This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As Utah's fall big game hunts wind down, biologists are already planning for the 2017 hunts.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending additional management buck deer hunts on the famed Henry Mountains hunting unit, a first-ever mountain goat hunt on Mount Dutton and more chances to hunt deer with muzzleloaders after the general rifle hunt is over.

Biologists are recommending discontinuing the late-season limited entry muzzleloader deer hunt on the Plateau, Boulder/Karporowitz unit because of a drop inn the number of bucks per 100 does.

The recommendations reflect optimism about increasing number of big game animals throughout the state.

To get details on the proposed changes, log on to http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.

Regional Advisory Councils will begin taking public testimony next week. Meetings are scheduled in Ogden November 9, Springville November 10, Cedar City November 15, Green River November 16 and Vernal November 17.

The Utah Wildlife Board will meet in Salt Lake City on December 9 to approve rules for Utah's 2017 big game hunts.