[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6396004,"mediaKeyId","2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853","parentId",2097673,"title","Board endorses updated shed-antler gathering guidance, keeps broad public access with ethics course","audioSeconds",1408,"startMs",13838000,"endMs",15246000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853&start=13838&end=15246","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853/thumbnail_13838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6396004/Utah/Board-endorses-updated-shed-antler-gathering-guidance-keeps-broad-public-access-with-ethics-course","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396004-d90364b561a1a532008bab192169bb86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168647&Signature=X2dAkQFITxC26pbrYJENNTB55wXPfetVZim29bKJI2lCS0wa4O5n1gdagroy3y~DL7ZXfQC~o4DPyjfqohFdyDIcX0SSqIUeDrZDEYQhJryNJJhBIyJJXi6KKBYbQ1CpIAjNdXBcbxd7XhwyyQYYdKbtUWjN9GkHo3b2UYbMivLcrlrecWBHjiDKkzEjcRyLeK9HUVu6JqC-j3OgWX73c7SbtcY4v8-U8aB93Ft7mNCTCx8GP0hUCgl0cOM1nwiBDtGfJFXQo9D0vPVsX3QnRfmJ59IeNdkmg-2AGh0LSfC5PZ0DsgG1UHeTaFTIn699fBTJa3Df8srOp1jrCaPg~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah Office of Tourism","date","2025-01-09T20:42:28Z","article","The Utah Wildlife Board on Jan. 9 adopted the Division of Wildlife Resources’ recommended approach to shed-antler gathering: retain broadly open access under the mandatory free ethics course and continue targeted area closures for wintering wildlife, while the division and RACs will refine closure triggers and local protections.

Main points
- The committee and board favored preserving broad opportunities for resident shed collectors but asked staff to evaluate stronger site protections in critical habitat areas.
- The southern RAC asked staff to evaluate adding an additional winter-condition trigger (body-condition scoring on captured deer) to augment feeding-trigger criteria used to close sites.
- The board declined, at this meeting, to impose a general season or residency restriction statewide, noting states that have closed or restricted the activity typically do so by area and in coordination with land managers.

Why it matters
Shed-antler gathering is a popular recreation and small-economy activity in Utah. The division emphasized that area closures and motorized-vehicle restrictions remain tools to protect deer in winter and that the mandatory ethics course and on-site rules will remain in place to reduce disturbance.

Implementation and follow-up
The division will pursue changes in the winter-feeding emergency policy to include more objective body-condition metrics where appropriate, and will work with land managers on area-specific closures and motorized-vehicle limits as needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wildlife Board Meeting 01/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After committee review, the board approved the division’s recommended shed-antler gathering policy, retaining broad access and the mandatory ethics course while asking staff to evaluate localized closures and additional triggers for winter feeding policy.","taxTitle","Utah Office of Tourism, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, Offices, Departments, and Divisions, Organizations, Utah Executive Branch, Utah","taxId",67135,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6396007,"Board narrowly keeps proposal to allow sale of green mountain‑lion pelts on a trial basis",2161,8908000,11069000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853&start=8908&end=11069","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853/thumbnail_8908000.jpg","/articles/6396007/Utah/Board-narrowly-keeps-proposal-to-allow-sale-of-green-mountainlion-pelts-on-a-trial-basis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396007-7a3debb7781813c356361ebeadfbd8b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168647&Signature=jnLmXununPkFIEOHdC4RcefzieRwwDbbZYJpj9k2h9n0TaI~T3Ur6~ns6B3mXqT3yjEo-zlAqoXIDBA2m3UkB3qo-F7cydxgSw84TdqXVyWtFN9QL5CPEDkqJ0rBoSvVButC~1bLcGdiaS3aryYl4NB64RjPr0w8kc5BGETMzPuTT2lHfbXL-8zJCdYUKeoWtBNdrGmAyWMTBAteVIcNa1iX-YNOZDAosgiVqbmbLtuuFSZLJTMPUrkFhKqP4JlQKG7KQ16mMYu5jeBmICBL1TK9x10e3sVTS8g7T~oh7XJNLIt3-P7yC8x93cBk8dT-o1vPgauxVs0UFMJvgD4g~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah Wildlife Board on Jan. 9 approved the Division of Wildlife Resources’ cougar-rule changes (R657-10) that include a trial allowance to sell green (untanned) mountain-lion pelts and to permit claws attached to hides to be sold. The board set the change as a trial period and asked staff to monitor impacts.

