go here to see the permits for other species.

(Photo source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)