Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources

Rule R657-5

Taking Big Game

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 34341
Filed: 01/03/2011 11:24:11 AM

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 revision to the above listed rule adds a nuisance definition to the depredation hunter pool and makes technical corrections.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 23-14-18
• Section 23-14-19

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

This amendment adds a definition of nuisance to the depredation hunter pool section and changes "proclamation" to "guidebook". It does not make any changes to division processes, 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 has no impact 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 a definition and makes a technical correction; it does not have the potential to generate a cost or savings impact to sportsmen or small businesses.

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

This amendment adds a definition and makes a technical correction; it does not have the potential to generate a cost or savings impact to sportsmen or to 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 stacicoons@utah.gov

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:

03/03/2011

This rule may become effective on:

03/10/2011

Authorized by:

James Karpowitz, 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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation and the Antlerless Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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) "Highway" means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of any nature when any part of it is open to the use of the public as a matter of right for vehicular travel.

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

(m) "Limited entry hunt" means any hunt published in the hunt tables of the [proclamation]guidebookof 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, 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 [proclamation]guidebookof 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, 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)(i) "Resident" for purposes of this rule means a person who:

(A) has been domiciled in the state of Utah for six consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of a license or permit; and

(B) does not claim residency for hunting, fishing, or trapping in any other state or country.

(ii) A Utah resident retains Utah residency if that person leaves this state:

(A) to serve in the armed forces of the United States or for religious or educational purposes; and

(B) complies with Subsection (m)(i)(B).

(iii)(A) A member of the armed forces of the United States and dependents are residents for the purposes of this chapter as of the date the member reports for duty under assigned orders in the state if the member:

(I) is not on temporary duty in this state; and

(II) complies with Subsection (m)(i)(B).

(iv) A copy of the assignment orders must be presented to a [wildlife] division office to verify the member's qualification as a resident.

(v) A nonresident attending an institution of higher learning in this state as a full-time student may qualify as a resident for purposes of this chapter if the student:

(A) has been present in this state for 60 consecutive days immediately preceding the purchase of the license or permit; and

(B) complies with Subsection (m)(i)(B).

(vi) A Utah resident license or permit is invalid if a resident license for hunting, fishing, or trapping is purchased in any other state or country.

(vii) An absentee landowner paying property tax on land in Utah does not qualify as a resident.

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

(t)(i) "Valid application" means:

(A) it is for a species that the applicant is eligible to possess a permit;

(B) there is a hunt for that species regardless of estimated permit numbers; and

(C) there is sufficient information on the application to process the application, including personal information, hunt information, and sufficient payment.

(ii) Applications missing any of the items in Subsection (a) may still be considered valid if the application is timely corrected through the application correction process.

 

R657-5-3. License, Permit, and Tag Requirements.

(1) A person may engage in hunting protected wildlife or in the sale, trade, or barter of protected wildlife or their parts in accordance with Section 23-19-1 and the rules or [proclamations]guidebooksof the Wildlife Board.

(2) Any license, permit, or tag that is mutilated or otherwise made illegible is invalid and may not be used for taking or possessing big game.

(3) A person must possess or obtain a Utah hunting or combination license to apply for or obtain any big game hunting permit.

 

R657-5-5. Duplicate License and Permit.

(1) Whenever any unexpired license, permit, tag or certificate of registration is destroyed, lost or stolen, a person may obtain a duplicate from a division office or online license agent, for ten dollars or half of the price of the original license, permit, or certificate of registration, whichever is less.

(2) The division may waive the fee for a duplicate unexpired license, permit, tag or certificate of registration provided the person did not receive the original license, permit, tag or certificate of registration.

 

R657-5-7. Temporary Game Preserves.

(1)(a) A person who does not have a valid permit to hunt on a temporary game preserve may not carry a firearm or archery equipment on any temporary game preserve while the respective hunts are in progress.

(b) "Carry" means having a firearm on your person while hunting in the field.

