Utah's Backcountry Hunters support elk tag increase amid San Juan permit discussion

The DWR RAC Meeting for the Northern Region, held on April 9, 2025, focused on wildlife management recommendations, particularly concerning elk and pronghorn permits. The meeting featured discussions on proposed changes to hunting permits, with a notable emphasis on the San Juan chapter's request to maintain current bullet permit levels.

During the meeting, Troy, representing the San Juan chapter, expressed support for the division's recommendations but highlighted the desire to keep bullet permits unchanged from the previous year. Adam Dennison, from Utah's chapter of backcountry hunters and anglers, voiced general support for a modest increase in elk tags for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of expanding public hunting opportunities.

The discussion also included a review of the San Juan elk population, which has shown fluctuations in age classes over recent years. The current objective age for the unit is set between 6.5 to 7 years, with the average age recorded at 7.9 years. The committee recommended increasing the number of permits from 105 to 115, reflecting a careful approach to wildlife management.

A motion to accept the elk permit recommendations was made and unanimously approved by the committee members, indicating strong consensus on the proposed changes. The meeting concluded with a transition to discussions on pronghorn permit recommendations for 2025, signaling ongoing efforts to manage wildlife populations effectively in Utah.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in wildlife management and the importance of balancing hunting opportunities with sustainable practices.