DAR File No. 38996

Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources

Rule R657-5

Taking Big Game

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 38996
Filed: 12/04/2014 01:15:45 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule is being amended pursuant to Regional Advisory Council meetings and the Wildlife Board meeting conducted for taking public input and reviewing the big game rule.

Summary of the rule or change:

The proposed revisions are: 1) add definition for "drone"; 2) remove specific names of extended archery areas and allow the Wildlife Board to establish them in guidebook; 3) clarify youth general season hunting opportunities; 4) establish multi-season permits and hunts for elk and deer and sets criteria for managing these hunts; 5) add "moose" to the list of species tested for Chronic Wasting Disease; and 6) make clerical corrections.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 23-14-19
• Section 23-14-18

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

This amendment adds additional opportunity to hunt multiple seasons, and provides additional management tools for the management of wildlife in Utah, as well as adds one definition to the rule and makes clerical corrections. It does not increase workload for the agency therefore, the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) determines that this amendment does not create a cost or savings impact to the state budget or DWR's budget, since the changes will not increase workload and can be carried out with existing budget.

local governments:

Since this amendment only adds additional opportunity to hunt multiple seasons, as well as adds definitions to the rule and makes clerical corrections it does not place additional requirements on individual hunters or the local governments, the division finds that this filing does not create any direct cost or savings impact to local governments. Nor are local governments indirectly impacted because the rule does not create a situation requiring services from local governments.

small businesses:

This amendment adds additional opportunity to hunt multiple seasons as well as adds definitions to the rule and makes clerical corrections it does not have the potential to generate a cost or savings impact to small businesses.

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

This amendment adds additional opportunity to hunt multiple seasons as well as adds definitions to the rule and makes clerical corrections it does not have the potential to generate a cost or savings impact to sportsmen or the other persons.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

DWR determines that this amendment will not create additional costs for those who participate in wildlife related activities in Utah.

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

The amendments to this rule do not have a potential to create an impact on businesses.

Michael R. 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
Wildlife Resources
1594 W NORTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3154

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Staci Coons at the above address, by phone at 801-538-4718, by FAX at 801-538-4709, 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:

02/02/2015

This rule may become effective on:

02/09/2015

Authorized by:

Gregory Sheehan, Director

R657. Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources.

R657-5. Taking Big Game.

R657-5-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) Under authority of Sections 23-14-18 and 23-14-19, the Wildlife Board has established this rule for taking deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat.

(2) Specific dates, areas, methods of take, requirements, and other administrative details which may change annually are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-2. Definitions.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 23-13-2.

(2) In addition:

(a) "Antlerless deer" means a deer without antlers or with antlers five inches or shorter.

(b) "Antlerless elk" means an elk without antlers or with antlers five inches or shorter.

(c) "Antlerless moose" means a moose with antlers shorter than its ears.

(d) "Arrow quiver" means a portable arrow case that completely encases all edges of the broadheads.

(e) "Buck deer" means a deer with antlers longer than five inches.

(f) "Buck pronghorn" means a pronghorn with horns longer than five inches.

(g) "Bull elk" means an elk with antlers longer than five inches.

(h) "Bull moose" means a moose with antlers longer than its ears.

(i) "Cow bison" means a female bison.

(j) "Doe pronghorn" means a pronghorn without horns or with horns five inches or shorter.

(k) "Draw-lock" means a mechanical device used to hold and support the draw weight of a conventional or compound bow at any increment of draw until released by the archer using a trigger mechanism and safety attached to the device.

(l) "Hunter's choice" means either sex may be taken.

(m) "Limited entry hunt" means any hunt published in the hunt tables of the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, which is identified as limited entry and does not include general or once-in-a-lifetime hunts.

(n) "Limited entry permit" means any permit obtained for a limited entry hunt by any means, including conservation permits, wildlife convention permits, sportsman permits, cooperative wildlife management unit permits and limited entry landowner permits.

(o) "Once-in-a-lifetime hunt" means any hunt published in the hunt tables of the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, which is identified as once-in-a-lifetime, and does not include general or limited entry hunts.

(p) "Once-in-a-lifetime permit" means any permit obtained for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt by any means, including conservation permits, wildlife conventions permits, sportsman permits, cooperative wildlife management unit permits and limited entry landowner permits.

