(Salt Lake City, UT) - You might want to apply as close to Aug. 27 as possible—the application period isn't very long. To be included in the draw for permits, applications must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Sept. 5. You can apply for a tundra swan permit starting Aug. 27 at wildlife.utah.gov.

Complete the swan course first. If you haven't completed Utah's one-time Swan Hunter Orientation course, you must complete the course before you apply for a permit. The course is available on the Division of Wildlife Resource's website at www.utahhunt.com/utswancourse. The course takes about 30 minutes to complete. You only have to complete the course once, so if you've already completed it, you don't need to take the course again. A thrilling experience. Just like last year, a total of 2,000 permits will be available for this fall's hunt. Last year, 4,279 hunters applied. Blair Stringham, waterfowl coordinator for the DWR, says Utah is one of three states in the Pacific Flyway where hunters can hunt tundra swans. If you've hunted swans before, you know it's an experience that can take your breath away. "It's one of the most exciting experiences you'll ever have in the marsh," Stringham says. "Waiting for one of those big birds to get close enough so you can take a good shot requires a lot of patience. By the time the swan gets close enough, your heart will probably be beating out of your chest."