This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Utah's big game hunts won't start until late summer and early fall but those who want to participate need to start planning now.

The state Division of Wildlife Resources will begin accepting big game hunting applications starting Thursday. Applications must be received no later than 11 p.m. on March 2 in order for hunters to be eligible for the draw.

To apply, log on to http://www.wildlife.utah.gov.

Officials say applications will be accepted for every big game hunt except for the general season bull elk season. General season elk permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 11.

"This is an exciting time for big game hunters in Utah," says Mike Canning, assistant director of the Division of Wildlife Resources. "As soon as the hunts end in the fall, hunters turn their attention to getting a permit to hunt the next fall. The time to apply is almost here."

To find out how to apply or what to apply for, get a free 2017 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook. The hard copy is available from DWR offices and more than 300 hunting and fishing license agents across Utah. It can also be accessed at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.

Hunters might also want to look at the DWR's big game webpage at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/biggame. It includes information on drawing odds in 2016, maps for hunting units and information about the number of big game animals killed in each unit since 2010.

For information, call the Utah Hunt Application at 800-221-0659 or visit DWR offices in Salt Lake, Ogden, Springville, Price, Cedar City or Vernal.