(q) "Ram" means a male desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

(r) "Spike bull" means a bull elk which has at least one antler beam with no branching above the ears. Branched means a projection on an antler longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip.

(s) "Drone" means an autonomously controlled, aerial vehicle of any size or configuration that is capable of controlled flight without a human pilot aboard.

 

R657-5-14. Use of Vehicle or Aircraft.

(1)(a) A person may not use an airplane, drone, or any other airborne vehicle or device, or any motorized terrestrial or aquatic vehicle, including snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles, except a vessel as provided in Subsection (c), to take protected wildlife.

(b) A person may not take protected wildlife being chased, harmed, harassed, rallied, herded, flushed, pursued or moved by [an aircraft or ]any [other ]vehicle, device, or conveyance listed in Subsection (a).

(c) Big game may be taken from a vessel provided:

(i) the motor of a motorboat has been completely shut off;

(ii) the sails of a sailboat have been furled; and

(iii) the vessel's progress caused by the motor or sail has ceased.

(2)(a) A person may not use any type of aircraft, drone, or other airborne vehicle or device from 48 hours before any big game hunt begins through 48 hours after any big game hunting season ends to:

(i) transport a hunter or hunting equipment into a hunting area;

(ii) transport a big game carcass; or

(iii) locate, or attempt to observe or locate any protected wildlife.

(b) Flying slowly at low altitudes, hovering, circling or repeatedly flying over a forest, marsh, field, woodland or rangeland where protected wildlife is likely to be found may be used as evidence of violations of Subsections (1) and (2).

(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to the operation of an aircraft, drone, or other airborne vehicle or device in a usual manner, or landings and departures from improved airstrips, where there is no attempt or intent to locate protected wildlife.

 

R657-5-23. General Archery Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general archery buck deer hunt are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer may use archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 to take:

(a) one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit for the time specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game; or

(b) a deer of hunter's choice within[ the Wasatch Front or Uintah Basin] extended archery [area]areasas provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may not hunt within Cooperative Wildlife Management unit deer areas.

(d) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer [and]or limited entry deer areas, except [Crawford Mountain.]as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3)(a) A person who obtains a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may hunt within[ the Wasatch Front, Ogden or the Uintah Basin] extended archery areas during the extended archery area seasons as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

(b )(i) A person must complete the Archery Ethics Course annually to hunt [the Wasatch Front, Ogden or Uintah Basin]any extended archery areas during the extended archery season.

([c]ii) A person must possess an Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion while hunting.

(4) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except antlerless deer and extended archery areas.

[(5)(a) Any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year, may hunt by unit the general archery, the general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment prescribed in Sections R657-5-7 through R657-5-11, for each respective season, provided that person obtains a general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer permit for a specified unit.

]([b]5) If a person 17 years of age or younger [purchases]obtains a general archery buck deer permit, that person may only hunt during the general archery deer season and the extended archery season as provided Section R657-5-23(3).

(6) Hunter orange material must be worn if a centerfire rifle hunt is also in progress in the same area as provided in Section 23-20-31. Archers are cautioned to study rifle hunt tables and identify these areas described in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-24. General Any Weapon Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates for the general any weapon buck deer hunt are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck permit may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer within the hunt area specified on the permit as published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general any weapon buck deer, may not hunt within Cooperative Wildlife Management unit deer areas.

(c) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general any weapon buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer and limited entry deer areas, except [Crawford Mountain.]as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except:

(a) antlerless deer, as provided in R657-5-27; and

(b) any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year, may hunt the general archery, extended archery, general any weapon and general muzzleloader buck deer seasons applicable to the unit specified on the general any weapon buck deer permit, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-7 through R657-5-11, respectively[, for each respective season.

(i) If a person 17 years of age or younger purchases a general archery buck deer permit, that person may only hunt during the general archery deer season and the extended archery season as provided Section R657-5-23(3)].

 

R657-5-25. General Muzzleloader Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates for the general muzzleloader buck deer hunt are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck permit may use a muzzleloader, as prescribed in R657-5-10, to take one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit as published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general muzzleloader buck deer, may not hunt within any deer Cooperative Wildlife Management unit[ deer areas].

