Buck Deer Permit and Hunt Changes for 2003 approved

Although permit numbers for Utah's 2003 general buck deer and bull elk hunts won't be finalized until April, several big game hunting regulations will change next year, following recent approval from the Utah Wildlife Board.

In an effort to more accurately make permit number decisions, the Division of Wildlife Resources managers may now wait until post-hunt surveys have been completed, before recommending general buck deer and bull elk permit numbers. Steve Cranney, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, reported, "We conduct yearly deer surveys from mid-November through December. Elk census flights are conducted in January and
February. By delaying the permit number recommendations until the March/April time frame, biologists will have a clearer picture of current herd parameters and survival." He added, "This will allow us to recommend the best permit numbers possible, which is especially important this year, with the severe drought and winter that lies ahead."

After the survey data is compiled, permit recommendations will be presented at public meetings in March. The Wildlife Board will approve permit recommendations in April, before the 2003 Big Game Draw is conducted. Because permit numbers will be set in April, hunters will apply for their region in January without knowing specifically how many permits will be available. Cranney noted, "In the proclamation we'll print the number of permits that were offered in 2002, which will give hunters a general idea of how many permits will be offered next fall."

To try and improve buck to doe ratios across the Southeastern Region, board members voted to reduce the general rifle buck deer hunt in the region from 9 to 5 days in 2003, following requests from the public Southeastern Regional Advisory Council and the DWR. The general rifle buck deer hunt in the Southeastern Region will run Oct. 18 - 22.

Cranney explained, "Five day hunts have been held on the San Juan and LaSal Mountains units the past few seasons, to try and improve their buck to doe ratios. When the 5-day hunts on those units have end, many hunters shift to the Manti unit for the rest of the season. Because of that added pressure, the buck to doe ratio on the Manti unit has dropped. To help all of the units in the region reach objective, the Southeastern RAC recommended a region wide 5-day hunt, which we supported and the board approved."

Board members voted to continue Utah's statewide general archery buck deer hunt and to keep Utah's general muzzleloader buck deer hunt in September. The Wildlife Board also directed the Division of Wildlife Resources to continue holding discussions with conservation groups and the public about mule deer hunting and management strategies in Utah, including the possibility of splitting the state's five general season deer hunting regions into smaller hunting areas. The Wildlife Board did not set a specific year by which a decision on unit-by-unit general season deer hunting must be made, so it's unlikely that unit-by-unit hunting will happen in Utah in 2004.

Among items the board did not approve was a proposal to prohibit shed antler gathering in Utah from Jan. 1 - April 30. The Division of Wildlife Resources withdrew its recommendation after hearing public opposition at a recent series of public meetings held across the state.

Rules for Utah's 2003 big game hunting seasons will be available in the 2003 Utah Big Game Proclamation. The proclamation will be available in late December, from hunting and fishing license agents statewide, DWR offices and the DWR's Internet Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov). For more information call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office, or the Division's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Public Comment requested for Personal Watercraft on Lake Powell until Nov. 27

Three alternatives are currently available for public comment until Nov.27 with regards to managing the personal watercraft at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Two alternatives would allow personal watercraft use under defined conditions. The third alternative would eliminate personal watercraft use within the recreation area.

*Alternative A would allow use identical to that before September 2002, where personal watercraft use is authorized for all areas of the recreation area above Glen Canyon Dam except where prohibited by the Superintendent's Compendium, 2002.

*Alternative B is the preferred alternative identified by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area management, which allows personal watercraft use in the recreation area with additional management restrictions. Personal watercraft use would be prohibited in portions of the Colorado, Escalante, Dirty Devil, and San Juan Rivers to increase protection of environmental values and reduce visitor conflict. To further reduce visitor conflict and improve visitor experience, speed restrictions would be imposed in additional areas of the Escalante and Dirty Devil Rivers. Educational programs and materials would be enhanced to provide more information to visitors on watercraft use and safety as well as recreation area resources.

