Once again it looks like it will be a banner year for big game hunters in Utah.  There are mixed opinions about the effects of a cool wet summer on deer and elk herds.  From what I have seen in my scouting efforts I will take a year like this any year.  I have seen good antler growth,  normal to above average fawn births and beautiful forests and brimming lakes everywhere.  I have also seen plenty of predator sign.  I would like to see the State of Utah keep up and expand its coyote bounty program and keep pressure on lion and bear populations.  I also want to encourage every hunter and citizen to just say no to wolves being reintroduced to Utah.  This is a complex issue with much heated debate.  The fact remains that if sportsmen and citizens like hunting and watching big and small game in Utah there is no room for wolves.  We do not have adequate habitat area, or game numbers to add wolves.  Many areas need predator reduction programs.  More bear permits need to be issued statewide.  I would encourage bear archery hunting over bait.  It is a very selective tool for removing the age class that is causing problems.  I am finally starting to see good mule deer buck numbers in some areas and some mature bucks.  We need to do more work in this area.  I would also like to see the State of Utah go to limited entery bull elk hunting strategy in all elk units statewide.  This would eliminate the general bull hunt but would still allow cow and spike hunts while increasing the number of bulls available to hunt and increasing the age class and trophy potential.  I think that is what most us are looking for.  More opportunities at nicer animals in a natural elk rutting and hunting environment.  These general hunts are very poor quality, the animals don't respond to calling and their breeding is curtailed because of overwhelming pressure in some areas.  I beleive the Uintas would be a world premiere elk and deer hunting area if it were managed for a trophy unit.