(c) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general muzzleloader buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer [and]or limited entry deer areas, except [Crawford Mountain.]as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except[:

(a) ] antlerless deer[; and], as provided in R657-5-27.

(b) [any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year, may hunt the general archery, general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-7 through R657-5-11, respectively, for each respective season.

(i) ]If a person 17 years of age or younger purchases a general [archery]muzzleloader buck deer permit, that person may only hunt during the general [archery]muzzleloader deer season[ and the extended archery season as provided Section R657-5-23(3)].

(4) Hunter orange material must be worn if a centerfire rifle hunt is also in progress in the same area as provided in Section 23-20-31. Muzzleloader hunters are cautioned to study the rifle hunt tables to identify these areas described in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-26. Premium Limited Entry and Limited Entry Buck Deer Hunts.

(1)(a) To hunt in a premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer area, hunters must obtain the respective limited entry buck permit. Limited entry areas are not open to general archery buck deer, general any weapon buck deer, or general muzzleloader buck deer hunting, except as specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b)(i) The Wildlife Board may establish in guidebook a limited entry buck deer hunt on a general season buck deer unit.

(ii) The season dates for a limited entry hunt under this Subsection will not overlap the season dates for the underlying general season hunt on the unit.

(iii) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive limited entry permits that occur on general season units.

(2) A limited entry buck deer permit allows a person using the prescribed legal weapon, to take one buck deer within the area and season specified on the permit, [except]excluding deer cooperative wildlife management units located within the limited entry unit.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a premium limited entry, limited entry, management[ buck deer], or cooperative wildlife management unit buck deer permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a buck deer.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit buck deer permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, management, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(3).

(4) A person who has obtained a premuim limited entry or limited entry buck permit may not[ hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except antlerless deer.]:

(a) obtain any other deer permit, except an antlerless deer permit as provided in R657-5-27 and the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board; or

(b) hunt during any other deer hunt, except unsuccessful archery hunters may hunt within extended archery areas as provided in Subsection (7).

(5)(a) The Wildlife Board may establish a multi-season hunting opportunity in the big game guidebooks for selected premium limited entry and limited entry buck deer hunts.

(b) A person that obtains a premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit with a multi-season opportunity may hunt during any of the following limited entry buck deer seasons established in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for the unit specified on the premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit:

(i) archery season, using only archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 for taking deer;

(ii) muzzleloader season, using only muzzleloader equipment prescribed in R657-5-10 for taking deer; and

(iii) any weapon season, using any legal weapon prescribed in R657-5 for taking deer.

(c) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive a multi-season hunting opportunity for premium limited entry or limited entry units.

(6) A premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, is valid only within the boundaries of the unit designated on the permit, excluding:

(a) areas closed to hunting;

(b) deer cooperative wildlife management units; and

(c) Indian tribal trust lands.

(7) A person who possesses an archery buck deer permit for a premium limited entry or limited entry unit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, may hunt buck deer within any extended archery area during the established extended archery season for that area, provided the person:

(a) did not take a buck deer during the premium limited entry or limited entry hunt;

(b) uses the prescribed archery equipment for the extended archery area;

(c) completes the annual Archery Ethics Course required to hunt extended archery areas during the extended archery season; and

(d) possesses on their person while hunting:

(i) the multi-season limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit; and

(ii) the Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion.

 

R657-5-28. General Archery Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general archery elk hunt are provided in the [guidebook]guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general archery elk permit may use archery equipment to take:

(i) [one]an antlerless elk [of hunter's choice]or a bull elk on a general any bull elk unit, [except on]excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units;

(ii) an antlerless elk or a spike bull elk on a general spike bull elk unit, [except on]excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units;

(iii) [one elk, any bull or]an antlerless [on the Wasatch Front or Uintah Basin]elk or a bull elk on extended archery areas as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3)(a) A person who obtains a general archery elk permit may hunt within the [Wasatch Front, Uintah Basin, and Sanpete Valley ]extended archery areas during the extended archery area seasons as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

(b)(i) A person must complete the Archery Ethics Course annually to hunt the extended archery areas during the extended archery season.

([c]ii) A person must possess an Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion on their person while hunting.

