By Paul Kendall

Utah's dedicated hunter program is growing.

In 1998, 1,450 hunters joined the program, which allows participants to hunt during the archery, muzzleloader and rifle deer seasons. Current enrollment is 2,657 hunters, up 1,207 from last year, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resoures.

The division had a regional advisory council meeting Sept. 28 in Brigham City. Such meetings allow the public to express their concerns about wildlife management in Utah.

"I'm here to hear from the public," said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources project manager Darren Dubloois.

Utah's dedicated hunter program has moved into its second year. Deer hunters who do not belong to the program are restricted to one season, Dubloois said.

The added time in the field hunting doesn't mean more deer for the dedicated hunters, as members of the program may only kill two buck deer in three years, said Dubloois.

"Dedicated hunters must complete annual requirements in return for a buck deer permit that allows them to hunt all three general seasons. They must provide eight hours of service work on (wildlife division) approved projects, and they must attend one (regional advisory) meeting" each year, he said.

"I belong to the program because it allows me to spend more time in the mountains," said hunter Chris Snell. "It's also nice to give something back in the service projects. I've helped plant trees to slow erosion, and built fences to keep livestock off of deer and elk winter range."

As of August 1, 1999, about 90 percent of dedicated hunters had completed their service hour requirements, representing a minimum of 19,130 hours of work performed by dedicated hunters for wildlife of the state. Dubloois said.

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