Utah (Division of Wildlife Resources): There are two ways to obtain a permit here - 1) You can draw a limited-entry permit confined to a specific hunting area, or 2) buy an over-the-counter permit for harvest-quota hunts throughout the rest of the state. Let's talk about the limited-entry permits first. Drawing odds average around 20 percent for nonresidents and less than 10 percent in most units for residents. Non-residents pay $258 for the license, plus $6 for a habitat stamp. As for over-the-counter permits, for the harvest quota hunts, non-residents pay $253, plus the habitat stamp. If you buy a permit after the season opens, you must wait seven days to hunt. The season for these hunts generally is December 15, 1999 through June 4 of next year. Under the quota system, the harvest will be limited to 315 cougars. You can call the number listed below for the harvest status update. The season closes when the quota is reached, although hunters can then hunt in another area. According to harvest statistics, the top hunting units are 10, 16B, 29, 2 and 30 A/B.
Unfortunately, outfitters in this state are unregulated, but I can recommend two. Wade Lemon can provide hunts in both limited-entry units and areas under harvest quotas. Last season his 35 hunters tagged 33 cats including three B & C trophies. Seventy percent of the cougars were toms, although Lemon allows clients to pass on a treed cougar. He charges $3,000 for a five-day hunt. During his winter hunts (December to mid-February), a bobcat can be tagged for a trophy fee of $1,500. One thing that is unique about his hunts is that he often provides two guides on a hunt.
The second outfit is run by Sean Thomas of Great Basin Outfitters. I've known his family for years and can recommend him based on two things. First, he is honest and hard working. Second, he has run dogs and guided for other outfitters, including Wade Lemon. Thomas's hunts cost $2,500 for five-days, l x 1. He also offers a combo hunt for cougar........(continued)