(2) As used in this section, "temporary game preserve" means all bull elk, buck pronghorn, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, limited entry buck deer areas and cooperative wildlife management units, excluding incorporated areas, cities, towns and municipalities.

(3) Weapon restrictions on temporary game preserves do not apply to:

(a) a person licensed to hunt upland game or waterfowl provided the person complies with Rules R657-6 and R657-9 and the Upland Game [Proclamation]Guidebookand Waterfowl [Proclamation]Guidebook, respectively, and possessing only legal weapons to take upland game and waterfowl;

(b) livestock owners protecting their livestock;

(c) peace officers in the performance of their duties; or

(d) a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.

 

R657-5-11. Muzzleloaders.

(1) A muzzleloader may be used during any big game hunt, except an archery hunt, provided the muzzleloader:

(a) can be loaded only from the muzzle;

(b) has open sights, peep sights, or a fixed non-magnifying 1x scope;

(c) has a single barrel;

(d) has a minimum barrel length of 18 inches;

(e) is capable of being fired only once without reloading;

(f) powder and bullet, or powder, sabot and bullet are not bonded together as one unit for loading;

(g) is loaded with black powder or black powder substitute, which must not contain nitrocellulose based [somkeless]smokelesspowder.

(2)(a) A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used to hunt big game.

(b) A 170 grain or heavier bullet, including sabots must be used for taking deer and pronghorn.

(c) A 210 grain or heavier bullet must be used for taking elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat, except sabot bullets used for taking these species must be a minimum of 240 grains.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a muzzleloader permit may not possess or be in control of any firearm other than a muzzleloading rifle or have a firearm other than a muzzleloading rifle in his camp or motor vehicle during a muzzleloader hunt.

(b) The provisions of Subsection (a) do not apply to:

(i) a person licensed to hunt upland game or waterfowl provided the person complies with Rules R657-6 and R657-9 and the Upland Game [Proclamation]Guidebookand Waterfowl [Proclamation]Guidebook, respectively, and possessing only legal weapons to take upland game or waterfowl;

(ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the muzzleloader hunt;

(iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock; or

(iv) a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.

 

R657-5-12. Archery Equipment.

(1) Archery equipment may be used during any big game hunt, except a muzzleloader hunt, provided:

(a) the minimum bow pull is 40 pounds at the draw or the peak, whichever comes first; and

(b) arrowheads used have two or more sharp cutting edges that cannot pass through a 7/8 inch ring;

(c) expanding arrowheads cannot pass through a 7/8 inch ring when expanded, and

(d) arrows must be a minimum of 20 inches in length from the tip of the arrowhead to the tip of the nock, and must weigh at least 300 grains.

(2) The following equipment or devices may not be used to take big game:

(a) a crossbow, except as provided in Rule R657-12;

(b) arrows with chemically treated or explosive arrowheads;

(c) a mechanical device for holding the bow at any increment of draw;

(d) a release aid that is not hand held or that supports the draw weight of the bow; or

(e) a bow with an attached electronic range finding device or a magnifying aiming device.

(3) Arrows carried in or on a vehicle where a person is riding must be in an arrow quiver or a closed case.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained an archery permit may not possess or be in control of a firearm or have a firearm in his camp or motor vehicle during an archery hunt.

(b) The provisions of Subsection (a) do not apply to:

(i) a person licensed to hunt upland game or waterfowl provided the person complies with Rules R657-6 and R657-9 and the Upland Game [Proclamation]Guidebookand Waterfowl [Proclamation]Guidebook, respectively, and possessing only legal weapons to take upland game or waterfowl;

(ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the archery hunt;

(iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock; or

(iv) a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.

 

R657-5-13. Areas With Special Restrictions.

(1)(a) Hunting of any wildlife is prohibited within the boundaries of all park areas, except those designated by the Division of Parks and Recreation in Rule R651-[603-5.]614-4.

(b) Hunting with rifles and handguns in park areas designated open is prohibited within one mile of all park area facilities, including buildings, camp or picnic sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps, and developed beaches.

(c) Hunting with shotguns or archery equipment is prohibited within one-quarter mile of the areas provided in Subsection (b).

