The Beehive State, like most of its neighbors, hunt pronghorn herds conservatively with two primary objectives: bolster low population numbers while still maintaining a quality hunt for those who draw.

"Sportsmen can be assured of a good hunt because our permit numbers are based on herd numbers," Karpowitz said. "We issue tags planning on 100 percent success, and hunters normally have a 90- to 100- percent success rate."

Karpowitz explained that the western desert herds have suffered most throughout the drought cycle and that region is where substantial concerns remain. Sportsmen are not likely to see much change in hunt opportunities in that area anytime soon.

The best herds are to be found on the Plateau, in south-central Utah and at Parker Mountain. In fact, about 500 head of pronghorn were removed from the Parker Mountain area last winter for transplant purposes. These animals were used in big-game exchange programs with other states as well as distributed to various areas in need around Utah.

As has been the case in years past, the obstacle in Utah is not so much bagging an antelope as it is bagging a permit. Good luck!

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can be called at (801) 538-4700 or visit its Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov/ where you can find applications, regulations, draw results and big game statistics and annual reports.

WYOMING
The 2003 hunting season's kill of 34,393 antelope was the highest antelope harvest Wyoming has seen since 1995, when 37,068 pronghorn filled sportsmen's freezers. Final numbers are still not available for last year but Jeff Obrecht, public information officer for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, indicated that the harvest was comparable.

"Overall we had a little better horn growth, too," Obrecht said. "That was due to improved nutrition because we got good spring rains last year. We're certainly not over-moistured, but we are very optimistic for a good 2005 season. We may even see some slight increases in quotas in premium areas due to increased fawn recruitment."

As is always the case, greater license availability is generally found in the eastern part of the state. There is a good number of antelope in that region but the primary reason is the predominance of private lands.

"We just urge hunters to be certain they have a spot to hunt before getting their license," Obrecht cautioned. For those interested in getting an antelope tag, regardless of trophy potential, he definitely recommends the eastern part of the state.

"Doe access is a lot easier on private lands," he said. "And hunters shouldn't overlook public lands opportunities for does.

Obrecht also advised that there might be some light at the end of the tunnel for those who have had difficulty in securing a pronghorn tag in the past. Details have yet to be worked out but new legislation is in the works to help.

"Starting in 2006 we will begin assessing preference points for the antelope draw," Obrecht said.

As in recent history, the Red Desert of south-central and southwest Wyoming remains one of the most popular choices among hunters. That translates to one of the toughest to draw. For those fortunate enough to get the tag, "They have a heck of a hunt to look forward to," Obrecht said.

Though not directly related, one topic that seems to be on most sportsmen's minds is that of chronic wasting disease. Obrecht had some comments that would put CWD in focus for pronghorn hunters.

"Despite all efforts,, we cannot give antelope CWD," he said. "There is no indication that pronghorn can get it. The good news is that there seems to be a species barrier."

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Customer Service Center can be called at (307) 777-4600 or visit its Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us/ where you can find applications forms and information, license draw results, regulations, draw odds, harvest reports and much more.