(4) A person who has obtained an archery elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3) and by the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(5) Hunter orange material must be worn if a centerfire rifle hunt is also in progress in the same area as provided in Section 23-20-31. Archers are cautioned to study the rifle hunt tables to identify these areas described in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-29. General Season Bull Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates and areas for the general season bull elk [hunt]huntsare provided in the [guidebook]guidebooksof the Wildlife Board for taking big game[ within general season elk units], except [in ]the following areas are closed to general any weapon bull elk hunting:

(a) Salt Lake County south of I-80 and east of I-15; and

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units.

(2)(a) A person may purchase either a spike bull elk permit or an any bull elk permit.

(b) A person who has obtained a general season spike bull elk permit may take a spike bull elk on a general season spike bull elk unit. Any bull elk units are closed to spike bull elk permittees.

(c) A person who has obtained a general season any bull elk permit may take any bull elk, including a spike bull elk ,on a general season any bull elk unit. Spike bull elk units are closed to any bull elk permittees.

(3) A person who has obtained a general season bull elk permit may use any legal weapon to take a spike bull elk or any bull elk , as specified on the permit.

(4) A person who has obtained a general season bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3).

 

R657-5-30. General Muzzleloader Bull Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates [of the]and areas for general muzzleloader bull elk [hunt]hunts are provided in the [guidebook]guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game[ within the general season elk units], except [in ]the following areas are closed [areas]to general muzzleloader bull elk hunting:

(a) Salt Lake County south of I-80 and east of I-15; and

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units.

(2)(a) General muzzleloader bull elk hunters may purchase either a spike bull elk permit or an any bull elk permit.

(b) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader spike bull elk permit may use a muzzleloader, prescribed in R657-5-10, to take a spike bull elk on an any general spike bull elk unit. Any bull units are closed to spike bull muzzleloader permittees.

(c) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader any bull elk permit may use a muzzleloader, as prescribed in R657-5-10, to take any bull elk on an any bull elk unit. Spike bull units are closed to any bull muzzleloader permittees.

(3) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3).

 

R657-5-31. Youth General Any Bull Elk Hunt.

(1)(a) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year.

(b) A youth may apply for or obtain a youth any bull elk permit.

(c) A [youth]qualified person may [only ]obtain a youth any bull elk permit only once during their [youth]life.

(2) The youth any bull elk hunting season and areas are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3)(a) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may take any bull elk, including antlerless elk, on a general any bull elk unit. Spike bull elk units are closed to youth general any bull elk permittees.

(b) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may use any legal weapon to take any bull elk or antlerless elk as specified on the permit.

(4) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-33(3).

(5) Preference points shall not be awarded or utilized when applying for[,] or [in] obtaining[,]a youth general any bull elk [permits]permit.

 

R657-5-32.  [Premium Limited Entry and ]Limited Entry Bull Elk Hunts.

(1) To hunt in a [premium limited entry or ]limited entry bull elk area, a hunter must obtain [the respective premium]a limited entry [or limited entry]bull elk permit for the area.

(2)(a[) A premium limited entry bull elk permit allows a person, using the prescribed legal weapon, to take one bull elk within the area and to hunt all limited entry bull elk seasons specified in the hunt tables, published in the proclamation of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, for the area specified on the permit, except elk cooperative wildlife management units located within a premium limited entry unit. Spike bull elk restrictions do not apply to premium limited entry elk permittees.

(b]) A limited entry bull elk permit allows a person, using the prescribed legal weapon, to take one bull elk within the area and season specified on the permit, except as provided in Subsection (5) and excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units located within a limited entry unit. Spike bull elk restrictions do not apply to limited entry elk permittees.

([c) "Prescribed legal weapon" means for purposes of this subsection:]3)(a) The Wildlife Board may establish a multi-season hunting opportunity in the big game guidebooks for selected limited entry bull elk units.

(b) A person that obtains a limited entry bull elk permit with a multi-season opportunity may hunt during any of the following limited entry bull elk seasons established in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for the unit specied on the limited entry bull elk permit:

(i) archery season, using only archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 for taking elk;

(ii) muzzleloader season, using only muzzleloader equipment prescribed in R657-5-10 for taking elk; and

(iii) any weapon season, using any legal weapon prescribed in R657-5 for taking elk.

