SANPETE COUNTY – As the holiday season unfolds, and the festive spirit fills the air, why not consider a unique and adventurous gift for your loved ones? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is presenting the perfect solution: surprise your friends or family with a Utah fishing or hunting license or cover the registration fee for a thrilling fishing or hunting challenge.

Despite the chill in the December air, there are abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in fishing and hunting activities throughout the winter months. What better way to share the joy of the season than with a thoughtful present that promises year-round enjoyment?

In addition to the traditional winter pursuit of ice fishing, Utah offers several winter hunts, including cottontail rabbit, chukar and gray (Hungarian) partridge, snowshoe hare, and the fall general-season turkey hunt. The gift recipient can make immediate use of their license for these exciting winter adventures. Annual Utah fishing and hunting licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date, allowing for immediate enjoyment.

For those considering these unique gifts, purchasing a hunting or fishing license online is a convenient option. Alternatively, licenses are available at any of the six Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offices or from various fishing and hunting license agents across the state. Combination licenses, granting access to both fishing and small game hunting, are also available at these locations and online.

Lindy Varney, Licensing Coordinator at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, emphasizes that “hunting and fishing are some of the most incredible ways to experience the beautiful outdoors of Utah because you get to explore an area in ways you likely wouldn’t otherwise. A combination license is the gift that keeps on giving because you can use it year-round for the different seasons of fishing and hunting. It’s a great way to spend time with your loved ones and to make unforgettable memories.”

To purchase a license for someone, you’ll need basic information such as name, approximate height and weight, eye and hair color, date of birth, mailing address, and phone number. Online purchases can be mailed directly to the recipient, making it a perfect surprise gift. However, please note that it takes about 10 days for a license to arrive by mail.

If the recipient is 18 or older, consider the option of buying a license valid for up to five years. For those who already have a license, the period of validity can be extended, providing a thoughtful and practical gift.

Utah resident license costs vary, and here is a breakdown:

• Combination license (ages 14-17): $20
• Combination license (ages 18-64): $44
• Combination license (age 65 and older): $35
• Fishing license (ages 12-13): $5
• Fishing license (ages 14-17): $16
• Fishing license (ages 18-64): $40
• Fishing license (age 65 and older): $31
• Hunting license (age 13 and under): $11
• Hunting license (ages 14-17): $16
• Hunting license (ages 18-64): $40
• Hunting license (age 65 and older): $31

It’s crucial to note that hunting and combination licenses do not include deer or elk permits. Applications for 2024 general-season buck deer permits start on March 21, 2024, and general-season elk permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting in July.

For the angler in your life, another exciting gift idea is the registration fee for the Utah Cutthroat Slam. For a registration cost of $20 for adults and $10 for youth, participants aim to catch each of the four native Utah cutthroat trout in their historic ranges. The registration fee supports conservation projects dedicated to native cutthroat trout.

Hunters can also embark on challenges such as the Waterfowl Slam or Upland Game Slam, adding an extra layer of excitement to their hunting season. Entry fees for these slams, which support habitat-improvement projects and conservation efforts, are $20 for hunters 18 years and older and $10 for those 17 and younger.

So, if you’re on the lookout for unique stocking stuffers this holiday season, consider the gift of outdoor adventure with fishing and hunting licenses or challenge registrations. A gift that promises memorable experiences and a connection with nature is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

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