According to reports, the number of fishing and hunting licenses sold in Utah between March 2020 and February 2021 was the highest ever recorded in the state when compared to any other 12 month period. It’s believed this is due to many people opting to go outside during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition Utah state parks and other land management areas saw a major increase in visitors.
It’s common to see a slight increase in license sales year over year according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Phil Gray told reporters, “This was the most licenses we have sold in one year, by far. It was a 28% increase from the previous year, when on average, we usually see about a 2% increase in license sales each year. Hunting and fishing are definitely a great way to experience the outdoors and Utah’s wildlife, and we are glad so many people were able to enjoy these activities during such a difficult year.”
From March 2019 – February 2020 there were a combined 183,358 licenses sold compared to March 2020 – February 2021 which saw 221,124. These last twelve months also saw a record number of first-time buyers which increased by over 40,000 from the previous year.
Buy your Utah hunting license, fishing license, or combination license here.
Source: 2KUTV