(c) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive a multi-season hunting opportunity for limited entry units.

(4) A limited entry bull elk permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, is valid only within the boundaries of the unit designated on the permit, excluding:

(a) areas closed to hunting;

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units; and

(c) Indian tribal trust lands.

(5) A person who possesses any limited entry archery bull elk permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, may hunt bull elk within any extended archery area during the established extended archery season for that area, provided the person:

(a) did not take a bull elk during the limited entry hunt;

(b) uses the prescribed archery equipment for the extended archery area;

(c) completes the annual Archery Ethics Course required to hunt extended archery areas during the extended archery season; and

(d) possesses on their person while hunting:

(i) the limited entry bull elk permit; and

(ii) the Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion.

(6) "Prescribed legal weapon" means for purposes of this subsection:

([i]a) archery equipment, as defined in R657-5-[11(1)]11,when hunting the archery season, excluding a crossbow or draw-lock;

([ii]b) muzzleloader equipment, as defined in R657-5-[10]10,when hunting the muzzleloader season, excluding magnifying scopes; and

([iii]c) any legal weapon, including a muzzleloader and crossbow with a fixed or variable magnifying scope or draw-lock when hunting during the any weapon season.

([3]7)(a) A person who has obtained a[ premium limited entry,] limited entry or cooperative wildlife management unit bull elk permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bull elk.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit bull elk permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

([4]8) A person who has obtained a [premium limited entry or ]limited entry bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsections ([4)(a]5) and R657-5-33(3).

 

R657-5-34. Buck Pronghorn Hunts.

(1) To hunt buck pronghorn, a hunter must obtain a buck pronghorn permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a buck pronghorn permit may not obtain any other pronghorn permit or hunt during any other pronghorn hunt.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a limited entry or cooperative wildlife management unit buck pronghorn permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a buck pronghorn.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit buck pronghorn permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the [D]division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

(4) A buck pronghorn permit allows a person to take one buck pronghorn within the area, during the season, and using the weapon type specified on the permit, except on [buck]a pronghorn cooperative wildlife management unit located within a limited entry unit.

 

R657-5-37. Bull Moose Hunts.

(1) To hunt bull moose, a hunter must obtain a bull moose permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a bull moose permit may not obtain any other moose permit or hunt during any other moose hunt.

(3) A bull moose permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take one bull moose within the area and season specified on the permit, [except in bull]excluding any moose cooperative wildlife management [units]unit located within a limited entry unit.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained a bull moose permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bull moose.

(b) Bull moose permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

 

R657-5-38. Bison Hunts.

(1) To hunt bison, a hunter must obtain a bison permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a bison permit may not obtain any other bison permit or hunt during any other bison hunt.

(3) The bison permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take a bison of either sex within the area and season as specified on the permit.

(4)(a) An orientation course is required for bison hunters who draw [a ]an Antelope Island bison permit. Hunters shall be notified of the orientation date, time and location.

(b) The Antelope Island hunt is administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation.

(5) A cow bison permit allows a person to take one cow bison using any legal weapon within the area and season [as ]specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(6) An orientation course is required for bison hunters who draw cow bison permits. Hunters will be notified of the orientation date, time and location.

(7)(a) A person who has obtained a bison permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bison.

(b) Bison permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

 

R657-5-39. Desert Bighorn and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunts.

(1) To hunt desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, a hunter must obtain the respective permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit may not obtain any other desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit or hunt during any other desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunt.

(3) Desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain big horn sheep permits are considered separate once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities.

(4)(a) The desert bighorn sheep permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take one desert bighorn ram within the area and season specified on the permit.

(b) The Rocky Mountain sheep permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take one Rocky Mountain bighorn ram within the area and season specified on the permit.

(5) The permittee may attend a hunter orientation course. The division provides each permittee with the time and location of the course.

(6) All bighorn sheep hunters are encouraged to have a spotting scope with a minimum of 15 power while hunting bighorn sheep. Any ram may be legally taken, however, permittees are encouraged to take a mature ram. The terrain inhabited by bighorn sheep is extremely rugged, making this hunt extremely strenuous.

