Show game gossip surveys indicate that a antelope herds are making an average increase this year there are nine large land areas chiefly in desert sections where growing herds have been established counts of a year ago showed a total of slightly over 1500 animals A normal increase as noted this year should see an increase to better than 1800 animals going into next year since 1948 an intensive predator or control program has resulted in in a marked improvement in the antelope herd buildup the heavy winter period of 1948 49 is noted as having caused serious herd reductions game division spokesmen feel that the present build up of brood stocks should result in limited permit hunts within the riot not too distant years they note that some of the herds are of such size now that a quick build up can be expected unless unusual weather or other factors interfere while it is doubtful that antelope will ever be hunted in utah other than on a limited permit system success of the program gives hope that limit limited ed hunting seasons for these fleetest of all big game animals will one day be a reality in the big gam picture |