(2) Hunting is closed within the boundaries of all national parks and monuments unless otherwise provided by the governing agency.

(3) Hunters obtaining a Utah license, permit or tag to take big game are not authorized to hunt on tribal trust lands. Hunters must obtain tribal authorization to hunt on tribal trust lands.

(4) Military installations, including Camp Williams, are closed to hunting and trespassing unless otherwise authorized.

(5) In Salt Lake County, a person may not hunt big game within one-half mile of Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

(6) Hunting is closed within a designated portion of the town of Alta. Hunters may refer to the town of Alta for boundaries and other information.

(7) Domesticated Elk Facilities and Domesticated Elk Hunting Parks, as defined in Section 4-39-102(2) and Rules R58-18 and R58-20, are closed to big game hunting. This restriction does not apply to the lawful harvest of domesticated elk as defined and allowed pursuant to Rule R58-20.

(8) State waterfowl management areas are closed to taking big game, except as otherwise provided in the [proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(9) Hunters are restricted to using archery equipment, muzzleloaders or shotguns on the Matheson Wetlands.

(10) A person may not discharge a firearm, except a shotgun or muzzleloader, from, upon, or across the Green River located near Jensen, Utah from the Highway 40 bridge upstream to the Dinosaur National Monument boundary.

 

R657-5-21. Purchasing or Selling Big Game or Their Parts.

(1) A person may only purchase, sell, offer or possess for sale, barter, exchange or trade any big game or their parts as follows:

(a) Antlers, heads and horns of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold only on the dates published in the [proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game;

(b) Untanned hides of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold only on the dates published in the [proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game;

(c) Inedible byproducts, excluding hides, antlers and horns, or legally possessed big game as provided in Subsection 23-20-3(1)(d), may be purchased or sold at any time;

(d) tanned hides of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold at any time; and

(e) shed antlers and horns may be purchased or sold at any time.

(2)(a) Protected wildlife that is obtained by the division by any means may be sold or donated at any time by the division or its agent.

(b) A person may purchase or receive protected wildlife from the division, which is sold or donated in accordance with Subsection (2)(a), at any time.

(3) A person selling or purchasing antlers, heads, horns or untanned hides shall keep transaction records stating:

(a) the name and address of the person who harvested the animal;

(b) the transaction date; and

(c) the permit number of the person who harvested the animal.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to scouting programs or other charitable organizations using untanned hides.

 

R657-5-22. Possession of Antlers and Horns.

(1) A person may possess antlers or horns or parts of antlers or horns only from:

(a) lawfully harvested big game;

(b) antlers or horns lawfully obtained as provided in Section R657-5-21; or

(c) shed antlers or shed horns.

(2)(a) A person may gather shed antlers or shed horns or parts of shed antlers or shed horns at any time. An authorization is required to gather shed antlers or shed horns or parts of shed antlers or shed horns during the shed antler and shed horn season published in the [Bucks, Bulls, Once-in-a-Lifetime, Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person must complete a wildlife harassment and habitat destruction prevention course annually to obtain the required authorization to gather shed antlers during the antler gathering season.

(3) "Shed antler" means an antler which:

(a) has been dropped naturally from a big game animal as part of its annual life cycle; and

(b) has a rounded base commonly known as the antler button or burr attached which signifies a natural life cycle process.

(4) "Shed horn" means the sheath from the horn of a pronghorn that has been dropped naturally as part of its annual life cycle. No other big game species shed their horns naturally.

 

R657-5-23. Poaching-Reported Reward Permits.

(1) For purposes of this section, "successful prosecution" means the screening, filing of charges and subsequent adjudication for the poaching incident.

(2) Any person who provides information leading to another person's successful prosecution for wanton destruction of a bull moose, desert bighorn ram, rocky mountain bighorn ram, rocky mountain goat, bison, bull elk, buck deer or buck pronghorn under Section 23-20-4 for any once-in-a-lifetime species or within any limited entry area may receive a permit from the division to hunt for the same species and on the same once-in-a-lifetime or limited entry area where the violation occurred, except as provided in Subsection (3).