(7) Successful hunters must deliver the horns of the bighorn sheep to a division office within 72 hours of leaving the hunting area. A numbered seal will be permanently affixed to the horn indicating legal harvest.

(8)(a) A person who has obtained a desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

(b) Desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus [points]point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

 

R657-5-40. Rocky Mountain Goat Hunts.

(1) To hunt Rocky Mountain goat, a hunter must obtain a Rocky Mountain goat permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a Rocky Mountain goat permit may not obtain any other Rocky Mountain goat permit or hunt during any other Rocky Mountain goat hunt.

(3) A Rocky Mountain goat of either sex may be legally taken on a hunter's choice permit. Permittees are encouraged to take a mature goat. A mature goat is a goat older than two years of age, as determined by counting the annual rings on the horn.

(4) The goat permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take one goat within the area and season specified on the permit.

(5) All goat hunters are encouraged to have a spotting scope with a minimum of 15 power while hunting goats. The terrain inhabited by Rocky Mountain goat is extremely rugged making this hunt extremely strenuous. The goat's pelage may be higher quality later in the hunting season.

(6) A female-goat only permit allows a person to take one female-goat using any legal weapon within the area and season [as ]specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(7) An orientation course is required for Rocky Mountain goat hunters who draw female-goat only permits. Hunters will be notified of the orientation date, time and location.

(8)(a) A person who has obtained a Rocky Mountain goat permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a Rocky Mountain goat.

(b) Rocky Mountain goat permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus points in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9([3]2).

 

R657-5-41. Depredation Hunter Pool Permits.

(1) When big game are causing damage[,] or are con[di]sidered a nuisance, control hunts not listed in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game may be held as provided in Rule R657-44. These hunts occur on short notice, involve small areas, and are limited to only a few hunters.

(2) For the purpose of this section ,nuisance is defined as a situation where big game animals are found to have moved off formally approved management units onto adjacent units or other areas not approved for that species.

 

R657-5-42. Carcass Importation.

(1) It is unlawful to import dead elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or their parts from the areas of any state, province, game management unit, equivalent wildlife management unit, or county, which has deer or elk diagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease, except the following portions of the carcass:

(a) meat that is cut and wrapped either commercially or privately;

(b) quarters or other portion of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached;

(c) meat that is boned out;

(d) hides with no heads attached;

(e) skull plates with antlers attached that have been cleaned of all meat and tissue;

(f) antlers with no meat or tissue attached;

(g) upper canine teeth, also known as buglers, whistlers, or ivories; or

(h) finished taxidermy heads.

(2)(a) The affected states, provinces, game management units, equivalent wildlife management units, or counties, which have deer, elk, or [elk]moosediagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease shall be available at division offices and through the division's Internet address.

(b) Importation of harvested elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or its parts from the affected areas are hereby restricted pursuant to Subsection (1).

(3) Nonresidents of Utah transporting harvested elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer from the affected areas are exempt if they:

(a) do not leave any part of the harvested animal in Utah and do not stay more than 24 hours in the state of Utah;

(b) do not have their deer, elk, or [elk]mooseprocessed in Utah; or

(c) do not leave any parts of the carcass in Utah.

 

R657-5-43. Chronic Wasting Disease - Infected Animals.

(1) Any person who under the authority of a permit issued by the division legally takes a deer, elk,or [elk]moose that is later confirmed to be infected with Chronic Wasting Disease may:

(a) retain the entire carcass of the animal;

(b) retain any parts of the carcass, including antlers, and surrender the remainder to the division for proper disposal; or

(c) surrender all portions of the carcass in their actual or constructive possession, including antlers, to the division and receive a free new permit the following year for the same hunt.

(2) The new permit issued pursuant to Subsection (1)(c) shall be for the same species, sex, weapon type, unit, region, and otherwise subject to all the restrictions and conditions imposed on the original permit, except season dates for the permit shall follow the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game published in the year the new permit is valid.

(3) Notwithstanding other rules to the contrary, private landowners and landowner associations may refuse access to private property to persons possessing new permits issued under Subsection (1)(c).

 

KEY: wildlife, game laws, big game seasons

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [February 10, 2014]2015

Notice of Continuation: November 1, 2010

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23-14-18; 23-14-19; 23-16-5; 23-16-6