Wildlife Board weighed landowner permit rule amid hunting access concerns

During the recent DWR RAC Meeting for the Southeastern Region held on April 16, 2025, significant discussions centered around the landowner permit program and its implications for public hunting access in Utah. A key proposal emerged to recommend changes to the wildlife board regarding how permits are issued and the associated points system for hunters.

One of the primary objectives of the landowner permit program is to enhance private landowner tolerance of big game on their properties. Participants praised the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for successfully increasing this tolerance over the past three decades. However, concerns were raised about the program's effectiveness in securing public hunting access on private lands, with only two out of seven programs currently requiring such access.

A motion was proposed to recommend that if a hunter draws a permit for a specific species, they would lose their accumulated points for that species and incur a waiting period before applying for another permit. This change aims to level the playing field between private landowners and public hunters, as it was noted that some individuals could apply for both landowner and public draws, potentially gaining an unfair advantage.

The discussion highlighted the disparity in hunting opportunities, with some landowners having access to high-quality tags while public hunters face limitations. The proposed changes seek to ensure that hunters must choose between applying for a landowner draw or a public draw for the same species, thereby preventing double-dipping in the points system.

The motion received support from several members, emphasizing the need for a fairer system that prioritizes public access to hunting opportunities. The meeting concluded with a consensus to refine the motion further, ensuring clarity in the language regarding permits and points.

As the wildlife board considers these recommendations, the outcome could significantly impact hunting regulations and access in Utah, shaping the future of wildlife management and public engagement in the state.