To apply, Hunter Education course graduates 15 and younger must complete an application and write a one-paragraph essay starting with the line, "I want to continue the Utah upland game hunting tradition because . . . " or "I would like to start my upland game hunting tradition because . . ."

The essays need to be submitted by Aug. 24 for the chukar hunts and Sept. 7 for the pheasant hunts. The state will try to accommodate all the youth who apply.

The chukar hunts will be held Sept. 8 on five state wildlife management areas. The pheasant hunts will be Nov. 10 on four state wildlife management areas and one Walk-In Access area. The areas will be closed for the special hunts on those dates.

Youth can apply for the hunts online at www.wildlife.utah.gov/uplandgame. Paper applications are also available at regional DWR offices and hunter education centers and in the 2007-2008 Utah Upland Game Hunting Guide.