(3)(a) In the event that issuance of a poaching-reported reward permit would exceed 5% of the total number of limited entry or once-in-a-lifetime permits issued in the following year for the respective area, a permit shall not be issued for that respective area. As an alternative, the division may issue a permit as outlined in Subsections (b) or (c).

(b) If the illegally taken animal is a bull moose, desert bighorn ram, rocky mountain bighorn ram, rocky mountain goat or bison, a permit for an alternative species and an alternative once-in-a-lifetime or limited entry area that has been allocated more than 20 permits may be issued.

(c) If the illegally taken animal is a bull elk, buck deer or buck pronghorn, a permit for the same species on an alternative limited entry area that has been allocated more than 20 permits may be issued.

(4)(a) The division may issue only one poaching-reported reward permit for any one animal illegally taken.

(b) No more than one poaching-reported reward permit shall be issued to any one person per successful prosecution.

(c) No more than one poaching-reported reward permit per species shall be issued to any one person in any one calendar year.

(5)(a) Poaching-reported reward permits may only be issued to the person who provides the most pertinent information leading to a successful prosecution. Permits are not transferrable.

(b) If information is received from more than one person, the director of the division shall make a determination based on the facts of the case, as to which person provided the most pertinent information leading to the successful prosecution in the case.

(c) The person providing the most pertinent information shall qualify for the poaching-reported reward permit.

(6) Any person who receives a poaching-reported reward permit must possess or obtain a Utah hunting or combination license and otherwise be eligible to hunt and obtain big game permits as provided in all rules and regulations of the Wildlife Board and the Wildlife Resources Code.

 

R657-5-24. General Archery Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general archery buck deer hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 to take:

(a) one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit for the time specified in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 as provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 limited entry deer areas, except Crawford Mountain.

(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 Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]the guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

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

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

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

(5)(a) Any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the general archery buck deer season, may hunt by region the general archery, the general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-8 through R657-5-12, respectively, for each respective season, provided that person obtains a general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer permit for a specified region.

(b) If a person 18 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 R657-5-24(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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-25. General Any Weapon Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates for the general any weapon buck deer hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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.

(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; and

(b) any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the general archery buck deer season, may hunt the general archery, general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-8 through R657-5-12, respectively, for each respective season.

(i) If a person 18 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 R657-5-24(3).

 

R657-5-26. General Muzzleloader Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) The dates for the general muzzleloader buck deer hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) (a) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck permit may use a muzzleloader to take one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit as published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 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 limited entry deer areas, except Crawford Mountain.

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

(a) antlerless deer; and

(b) any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the general archery buck deer season, may hunt the general archery, general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-8 through R657-5-12, respectively, for each respective season.

(i) If a person 18 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 R657-5-24(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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebooksof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

R657-5-27. Limited Entry Buck Deer Hunts.

(1) To hunt in a premium limited entry or limited entry area, hunters must obtain the respective limited entry buck permit. Limited entry areas are not open to general archery buck, general any weapon buck, or general muzzleloader buck hunting, except as specified in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(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 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 in the following year.

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

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

 

R657-5-29. General Archery Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general archery elk hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 elk of hunter's choice on a general any bull elk unit, except on elk cooperative wildlife management units;

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

(iii) one elk, any bull or antlerless on the Wasatch Front or Uintah Basin extended archery areas as provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

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

(c) A person must possess an Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion 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 R657-5-34(3).

(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 [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

 

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

(1) The dates for the general season bull elk hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game within general season elk units, except in the following areas:

(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 permit or an any bull 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 units are closed to spike bull 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 units are closed to any bull permittees.

(3) A person who has obtained a general season bull elk permit may use any legal weapon to take a spike bull 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 R657-5-34(3).

 

R657-5-31. General Muzzleloader Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general muzzleloader elk hunt are provided in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game within the general season elk units, except in the following closed areas:

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

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units.

(2)(a) General muzzleloader 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 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 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 elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-34(3).

