DAR File No. 38168

Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources

Rule R657-5

Taking Big Game

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 38168
Filed: 12/10/2013 12:58:08 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 revision to the above listed rule: 1) allows for the use of crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on muzzleloaders during the any weapon hunts; 2) adds wildlife convention permits to the "limited entry permit" and "Once-in-a-Lifetime permit" definitions; 3) removes the definition of "Resident" and "Valid Application"; 4) clarifies the definition of "spike bull"; 5) defines the "youth" age for big game permit holders; 6) defines "Prescribed legal weapon"; and 7) makes 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 use crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on any weapon hunts, as well as adds definitions 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 use crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on any weapon hunts, 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 use crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on any weapon hunts, 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 use crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on any weapon hunts, 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:

This amendment adds additional opportunity to use crossbows, draw-locks, and magnifying scopes on any weapon hunts, 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. 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:

01/31/2014

This rule may become effective on:

02/07/2014

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) ["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.]"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[)(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 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.]) "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.

[(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]its parts in accordance with Section 23-19-1 and the rules or guidebooks of 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.

 

R657-5-10. 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, except as provided in Subsection (4) and R657-12;

(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 smokeless powder.

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

(b) A bullet 130 grains or heavier, or a sabot 170 grains or heavier 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 for a big game hunt may:

(i) use only muzzleloader equipment authorized in this [Section]Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

(ii) not possess or be in control of a rifle or shotgun while in the field during the muzzleloader hunt.

(A) "Field" for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found. "Field" does not include a hunter's established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck.

(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 Guidebook and Waterfowl 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.

(4) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use muzzleloader equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit, including a fixed or variable magnifying scope.

 

R657-5-11. 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 Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

(b) arrows with chemically treated or explosive arrowheads;

(c) a mechanical device for holding the bow at any increment of draw, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

(d) a release aid that is not hand held or that supports the draw weight of the bow, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12; 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 for a big game hunt may :

(i) use only archery equipment authorized in [this section]Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

(ii) not possess or be in control of a crossbow, draw-lock, rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader while in the field during an archery hunt.

(A) "Field" for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found. "Field" does not include a hunter's established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck.

(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 Guidebook and Waterfowl Guidebook, respectively, and possessing only [legal]the weapons authorized to take upland game or waterfowl;

(ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the archery hunt, provided the person is in compliance with the regulations of that hunt and possesses only the weapons authorized for that 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; or

(v) a person possessing a crossbow or draw-lock under a certificate of registration issued pursuant to R657-12.

(5) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use arechery equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit, including a crossbow or draw-lock.

(6)(a) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have:

(i) a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds;

(ii) a minimum draw length of 14 inches, measured between the latch (nocking point) and where the bow limbs attach to the stock;

(iii) an overall length of at least 24 inches; measured between the butt stock end and where the bow limbs attach to the stock; and

(iv) a positive mechanical safety mechanism.

(b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must be at least 16 inches long and have:

(i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or

(ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to:

(i) hunt big game with a crossbow during a big game archery hunt, except as provided in R657-12-8;

(ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way, except as provided in R657-12-4; or

(iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow:

(A) bolt that has any chemical, explosive or electronic device attached;

(B) that has an attached electronic range finding device; or

(C) that has an attached magnifying aiming device, except as provided in Subsection (7).

(7) A crossbow used to hunt big game during an any weapon hunt may have a fixed or variable magnifying scope.

 

R657-5-12. 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 R651-614-4.

(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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(9) Hunters are restricted to using archery equipment, muzzleloaders or shotguns on the Scott M. Matheson [Wetlands]Wetland Preserve.

(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.

 

R657-5-13. Spotlighting.

(1) Except as provided in Section 23-13-17:

(a) a person may not use or cast the rays of any spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to:

(i) take protected wildlife; or

(ii) [located]locate protected wildlife while [having ]in possession of a rifle, shotgun, archery equipment, crossbow, or muzzleloader.

(b) the use of a spotlight or other artificial light in a field, woodland, or forest where protected wildlife are generally found is prima facie evidence of attempting to locate protected wildlife.

