Wildlife Division proposes new criteria for elk tag vouchers distribution

During the recent DWR RAC Meeting for the Central Region, held on April 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around proposed changes to the criteria for awarding elk hunting vouchers to landowners. The meeting highlighted the need for clearer guidelines to ensure fair distribution and management of wildlife resources.

One of the key proposals discussed was the introduction of specific criteria that the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will use to determine how many full tag vouchers will be awarded to landowners who apply for the program. This initiative aims to establish a more structured approach to managing elk populations while considering landowners' contributions to wildlife habitat and herd management.

The proposed criteria include evaluating landowners' historical contributions to habitat conservation, their willingness to manage elk populations on their property, and any wildlife-related convictions they may have. The DWR emphasized that these criteria would help ensure that only responsible landowners benefit from the program.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential for landowners to "double dip" by claiming depredation compensation while also receiving hunting permits. DWR representatives clarified that the rules would be enforced on a case-by-case basis, with specific regulations preventing landowners from applying for depredation claims on the same unit for which they receive permits.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the transparency of the voucher distribution process. Stakeholders expressed a desire for annual reports detailing how many vouchers were issued and to whom, ensuring public awareness of the program's impact on elk populations.

As the DWR moves forward with these proposed changes, the focus remains on balancing landowner interests with public access to hunting opportunities. The discussions reflect a commitment to responsible wildlife management and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. The next steps will involve finalizing the criteria and implementing the new rules, with ongoing evaluations to assess their effectiveness in managing Utah's elk populations.