Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation

Rule R651-637

2012 Antelope Island State Park Special Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep Hunt

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 36682
Filed: 08/21/2012 07:21:08 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

During the 2010 General Session of the Utah Legislature, intent language was incorporated into H.B. 3 which directed the Division of State Parks and Recreation to begin efforts which would lead to a one-time hunt for both mule deer and bighorn sheep on Antelope Island State Park during the fall of 2011. The Division was instructed to work with the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to issue two permits for each species. One permit for each species would be awarded through the Division of Wildlife Resources' public draw, and one permit for each species would be auctioned off to the highest bidder utilizing the Division of Wildlife Resources' current process.

Summary of the rule or change:

Pursuant to the initial intent language passed during the 2010 General Session, identical language was passed during the 2011 General Session and the 2012 General Session. Consequently, a second hunt will be held during 2012 (previously authorized by the State Parks and Recreation Board). Because of the 2012 language, a 2013 hunt will need to be authorized. This change authorizes an annual hunt, with hunt dates, harvest objectives and other parameters being set by the Board on an annual basis.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 79-4-304

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to the state budget. The only affected persons are those who draw the permits. Since the permit costs are set by either bid conditions or by DWR, they are not affected by this rule.

local governments:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to local government budgets. The only affected persons are those who draw the permits. Since the permit costs are set by either bid conditions or by DWR, they are not affected by this rule.

small businesses:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to small business. The only affected persons are those who draw the permits. Since the permit costs are set by either bid conditions or by DWR, they are not affected by this rule.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to other persons. The only affected persons are those who draw the permits. Since the permit costs are set by either bid conditions or by DWR, they are not affected by this rule.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The only affected persons are those who draw the permits. Since the permit costs are set by either bid conditions or by DWR, they are not affected by this rule.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

There will be a positive impact on business as a result of this rule.

Michael Styler, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Natural Resources
Parks and RecreationRoom 116
1594 W NORTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3154

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Tammy Wright at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7359, by FAX at 801-538-7378, or by Internet E-mail at [email protected]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

10/15/2012

This rule may become effective on:

10/22/2012

Authorized by:

Fred Hayes, Director

R651. Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.

R651-637. [2012 ]Antelope Island State Park Special Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep Hunt.

R651-637-1. Authorization of a Hunt.

(1) [A hunt for]Hunting of mule deer and bighorn sheep on Antelope Island State Park is authorized, and [for the fall of 2012. Access]access on Antelope Island State Park is authorized for the purpose of hunting mule deer and bighorn sheep[ in the fall of 2012].

(2) All hunting shall be confined to the designated hunting unit which consists of that portion of approximately 26,000 acres on Antelope Island lying south of the chain link fence, commonly known as the "2000 acre fence" beginning in Farmington Bay and running in a south southwesterly direction and ending at White Rock Bay.

(3) Dates, harvest objectives and other parameters for hunts during hall be set annually by the Board utilizing recommendations of Division staff and interested parties.

 

R651-637-2. Applicability of Law and Rules.

Hunting during the [2012 ]Antelope Island State Park Special Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep Hunt shall be conducted in accordance with applicable state law, administrative code, hunting guidebooks of the Utah Wildlife Board, and in accordance with this rule.

 

R651-637-3. Season Dates.

The [2012 ]Antelope Island State Park Special Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep Hunt shall be conducted during legal hunting hours as follows:

(1) Hunters obtaining a permit to hunt mule deer or bighorn sheep on Antelope Island through the competitive bid process may hunt during legal hours beginning 30 minutes before official sunrise on November 12 2012 and ending 30 minutes after official sunset on November 21, 2012.

(2) Hunters obtaining a permit to hunt mule deer or bighorn sheep on Antelope Island through the public draw process may hunt during legal hours beginning 30 minutes before official sunrise on November 15, 2012 and ending 30 minutes after official sunset on November 21, 2012.

 

R651-637-4. Hunting Party Size.

Each hunter licensed to hunt during the [2012 ]Antelope Island State Park Special Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep Hunt may be accompanied by up to four (4) non-hunting companions. Guides, photographers, packers and all other individuals accompanying the hunter in camp or in the field are included in this limit.

 

R651-637-5. Fees.

(1) Day use fees for licensed hunters and their companions will be waived for the duration of their hunt.

(2) Camping fees for hunters and their companions who desire to camp on Antelope Island during the hunt will be charged per the current fee schedule. All campers shall camp in designated areas as directed by park management.

(3) Commercial activities related to hunt activities shall be individually evaluated and permitted through the Division's established processes.

 

R651-637-6. Access.

(1) Motor vehicle access will be limited to [publicly accessible ]roads open to public use. No off-road, motorized vehicular travel will be allowed.

(2) Off-highway vehicles as defined in Title 41-22-2 UCA are not allowed on Antelope Island.

(3) During the hunt, foot and horse travel, including cross-country foot and horse travel, will be allowed in all areas of the hunting unit.

(4) Foot and horse travel including cross-country foot and horse travel for the purposes of pre-season scouting is authorized for hunters and their guides. Hunters and guides conducting pre-season scouting shall notify Park Management of their presence on the Island, and shall adhere to instructions provided by Park Management. Standard day use and camping fees shall apply to pre-season scouting visits.

 

R651-637-7. Mandatory Orientation.

A mandatory orientation will be held prior to the hunt at the Antelope Island State Park Visitor Center. All license holders and their guides shall be in attendance at this orientation session.

 

R651-637-8. Mandatory Check-in and Check-out.

All hunters and their companions shall check in with Park Management at the beginning of their hunt and shall check out at the end of their hunt. [In addition, any hunter or companion leaving or returning to Antelope Island during the course of the hunt shall check in or check out with Park Management. ]Instructions on checking in and out will be provided at the mandatory orientation.

 

R651-637-9. Handling of Harvested Wildlife.

The carcasses of all harvested wildlife shall be covered while being transported on Antelope Island or on the Antelope Island Causeway. This includes all parts of the harvested wildlife, including the head.

 

KEY: parks, hunting

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [December 9, 2011]October 22, 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 79-4-304