THE ARCHERY DEER and elk hunt will begin in just over one month, and residents are being advised to be prepared for the season. Photo: Courtesy of DWR.
Aug. 20 marks the first day of the archery elk and deer hunts, and those with licenses to hunt with their bows are eager to get on the road to finding their elk or deer for the season.
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, all of the permits to hunt during the archery buck deer hunt are gone.
However, archery elk permits, which go on sale July 27, are in unlimited supply.
And according to one archery hunting enthusiast, people should line up and start introducing themselves to archery hunting while the unlimited supply is still available.
Scott Root, DWR’s conservation outreach manager, said that being as prepared as possible will lead to a successful archery hunt.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “If you’re prepared. Those that aren’t or aren’t too familiar with archery hunting will probably end up not having a lot of good shots at an elk or deer.
“Preparation is key.”
In an effort to help get locals started with the hunt, Root offered a handful of tips to local residents in order to have a successful and fun hunting season.
Those include practice, getting written permission when needed, having a hunting checklist, learning the rules, and other well-known safety tips for archery hunting.
“The first thing people should do is practice,” he said. “It takes a good, accurate shot to take down a deer or elk. You want to make sure you can get off an accurate shot.
“Practice wherever you can and whenever you get the chance.”
Root also said that getting written permission from people who own private property is crucial, especially if they’re planning to hunt there.
“The sooner they get it, the better,” he said. “Get that permission to hunt as soon as possible.”
Another important element is to have a hunting checklist, and to triple check it before heading out the door.
Common mistakes, according to Root, include leaving vital components to the bow or leaving behind clothes that could be needed in case of inclement weather.
Most importantly, however, is to learn the rules. DWR offices in Utah have created the 2011 Utah Big Game Field Regulation Guidebook for those that aren’t familiar with the rules of archery hunting.
The guide book discusses items such as a minimum pull of 40 pounds at the bow’s draw, the minimum length and weight of an arrow, arrowhead specifics and other rules are found in the book as well.
Bow hunter education courses are also available for those that wish to participate. The course will teach the basics of archery hunting and is for both youth and adults.
The course can also be taken online and DWR’s website, for those who choose not to go to a live class.
To obtain a copy of the guidebook, visit a local DWR office or go to wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.
For more information about the archery hunts this season, visit wildlife.utah.gov.
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