Background and division recommendation
The division proposed allowing sale of untanned pelts and clarified that claws may be sold attached to hides; this would align formal rule language with current practice in some cases where frozen pelts and skulls have been sold at state auctions or through private channels.

Why it mattered
Comments were split. Supporters — including hunting and trapping groups and some producers — argued using more of the carcass is better stewardship and provides economic value. Opponents, including wildlife-advocacy organizations and some members of the public, argued that permitting sales could create market incentives to increase take and risk further declines in cougar populations. They cited concerns about a high percentage of females in the harvest and other signals of population vulnerability.

Board decision and conditions
The board voted to adopt the division’s proposal with a two‑year trial period for green pelts and the technical clarification that claws attached to hides may be sold. The board did not adopt broader proposals to legalize sale of detached skulls or other body parts at this time; members asked the division to monitor harvest composition and population trends and report back.

Follow-up and monitoring
The division will track age and sex composition of the hunter take, monitor any changes in harvest levels, and report on the trial’s outcomes.","The board approved the division’s cougar recommendations, including a trial period permitting sale of green (untanned) pelts and allowing claws to remain attached to hides; the board declined at this meeting to expand sales to detached skulls and bones.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6396012,"Board raises bounties in mule-deer habitat to direct control efforts; keeps statewide incentive elsewhere",755,13281000,14036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853&start=13281&end=14036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853/thumbnail_13281000.jpg","/articles/6396012/Utah/Board-raises-bounties-in-mule-deer-habitat-to-direct-control-efforts-keeps-statewide-incentive-elsewhere","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396012-ae3e55950de473232d7b353aea5be2a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168647&Signature=bLEVz2LhnTYoo7xpJ7tEaqIEoeIraZuYAkb6BjnpRrlPHfrKcygVFX1SwTdoS~q4nBnq8GUhT4VSDGWvVqttA2P8~eZ6orlWL3-a20BpjuqAnENlqNXlwkp4B5y5QUMtB3ePV7zgaXUp-QkTdL~QofGbpvEnllJgGji6v7BEZssmWDWZpHwUzZhcWitWL91KyUPkclCKxfTHEEyNgF2NqJdejuUT1JIXGyFF-jGc8SThZshVxGwmc1LielzXnhfYtdMcffX6nOdH7UFbDBLZx7V3fKG7wdIbame7p5aGVpmlc376zfKbvYJr54uERMZ2GFI1xM4S-fGqBMSZ6S8dmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah Wildlife Board approved amendments to the predator-control incentive program (coyote bounty) on Jan. 9 to concentrate higher payments inside mule-deer habitat and maintain a lower payment elsewhere.

What changed
- The Division recommended — and the board adopted — a dual-tier bounty payment: $100 per coyote within crucial and substantial mule-deer habitat areas and $50 per coyote outside those mapped habitats. The mapping used by the division identifies crucial and substantial habitat polygons; payments will be verified using the division’s kill-location reporting system.

Why it matters
The change is intended to direct hunter/trapper effort and program resources to areas where coyote predation most harms mule-deer recruitment (neonate fawns), while still maintaining a statewide incentive where coyotes affect other values such as antelope fawns or local livestock.

RAC and public input
- RACs varied in detail but generally supported focusing the bounty in mule‑deer habitat. Some RACs proposed seasonal or timing refinements (e.g., focusing higher payments near fawning windows); the division considered these but proposed a stable dual-tier payment to both target habitat and remain administratively feasible.
- Online comments and Safari Club International supported the amendments; one commenter suggested longer trap-check intervals to encourage trapper participation.