(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(a) the use of headlights or other artificial light in a usual manner where there is no attempt or intent to locate protected wildlife; or

(b) 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 wildlife.

 

R657-5-16. Big Game Contests.

A person may not enter or hold a big game contest that:

(1) is based on big game or [their]its parts; and

(2) offers cash or prizes totaling more than $500.

 

R657-5-19. Exporting Big Game From Utah.

(1) A person may export big game or [their]its parts from Utah only if:

(a) the person who harvested the big game animal accompanies it and possesses a valid permit corresponding to the tag which must be attached to the largest portion of the carcass; or

(b) the person exporting the big game animal or its parts, if it is not the person who harvested the animal, has obtained a shipping permit from the division.

 

R657-5-20. Purchasing or Selling Big Game or [Their]Its Parts.

(1) A person may only purchase, sell, offer or possess for sale, barter, exchange or trade any big game or [their]its 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 guidebook of 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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game;

(c) Inedible byproducts, excluding hides, antlers and horns[, or] of legally possessed big game as provided in Subsection 23-20-[3(1)(d),]3, 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. Poaching-Reported Reward Permits.

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

(2) Any person who provides information leading to another person's successful prosecution under Section 23-20-4 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]within 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.

 

R657-5-23. 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 as 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 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 guidebook of 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]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day]July 31 of the [general archery buck deer season]current year, may hunt by [region]unit the general archery, the general any weapon and general muzzleloader deer seasons, using the appropriate equipment [as provided]prescribed in Sections R657-5-7 through R657-5-11,[ respectively,] for each respective season, provided that person obtains a general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer permit for a specified [region]unit.

(b) If a person [18]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).

(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.

(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]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day]July 31 of the [general archery buck deer season]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 [18]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 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]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day]July 31 of the [general archery buck deer season]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 [18]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).

(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.

 

R657-5-27. Antlerless Deer Hunts.

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

(2)(a) An antlerless deer permit allows a person to take one antlerless deer, per antlerless deer tag, using any legal weapon within the area and season as specified on the permit and in the antlerless addendum.

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

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

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

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

(b)(i) General archery deer;

(ii) general muzzleloader deer;

(iii) limited entry archery deer; or

(iv) limited entry muzzleloader deer.

 

R657-5-30. General Muzzleloader Elk Hunt.

(1) The dates of the general muzzleloader elk hunt are provided in the 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, 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 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 [18]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day of the youth any bull elk season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game]July 31 of the current year.

(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 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 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, youth general any bull elk permits.

 

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 limited entry or limited entry elk permit.

(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 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:

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

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

(iii) 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)(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 in the following year.

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

(4) 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) and R657-5-33(3).

 

R657-5-33. 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 guidebook of 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; and

(iii) the appropriate muzzleloader hunt 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;

(iv) Limited entry bull elk for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon; or

(v) antlerless elk.

 

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 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], during the season, and using the weapon type 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.

 

R657-5-42. Carcass Importation.

(1) It is unlawful to import dead elk, 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 or elk diagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease shall be available at division offices and through the division's Internet address.

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

(3) Nonresidents of Utah transporting harvested elk, 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 or elk processed in Utah; or

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

 

R657-5-44. 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]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day of the management bull elk archery season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.]July 31.

(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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) Management bull elk permits shall be distributed pursuant to R657-62 with thirty percent of the permits being allocated to youth, thirty percent to seniors and the remaining forty percent to hunters of all ages.

(3) 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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(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.

(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.

(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).

(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 R657-5-33(3).

 

R657-5-46. 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]17 years of age or younger on [the opening day of the management buck deer archery season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.]July 31.

(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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) Management buck deer permits shall be distributed pursuant to rule R657-62 with thirty percent of the permits being allocated to youth, thirty percent to seniors and the remaining forty percent to hunters of all ages.

(3) 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 guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(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.

(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.

(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).

(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: [July 9, 2012]2014

Notice of Continuation: November 1, 2010

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