 

R657-5-32. Youth General Any Bull Elk Hunt.

(1)(a) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the youth any bull elk season published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

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

(c) A youth may only obtain a youth any bull elk permit once during their youth.

(2) The youth any bull elk hunting season and areas are published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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 a spike bull 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 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 R657-5-34(3).

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

 

R657-5-34. Antlerless Elk Hunts.

(1) To hunt an antlerless elk, a hunter must obtain an antlerless elk permit.

(2)(a) An antlerless elk permit allows a person to take one antlerless elk using any legal weapon within the area and season as specified on the permit and in the Antlerless [Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person may not hunt on any cooperative wildlife management units unless that person obtains an antlerless elk permit for a cooperative wildlife management unit as specified on the permit.

(3)(a) A person may obtain two elk permits each year, provided one or both of the elk permits is an antlerless elk permit.

(b) For the purposes of obtaining two elk permits, a hunter's choice elk permit may not be considered an antlerless elk permit.

(4)(a) A person who obtains an antlerless elk permit and any of the permits listed in Subsection (b) may use the antlerless elk permit during the established season for the antlerless elk permit and during the established season for the permits listed in Subsection (b) provided:

(i) the permits are both valid for the same area;

(ii) the appropriate archery equipment is used if hunting with an archery permit;

(iii) the appropriate muzzleloader equipment is used if hunting with a muzzleloader permit.

(b)(i) General buck deer for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon;

(ii) general bull elk for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon;

(iii) limited entry buck deer for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon; or

(iv) limited entry bull elk for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon.

 

R657-5-35. 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 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).

(4) A buck pronghorn permit allows a person using any legal weapon to take one buck pronghorn within the area and season specified on the permit, except during the buck pronghorn archery hunt when only archery equipment may be used and on buck pronghorn cooperative wildlife management unit located within a limited entry unit.

 

R657-5-36. Doe Pronghorn Hunts.

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

(2)(a) A doe pronghorn permit allows a person to take one doe pronghorn, per doe pronghorn tag, using any legal weapon within the area and season as specified on the permit and in the Antlerless [Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person may not hunt on any cooperative wildlife management units unless that person obtains an antlerless moose permit for a cooperative wildlife management unit as specified on the permit.

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

 

R657-5-37. Antlerless Moose Hunts.

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

(2)(a) An antlerless moose permit allows a person to take one antlerless moose using any legal weapon within the area and season as specified on the permit and in the Antlerless [Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person may not hunt on any cooperative wildlife management unit unless that person obtains an antlerless moose cooperative wildlife management unit as specified on the permit.

(3) A person who has obtained an antlerless moose permit may not hunt during any other moose hunt or obtain any other moose permit.

 

R657-5-38. 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 moose cooperative wildlife management units 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 in the following year.

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

 

R657-5-39. 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 [Henry Mountain] 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 [Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(6) An orientation course is required for bison hunters who draw[Henry Mountain] 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 in the following year.

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

 

R657-5-40. 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 in the following year.

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

 

R657-5-41. 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 [Addendum to the Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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).

 

R657-5-42. Depredation Hunter Pool Permits.

(1) When [deer, elk or pronghorn]big game are causing damage, [antlerless]or are condisered a nuisance control hunts not listed in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof 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.

 

R657-5-44. Chronic Wasting Disease - Infected Animals.

(1) Any person who under the authority of a permit issued by the division legally takes a deer or elk 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 [proclamation]guidebookof 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).

 

R657-5-45. Management Bull Elk Hunt.

(1)(a) For the purposes of this section "management bull" means any bull elk with 5 points or less on at least one antler. A point means a projection longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip.

(b) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the management bull elk archery season published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) For the purposes of this section "senior" means any person 65 years of age or older on the opening day of the management bull elk archery season published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) Management bull elk permits shall be distributed [through the division's big game drawing.]pursuant to R657-62 with [T]thirty percent of the permits [are]beingallocated to youth, [30]thirtypercent to seniors and the remaining [40]fortypercent to hunters of all ages.

