As Thanksgiving approaches and people have tasty turkey on the mind, the Division of Wildlife Services is reminding hunters to apply for their turkey hunting permits.

Starting Dec. 2, turkey hunters can apply for a limited number of turkey hunting permits for a sport that officials say is getting more and more popular. Dave Olsen, upland game coordinator for DWR, said turkeys have thrived in the state's habitat and as their population has grown, so has the sport's following.

"It's a popular recreation," he said. "It has a real cult following."

Olsen said officials are trying to make permits more readily available through over-the-counter purchase rather than using a draw. As they move toward an over-the-counter system, DWR is making more permits available each year, though the number is still small.

Nearly 8,000 permits were available in 2008, more than double what was allowed in 2007. For 2009, the state will be making 13,900 permits available to hunters. While the numbers may seem high, Olsen said it is very difficult for all turkey hunters to get a permit. Landowner permits are also made available to hunters, which are often easier to obtain. The permits are not for domesticated turkeys living on a person's property, but instead are for landowners whose property could support a turkey habitat.

"It helps reward them for allowing or having turkeys on their property," he said.

Turkey hunting takes place in the spring, with three seasons between April 11 and May 31. According to a DWR press release, applications for a permit will be accepted from Dec. 2 until 11 p.m. on Dec. 30, but landowner applications are already being accepted. Hunters will know by Jan. 29 if they drew a permit.

Olsen said hunting is important to wildlife because it pays for 90 percent of wildlife management across the country. The money pays for services across the board, including conservation efforts and improving the habitat for the birds. The turkeys reproduce rapidly each year, and Olsen said they survive better than other birds in Utah's climate.

"With most species, there is an ability to allow hunting without adversely affecting the population," he said.

Although the sport is growing in popularity, Olsen said there are still efforts to advertise and increase public awareness of turkey hunting. So far, the activity has spread mainly through word of mouth.

"Most of the hunters in Utah are new to turkey hunting because it's only been around the last decade or so," he said.

Dennis Southerland, wildlife biologist for the DWR Central Region, said turkey hunting is so popular among hunters because of the bird's intelligence. Hunters sit up against a tree making the call of a hen as the toms approach. However, he said the tom will find the hunter out nearly 75 percent of the time and get away.

"He's got to be camouflaged from head to toe because turkeys really have keen eyesight," he said.

Southerland said the hunt is generally for the challenge of finally catching a turkey, not for a plump Thanksgiving treat.

"There's no comparison to the Butterball in the grocery store," he said.