A monitoring program will be developed to evaluate the effects of personal watercraft use on recreation area resources. A lake management plan that would comprehensively consider all lake uses would be developed to manage the effects on resources by all watercraft use.

*Under Alternative C, the no action alternative, all personal watercraft use within the recreation area would be prohibited, based on the year 2000 National Park Service personal watercraft rule. A lake management plan would be developed under the no action alternative to address the cumulative effects of all watercraft use on Lake Powell.

The potential environmental consequences of the actions are addressed under each alternative and is available online at http://www.nps.gov/glca/pwceis/pwchome.htm., including impacts on natural resources, cultural resources, visitor experience and safety, socioeconomic resources, and management and operations.

This draft environmental impact statement will be on public review for 60 days. The comment period ends Nov. 27, 2002. Comments must be received by that time and should be sent to GLCA@den.nps.gov or be addressed to: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area PWC DEIS , P.O. Box 1507, Page, Arizona 86040 For further information write to the above address, call (928) 608-6339, or email glca_pwc@nps.gov.

America's Opening Scheduled this Weekend

After a year of triumphs and successes hosting the XIX Olympic Winter Games of 2002, Park City Mountain Resort welcomes the return of the 16th annual Chevy Truck America's Opening, which traditionally marks the start of continuous Alpine World Cup ski racing. America's Opening kicks off the festivities of the 2002-2003 winter season at the Resort, with men's and ladies' giant slalom and slalom ski races, scheduled Nov. 21-24, 2002.

General admission tickets are $5 and are available at the Park City Mountain Resort First Time Ticket Office on the days of each race. All day pass and season pass holders will recieve a complimentary ticket to the events.

A gourmet lunch is served in the Eagle Race Arena Finish Area and includes bleacher seating, America's Opening Mug and America's Opening Seat Pad. Since these tickets are limited, pre-purchase is necessary. For more information visit Park City Mountain Resort's website at http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/.

Cougar Hunting Permits Available Beginning Nov. 26

Permits to hunt cougars on harvest objective units in Utah will be available from Division of Wildlife Resources offices beginning Nov. 26. With 31 harvest objective units in Utah, residents can choose two units to hunt and nonresidents may choose three units.

Suzette Fowlks, information specialist with the Division of Wildlife Resources, reported, "There are three main ways in which harvest objective units differ from traditional limited entry units. There is no limit to the number of permits that may be sold for each unit and hunters may purchase them over-the-counter. The hunt on each harvest objective unit may close before the official end of the season, however, if the number of cougars to be taken on the unit is met." For example, if the objective is to take 10 cougars on a unit, the hunt on the unit closes when 10 cougars are taken, even if the end of the season hasn't been reached.

During the season, hunters may exchange their harvest objective permit for a permit to hunt a different unit. A $5 handling fee is charged for each exchange and the permit is not valid until the day after the exchange is made. All exchanges must be made at a Division of Wildlife Resources office.

The 2002 - 2003 cougar season begins Dec. 14 on most of Utah's harvest objective units. Fowlks noted, "Hunters should study the 2002 Utah Cougar Proclamation to choose their harvest objective units. Unit descriptions begin on page 13." Proclamations are available from hunting and fishing license agents statewide, Division of Wildlife Resources offices and the DWR's Internet Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov.).

Following the lead of other western states, Utah established harvest objective units in 1996 as one way to help speed the recovery of Utah's deer herds. Through the sale of an unlimited number of permits, the units help speed Utah's deer herd recovery by increasing chances that a set number of cougars can be taken on units where deer herds are facing their toughest challenge.

Before each hunting trip hunters must call toll-free, 1-888-668-LION (5466) to verify their harvest objective unit is still open to hunting. The phone line is updated by 8 p.m. daily, providing
hunters with closure information for the next day's hunt. For more information call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office, or the Division's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
Holiday Safety at Home

By Brian Brinkerhoff

Outdoors Correspondent

As cold weather returns and the holidays approach, many dangers can easily be avoided to ensure a more enjoyable season at your home or cabin. Dale Ekins, with the Lehi Fire Department, shared some safety tips to make your celebrations more safe this season.