[ (b) Group application shall not be accepted in the division's big game drawing for management bull elk permits.

] (3)[ Waiting periods as provided in R657-62-17 are incurred as a result of obtaining management bull elk permits.

(4)(a) Bonus points shall be awarded when an applicant is unsuccessful in obtaining a management bull elk permit in the big game drawing.

(b) Bonus points shall be expended when an applicant is successful in obtaining a management bull elk permit in the big game drawing.

(5)] Management bull elk permit holders may take one management bull elk during the season, on the area and with the weapon type specified on the permit. Management bull elk hunting seasons, areas and weapon types are published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

([6]4)(a) A person who has obtained a management 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 management bull elk.

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

([7]5)(a) Management bull elk permit holders who successfully harvest a management bull elk, as defined in Subsection (1)(a) must have their animal inspected by the division.

(b) Successful hunters must deliver the head and antlers of the elk they harvest to a division office for inspection within 48 hours after the date of kill.

([8]6) Management bull elk permit holders may not retain possession of any harvested bull elk that fails to satisfy the definition requirements in Subsection (1)(a).

([9]7) A person who has obtained a management bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-34(3).

 

R657-5-46. General Any Weapon Buck Deer and Bull Elk Combination Hunt.

(1) Permit numbers, season dates and unit boundary descriptions for the general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination hunt shall be established in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) A person who obtains a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer and one bull elk during the season and within the unit specified on the permit.

(a) A general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit does not authorize the holder to hunt deer or elk within any cooperative wildlife management unit.

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

(a) antlerless deer, as provided in Subsection R657-5-28, and

(b) antlerless elk, as provided in Subsection R657-5-34.

(4)(a) Lifetime license holders may obtain a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit.

(b) Upon obtaining a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit, the lifetime license holder foregoes any rights to receive a buck deer permit for the general archery, general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer hunts as provided in Section 23-19-17.5.

(c) A refund or credit is not issued for the general archery, general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer permit.

 

R657-5-47. Management Buck Deer Hunt.

(1)(a) For the purposes of this section "management buck" means any buck deer with 3 points or less on at least one antler above and including the first fork in the antler. A point means a projection longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip. The eye guard is not counted as a point.

(b) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 18 years of age or younger on the opening day of the management buck deer archery season published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) For the purposes of this section "senior" means any person 65 years of age or older on the opening day of the management buck deer archery season published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)[(a)] Management buck deer permits shall be distributed [through the division's big game drawing.] pursuant to rule R657-62 with [T]thirty percent of the permits [are]beingallocated to youth, [30]thirtypercent to seniors and the remaining [40]fortypercent to hunters of all ages.

[ (b) Group application shall not be accepted in the division's big game drawing for management buck deer permits.

] (3)[ Waiting periods as provided in R657-62-17 are incurred as a result of obtaining management buck deer permits.

(4)(a) Bonus points shall be awarded when an applicant is unsuccessful in obtaining a management buck deer permit in the big game drawing.

(b) Bonus points shall be expended when an applicant is successful in obtaining a management buck deer permit in the big game drawing.

(5)] Management buck deer permit holders may take one management buck deer during the season, on the area and with the weapon type specified on the permit. Management buck deer hunting seasons, areas and weapon types are published in the [Bucks, Bulls and Once-In-A-Lifetime Proclamation]guidebookof the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

([6]4)(a) A person who has obtained a management 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 management buck deer.

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

([7]5)(a) Management buck deer permit holders who successfully harvest a management buck deer, as defined in Subsection (1)(a) must have their animal inspected by the division.

(b) Successful hunters must deliver the head and antlers of the deer they harvest to a division office for inspection within 48 hours after the date of kill.

([8]6) Management buck deer permit holders may not retain possession of any harvested buck deer that fails to satisfy the definition requirements in Subsection (1)(a).

([9]7) A person who has obtained a management buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-28(4).

 

KEY: wildlife, game laws, big game seasons

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [August 5 , 2010]2011

Notice of Continuation: November 1, 2010

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