Utah's 2003 big game application period is under way and the Division of Wildlife Resources reminds youth hunters that they must obtain a general rifle or muzzleloader buck deer permit for a chance to hunt all three seasons this fall.

Youth hunters are also reminded that they may take only one buck deer in Utah each season, so the chance to hunt all three seasons ends as soon as they take a deer.

"General archery buck deer permits are statewide permits, and rifle and muzzleloader deer hunting is restricted to specific regions," explains Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "If a youth obtains a statewide archery permit, we have no way of knowing which region they should be hunting in during the rifle and muzzleloader seasons. That's why youth hunters who obtain a general archery permit aren't allowed to hunt during the rifle and muzzleloader seasons."

Tutorow encourages youths interested in hunting all three seasons to apply for either a general rifle or general muzzleloader permit during the application period, which ends at 5 p.m. on January 31.

Youths who obtain a 2003 general rifle or general muzzleloader buck deer permit may hunt in any of the state's five general season regions during the general archery hunt. During the muzzleloader and rifle hunts, youth hunters must hunt in the region for which they obtained a permit.

Youths afield during the statewide general archery hunt are reminded that they may not hunt on limited-entry units. Limited-entry units are open only to those who obtain a limited-entry permit.

Hunters must be 18 years old or younger on August 16, 2003 (the beginning of the state's 2003 general archery buck deer season) to qualify for the youth hunting opportunity.

Giving youths a chance to hunt all three seasons was started in 2000 as a way to increase interest in big game hunting among Utah's young people.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office, or the Division's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.