From February 2-5, 2023, the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah will host the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo 2023, which is generally know as the Utah Hunting Expo. The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) & Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) are two of the most well-known animal conservation organizations in North America, and their separate annual conferences will be held simultaneously this year. The event will bring together hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts from all around the region to exchange experiences and discuss the newest developments in the hunting industry.
In this post, we’ll provide you with all the details about the Utah Hunting EXPO-Western Hunting and Conservation Expo 2023, such as dates, schedules, and more.
Utah Hunting EXPO 2023– An Overview
| Event Name | Expo Dates | Expo Location |
|---|---|---|
| Western Hunting and Conservation Expo 2023 | February 2-5, 2023 | Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 |
There will be many exciting events and activities to partake in during the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo 2023, such as live auctions, evening dinners, and performances by local artists. The classes and the Ladies Luncheon are open to the public and completely free of charge every day. The seminars are available to the public at no cost and will take place at Salt Palace, Room 150G.
On February 4th, there will be a national Elk Calling Championship, with on-site registration commencing at 10:00am. Beginning at 1:00 and ending at 5:00, guests are welcome to sit anywhere they choose in Salt Palace Meeting Room 251. Waterfowl Calling Championships will be held on February 4th, so mark your calendars today. Room 255 of the Salt Palace will be open for registration at 8:30 a.m., and there will be no assigned seating for the event.
Exhibit Hall Hours
| Day | Time | Exhibit Hall Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Thursday, February 02, 2023 | 10am – 7 pm |
| Friday | Friday, February 03, 2023 | 10am – 7 pm |
| Saturday | Saturday, February 04, 2023 | 10am – 7 pm |
| Sunday | Sunday, February 05, 2023 | 10am – 4 pm |
Expo Admission Fees
| Daily Exhibit Hall Admission Categories | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular Price | $25.00 |
| Utah Toyota Dealers, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Utah-Nevada-Idaho Cabela’s stores, Select Sportsman’s Warehouse locations, and Utah SCHEELS and online on https://huntexpo.com/daily-admission/ | $10.00 off |
| Children under 10 | FREE |
| Children 11-17 | $10.00 |
| Active Duty Military (with ID) | FREE |
Note: The discount only accessible at the Daily Admission locations: South Foyer, East Main Tower Entrance, North Lower Mezzanine or West Foyer of the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Date wise Event Schedule:
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
| Date Schedule | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, February 01, 2023 | Event Registration | 12pm – 6pm | Room 150 A |
Thursday, February 2, 2023
| Event Schedule (Thursday, February 2, 2023) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Event Registration | 9am – 7pm | Room 150 A |
| Exhibitor Registration | 8am – 5pm | Room 155 |
| 200 Permits | 9am – 7pm | Room 250 |
| Exhibit Hall Daily Admission Tickets | 9am – 7pm | Main Tower, South Hall, North Lower Mezzanine Hall 4, and West (Vivint) Hall 5 Entrances |
| Exhibit Hall Open | 10am – 7pm | All Halls |
| Seminars | 3pm – 7pm | Room 150 G |
| Member VIP Room | 11am – 5pm | Room 254 B |
| Super Banquet – Banquet & Fundraiser, Entertainment: American Idol 2022 Runner-Up HunterGirl | 7pm – 11pm | Grand Ballroom |
Friday, February 3, 2023
| Event Schedule (Friday, February 3, 2023) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Event Registration | 9am – 7pm | Room 150 A |
| 200 Permits | 9am – 7pm | Room 250 |
| Exhibit Hall Daily Admission Tickets | 9am – 7pm | Main Tower, South Hall, North Lower Mezzanine Hall 4, and West (Vivint) Hall 5 Entrances |
| Exhibit Hall Open | 10am – 7pm | All Halls |
| Seminars | 9am – 7pm | Room 150 G |
| Ladies Luncheon | 11am – 3pm | Room 355 |
| Member VIP Room | 11am – 5pm | Room 254 B |
| Expo Day Auction | 12N – 4pm | Grand Ballroom |
| State Champion Duck and Goose Calling Contest | 4pm – 8pm | Room 255 |
| Conservation Banquet and Entertainment, Keynote Speaker: Clint Romesha, Medal of Honor Recipient, Special Guest Speaker: TBD | 7pm – 11pm | Grand Ballroom |
Saturday, February 4, 2023