Budget and implementation
Division staff reported the adjusted payment structure fits within the existing program budget (~$250,000) and should allow payouts if participation remains at recent levels. Staff will implement mapping and kill‑verification procedures and monitor changes in take and mule-deer metrics.","The board approved higher coyote bounty payments in mule-deer habitat: $100 in crucial and substantial mule-deer habitat, $50 outside those areas, to incentivize targeted predator control focused on protecting fawns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6396016,"Board approves 2025–27 waterfowl, migratory-game recommendations and a consolidated guidebook plan",839,1714000,2553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853&start=1714&end=2553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853/thumbnail_1714000.jpg","/articles/6396016/Utah/Board-approves-202527-waterfowl-migratory-game-recommendations-and-a-consolidated-guidebook-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396016-3ac5b675397254fd128ebd35caec82cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168647&Signature=E0UZeTT68UNTfStj8TbaWxrynd1mNUX69LMHtPYfAGC8h62ePBKa8VUUdZcwqNSCSRGPu5p1lcpxu7fzYQ76LA0urQR0gyQm73oyuP8j4PhED3Vh-vRBHOHwytp~F0SaCP6aPhtRfRsazfvCAVYxocwCkLY3E7w30NQqj-ncAUCTD6pP~ajOEweH-jxp-WMJfb3dfESxpQZLiC5syPZ5Sz-EsFFdjJ75d7e45wFRIlkHEf55qpLeU3uQDb0dtV5mgKgFTKDz4kTNDbtGInTiz36KdBPEmcSscVX7dKIS2Q5CFk43Ge0y8XFmkbzsEJ4xrmPGoxzsgGDlqzoMF6pZLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah Wildlife Board on Jan. 9 voted to approve the Division of Wildlife Resources’ waterfowl and migratory game recommendations for 2025–27, endorsing season dates, limited-entry and over-the-counter adjustments and the division’s proposal to combine federal-framework migratory species into a single guidebook.

Why it matters: The change aims to reduce confusion for hunters by grouping species that require federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration into one migratory guidebook, while maintaining waterfowl hunting heritage and hunting traditions. RACs and some board members debated whether to also move certain upland game birds into the combined book; the division recommended keeping state‑managed upland species separately to avoid HIP-registration confusion.

Key items and votes
- The board approved the division’s waterfowl and migratory-game recommendations as presented. Several RACs reported unanimous support; the central region debated guidebook combinations but ultimately a motion to accept the recommendations passed on the floor.
- Regional adjustments discussed included sandhill-crane framework clarifications and the possibility of additional transmitter studies to support any future expansion of crane hunt areas.

Public and RAC input
- Online comments included requests for improved ADA accessibility at waterfowl hunting sites and a suggestion to apply a scaup-season change statewide rather than only in the southern duck zone.
- RACs reported mostly unanimous motions to accept the division’s recommendations. The central region objected to moving some upland species into the migratory guidebook but passed the remainder of the package.

