This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Waterfowl hunters who wish to apply for one of 2,000 Utah swam permits have to have their applications into the Division of Wildlife Resources no later than 11 p.m. on Sept. 3.
The permit application period opened Tuesday. Applications are available at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/swan.
The state wildlife agency will notify successful applicants by September 16.
Hunters must complete Utah's one-time Swan Hunter Orientation course before applying on line. It is available at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/swan. According to the agency, plan on about 30 minutes to take the online course. Hunters who have completed the course don't have to take it again.
If you are wondering about the odds of successfully drawing a permit, last year 5,226 hunters applied for the 2,000 available permits.
According to Blair Stringham, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR, Utah is one of four states in the Pacific Flyway where tundra swans can be hunted.
"It's one of the most exciting experiences you can have while hunting," said Stringham about swan hunting. "Waiting for one of these big birds to get close enough so you can take a good shot at it is nerve wracking. By the time the swan gets close enough, your heart might be beating out of your chest."