| Event Schedule (Saturday, February 4, 2023) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Event Registration | 9am – 7pm | Room 150 A |
| 200 Permits | 9am – 7pm | Room 250 |
| Exhibit Hall Daily Admission Tickets | 9am – 7pm | Main Tower, South Hall, North Lower Mezzanine Hall 4, and West (Vivint) Hall 5 Entrances |
| Exhibit Hall Open | 10am – 7pm | All Halls |
| Seminars | 9am – 7pm | Room 150 G |
| Sheep Camp Meeting | 9am – 1pm | Grand Ballroom |
| State Champion Duck and Goose Calling Contest | 9am – 5pm | Room 255 |
| Member VIP Room | 11am – 5pm | Room 254 B |
| Elk Calling Contest | 1pm – 5pm | Room 251 |
| Final Banquet and Entertainment, Special Guest Speaker: TBD, Entertainment: TBD | 7pm – 11pm | Grand Ballroom |
Sunday, February 5, 2023
| Event Schedule (Sunday, February 5, 2023) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Permits | 9am – 4pm | Room 250 |
| Seminars | 9am – 12pm | Room 150 G |
| Exhibit Hall Daily Admission Tickets | 9am – 4pm | Main Tower, South Hall, North Lower Mezzanine Hall 4, and West (Vivint) Hall 5 Entrances |
| Exhibit Hall Open | 10am – 4pm | All Halls |
Contacts
| Contacts | Person | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expo Sponsor Contact | |||
| Chris Carling | chris@huntexpo.com | 801-971-1310 | |
| Tickets and Seating at evening banquet and entertainment events | Ray Crow | ray@huntexpo.com | 801-973-3940 |
| Become an Exhibitor | |||
| Shawna Huckabe | shawna@muledeer.org | 775-530-6967 | |
| Media Coverage & Press Credentials | |||
| Chris Carling | chris@huntexpo.com | 801-971-1310 |
FAQs on the Expo
If I do not get an Expo tag, will I receive a refund of my $5 application fee?
The application fee is not transferable to another position or refunded under any circumstances.
How much do Utah's 200 Expo permits cost to apply for?
To enter the drawing for a hunting license at the Expo, hunters must pay a $5 application fee per application. A hunter who applies for 10 Expo permits (five mule deer and five elk hunts) would pay $50 in application costs.
Can I enter the Utah Big Game permit draw and the Expo at the same time?
Your application for the Utah big game draw cannot be submitted with your application for an Expo permit.
Do Hunting Expo permits have any special requirements, such Bonus Points or waiting periods?
It’s true for all “lifetime” licenses (Moose, RM Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Goat and Bison). False, for all Limited Entry Permits (Elk, Deer, Pronghorn, Bear, Turkey and Cougar).
Does the Utah waiting time start if I win a permit at the Hunting Expo?
No, not if you’re after elk, deer, antelope, black bear, cougar, or turkey. The answer is yes for all licenses with a “once in a lifetime” clause (Moose, RM Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Goat and Bison).
Is it necessary for me to be there when I submit my applications for the permits?
The only way to apply for one of the expo’s 200 permits is via the website, which can be found at https://huntexpo.com/200-permits/. Each application, however, REQUIRES PERSONAL VERIFICATION BY THE APPLICANT ON ONE OF THE EXPO’S FOUR DAYS. Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 4 p.m. (MST) is the last day for validations to be submitted.
When the actual drawing takes place in the days after the Expo, will I need to be there to win?
Don’t worry, you won’t have to miss out on your chance to win by not being there for the drawing.
At what point will the selected candidates be notified?
The Division of Wildlife Resources will contact the winners and announce the results of the drawing for 200 permits on the Expo website by the end of February. All approved candidates had their identities checked using the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
How can I acquire my Expo permit if I win one?
The Utah Division of Wildlife will send you written notification and a “winning applicant” designation within 60 days of the drawing results being made public. In this notice, you will learn about the many ways you may apply for the license.
If my name is picked for one of the 200 Expo badges, would I still have to pay for the permit?
Indeed, you must pay the corresponding resident or non-resident charge for the badge. Visit https://wildlife.utah.gov/licenses/fees.html for a complete breakdown of licensing and permit costs in the state.
Can I get a refund if I win two or more Expo permits for the same species?
Each applicant will be allowed to choose one permit, with the other going to the next person on the alternative list.
If I decide not to use my permit, can I get a refund or another one?
Permits cannot be returned or exchanged once they have been purchased.
Source: huntexpo.com