Division follow-up
The division will finalize guidebook language, note Forest Service permitting constraints where relevant, and continue outreach on ADA access and reservation-based blinds. Staff said combining federally-framed migratory game species is intended to reduce confusion about HIP registration for hunters.","The board approved the Division’s 2025–27 waterfowl and migratory‑game recommendations, backing a proposal to combine migratory game birds into a single guidebook and adopt regional season recommendations, with some RAC feedback.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6396020,"Wildlife board approves revised Utah black-bear management plan, amid livestock and deer concerns",5671,2711000,8382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853&start=2711&end=8382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2097673-6423aa7acdd4a69c371d0d0e1943a853/thumbnail_2711000.jpg","/articles/6396020/Utah/Wildlife-board-approves-revised-Utah-black-bear-management-plan-amid-livestock-and-deer-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6396020-18cda6a24209cb2ada4f31af5979bebc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168647&Signature=WOJGsCjGtPwfhFd4-lNVJZOBx2s02a6ZmNwARG57CZ42peZ03FSrLmiCgAn7mCLMT7SnIb4bPLlTKK0CgUeAaaOBhNdRqQhsMy181NGS4foWwK9Uxh4njL6IbiyE3hv6~sqICpDLr5qwn-s5THHn2t5xC2CY0W44rJ8tBWubaAYu7-JyQqtzYhl56hI7YSpxtD5JB-TXWTV32vGmNytUrJP0099q0tTyhO20MP-7GgrncAv7mJr9p6lsfDuWIsk2JY4TixhkwR2AxHAnhXRKS87eAXH7rwn5qzX~AjjMSJKEDRNXHZVndm3R7iQ4470f3X1TrZo63LAoQR9Ngd3huQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah Wildlife Board on Jan. 9 approved revisions to the Utah black-bear management plan and related rule (R657-33), endorsing the Division of Wildlife Resources’ mix of permit allocations and hunting strategies but adding follow-up work requested by several board members and public commenters.

The board approved the division’s package after discussion about permit numbers, harvest strategies on specific units, and the use of metal barrels for baiting. The division also agreed to pursue an action item to examine allowing baiting on private lands in limited cases and to look at implementing targeted opportunities that assist landowners coping with livestock depredation.

Why it matters: Producers and outdoor recreationists told the board they are seeing more bears, and some lambing and fawn losses were attributed to predation. The debate highlighted trade-offs the division balances: reducing conflict with livestock and neonate predation on mule deer while avoiding overharvesting bears in some areas.

Division recommendation and board action
- The division recommended unit-by-unit adjustments driven by three criteria: presence of domestic-sheep allotments and depredations, documented human conflicts or property/campground issues, and evidence of bear impacts on neonate mule deer. The plan also clarifies baiting rules on U.S. Forest Service lands and fixes a permit-table typo (NEVO permits should be 36, not 26).
- The Board adopted the division’s proposal as amended during the meeting, and approved several ancillary motions from advisory councils, including adding three multi‑season permits to the Cache-Ogden unit to increase opportunity where forest gates delay spring access. The board also directed staff to add to the action log a study of baiting on private land and how public access might be incorporated with landowner permission.

Public comments and stakeholder concerns
Ranchers and wool growers from multiple regions told the board they are experiencing increased losses and scattered herds after bear encounters; several said losses have economic impacts and urged more aggressive removal in depredation areas. Producers described recent events in which multiple bears were confirmed taking livestock in single drainages.

Sportsmen’s groups said targeted hunting and adjustments in permits can manage bear densities and benefit mule deer; some urged close tracking of neonate predation. The Safari Club International supported the division’s recommendations and specifically backed use of metal containers for baiting when permitted.

Division response and safeguards
Division staff said they are not seeking to eradicate black bears but to reduce conflicts and protect deer where scientific evidence shows local impacts. Biologists noted neonate predation can be density dependent—higher bear densities can mean larger impacts on fawns—and that solutions vary by unit. The division said it will continue to use monitoring data and to work with administrative partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, when baiting or containers are used on federal lands.

Next steps
The board asked staff to draft the private‑land baiting action item for future consideration and to return with implementation details. Staff will also finalize rule language clarifications and correct the NEVO permit table number.","The Utah Wildlife Board approved revisions to Rule R657-33 on black-bear management after extensive public comment from livestock producers and sportsmen. The division kept most recommendations but agreed to several clarifications and to add an action item to study baiting on private land.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board endorses updated shed-antler gathering guidance, keeps broad public access with ethics course

Board narrowly keeps proposal to allow sale of green mountain‑lion pelts on a trial basis

Board raises bounties in mule-deer habitat to direct control efforts; keeps statewide incentive elsewhere

Board approves 2025–27 waterfowl, migratory-game recommendations and a consolidated guidebook plan

Wildlife board approves revised Utah black-bear management plan, amid livestock and deer concerns