Obtain a UL listed carbon monoxide detector. You cannot smell, see, or detect carbon monoxide in your home or cabin without one. Carbon monoxide is a deadly invisible gas which is created by the incomplete combustion of gas, coal, or wood and can fill your house with the use of radiant heaters, malfunctioning furnaces, blocked chimneys, water heaters, or even cooking appliances.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for flu symptoms including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. As exposure to carbon monoxide increases, death is likely. Victims are often affected while sleeping and never wake up. Carbon monoxide essentially suffocates it's victims.

Ekins suggested, "Make sure your appliances are properly vented. Check furnace filters for dirt or blockages." Gas dryers, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, wood or coal burning stoves should be checked regularly for restricted ventilation. Bird and wasp nests, dirt, lint, leaves, etc. can block these openings and create deadly situations for the home owners. Ekins noted that a basketball was once found to be blocking a chimney vent, creating a hazard.

Avoid warming up your vehicle in the garage. Check your vehicle for exhaust leaks, which can also contribute to CO poisoning while sitting in traffic.

Do not use barbeque cookers in your home or enclosed areas for heat or cooking. Always use them outside. Never use a gas stove or oven as a heat source for your home or cabin.

Open the flue for adequate ventilation when using a fireplace. Clean the chimney at least once each burning season to ensure it is clear of obstructions. Check for holes, bent flues, and extensive rusting of flues and replace damaged sections. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires, cleaning may be required more than once each season, depending upon use,. Regular use can result in a heavy buildup in the chimney, restricting proper ventilation.

Teach younger children to avoid hazardous situations, including hot stoves, appliances, candles, matches, and electrical cords. Many of these items can be fun and exciting to youngsters, but can also lead to death.

Water your Christmas tree at least daily. Many trees have been cut months earlier and can become tinder dry unless adequate care has been exercised. Use UL listed Christmas lights and turn your lights off when you are gone. Keep your tree from warm areas including fireplaces, heating ducts, etc. and monitor the dryness of your tree. If large numbers of needles are falling rapidly from the tree, it is probably getting very dry. Keep candles and other fire away from your tree. Trees can be almost explosive when they are tinder dry. If possible and available, get your tree sprayed with fire retardant at the tree lot.

Check the batteries to your smoke alarms- they cannot warn you if the batteries are dead.

Winterizing Tips for your Boat and Trailer

As the weather becomes cooler and boating season comes to a close, many boats are improperly stored for the winter, sometimes resulting in expensive repairs in the spring.

Utah State Parks and Recreation employees provide the following tips to help recreationists winterize their boats and boat trailers to avoid potential damage during the upcoming cold months. Additional tips are suggested to have your boat ready for spring boating when the weather warms again.

*When storing your boat, be sure to support the critical areas of the hull, including the bulkhead, keel and motor. Cover boats to protect the gel coat, woodwork, metal, and vinyl.

*Add a fuel stabilizer to gasoline or diesel fuel.

*Change engine oil to eliminate residual acids and moisture in the crankcase. Use nontoxic, environmentally friendly antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion in raw water cooling systems.

*If you have a battery on board to power a security system or bilge pump, make sure cells are filled with distilled water and fully charged. Clean the terminals with baking soda and apply a coat of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

*Inspect key components on your boat trailer, especially if it travels regularly on bumpy roads.

*Purchase and use an anti-theft device for your trailer or remove tires to discourage theft.

*Check frame for loose bolts and rust.

*If the trailer has brakes, make sure they are operating properly.

*Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect the treads and sidewalls for wear.

*All lights should burn brightly, check turn signals.

*Inspect the hitch, coupler and ball.

*Make sure the vehicle and trailer are level. A car or truck that has to much or too little weight at the hitch will be difficult to control.

For more information, including laws and rules or personal watercraft education, contact Utah State Parks and Recreation at (801) 538-7220.