[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6579690,"mediaKeyId","3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f","parentId",3049952,"title","RAC endorses updated expo-permit rule and allows contractor limited online validation","audioSeconds",1404,"startMs",6396000,"endMs",7800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f&start=6396&end=7800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f/thumbnail_6396000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579690/Utah/RAC-endorses-updated-expo-permit-rule-and-allows-contractor-limited-online-validation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579690-0da95bf8cb73dc3fa8b8f6c68174cf5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765008&Signature=aOO1-A1P~cbJRiHkovqVkmbd-MVjoW0mH6S-Mho3UF6P7y-6mxl8jaIP12ro04CINuy87ECSokDM3eYOlTCl4FcpaCcvkDX3tC~qA9Mr2UGwdhl9RDz04YxmoiaAskMcfCFPYT7yF1lWIBGtUH8ZSEPzuhAKsNkTlnvVoFC5mFoZSVpyu2kS221Fx7zKltqIt4x-LchPOqeGxQ~92Ah4IVho5ZCdBqMbF~24bkO5iCmkF7jPXweazVTRiwIbVRao-Jdkg6WSLwzyFsUEjo80O61r76aV73l1D4KhrfEksepgQZkvANMB82917iOsVZtGzph0Fuo6HXuHlI8lLWeXnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-18T10:18:47.983Z","article","The Northeastern RAC considered amendments to the state’s expo-permit rule, which governs special drawings and permit distributions sold through the annual conservation-expo process. The RAC approved the rule as presented and adopted an amendment that gives the selected contract holder discretion to offer online validation for up to 50 of the expo permits (out of a maximum 200) during the forthcoming contract period. The amended motion passed by a 6-2 margin.

DWR staff described the expo program as an important revenue source for targeted conservation projects (the program generated roughly $2 million annually in recent years, per DWR comments) and explained that rule changes would clean up procurement and contract language, allow a modest increase to the application fee (the proposed rule sets an allowable application fee range of $5–$10), and clarify how funds must be used and audited. The rule keeps a required in-person validation element for most expo permits but the RAC amendment allows the contractor flexibility to pilot limited online validation for up to 50 permits; the RAC stated that flexibility should be used cautiously to preserve resident and local access and the economic benefits of in-person events.

The RAC discussed program transparency and auditing; DWR staff said expo revenue is audited annually and that 35% of application fees return to the contractor for processing and the remainder is directed to conservation projects, including cooperative agreements and other allowable uses. Conservation groups that spoke at the meeting supported the program and noted expo funds have been used for large habitat projects, nursery facilities for bighorn sheep and other conservation priorities.

Motion and vote: the RAC approved the DWR’s rule amendments as presented and approved the contractor-flexibility amendment (allow online validation up to 50 permits); the final recorded vote was 6 in favor, 2 opposed.

The RAC’s recommendation will be included in board materials for final rule adoption; DWR staff noted the board and procurement process will finalize the contract and the fee schedule in the next procurement cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DWR RAC Meeting - Northeastern Region 04/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Northeastern RAC recommended the Division’s expo-permit rule amendments and approved an amendment allowing the contract holder limited discretion to offer online validation for up to 50 of the expo permits; the motion passed 6-2.","taxTitle","Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Government Divisions, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",7888,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6579695,"RAC approves landowner-permit rule changes and asks board to examine point loss for permit holders",592,5198000,5790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f&start=5198&end=5790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f/thumbnail_5198000.jpg","/articles/6579695/Utah/RAC-approves-landowner-permit-rule-changes-and-asks-board-to-examine-point-loss-for-permit-holders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579695-a498018ca9e478569eb3db8600507e4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765008&Signature=nN-uC3cJ60tbSzNEZ3mJP6DJdVy5ecFrCr5MbSAhsGQXWp0DcVTPMgkSI6821PJBqeejEZC8NEy3oQWbxRleovXsdHZ8WrLP4psThp4NtIEPMtbPIlS3TSn2~jhs4UbKGm4Sfn9RPAuQdkzhwsLm1tgwVrEvg8Z0uv9jQcRD9f4ArwrtsimVDAUdFYdjJ0n5bFh9Sgo9C5z9eVL-Dl3OhohIPHzytT6buGBVl-8QMbJY6~K4rCUHpGf2G5g1~Wm9uYoiprIdxun84rgKPRV66nLKcjMbRLtdBdfg3kK~ufb4ycd5xffU40gwY~GlU4x2z7jTvMy8BjWznbePImRXRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northeastern RAC approved proposed amendments to the landowner-permit rule (authority language referenced in meeting) that tighten how DWR will evaluate bulk permit vouchers for landowners owning between 4,899 and 8,999 acres. The RAC’s motion to accept the rule as presented passed unanimously.

Separately, the RAC voted 5-3 to ask the wildlife board to evaluate whether an individual who obtains a permit via a voucher (for example, a CWMU voucher, private-land voucher or similar) should lose their accumulated drawing points for that species. The motion asked the board to place the issue on the action log for study and potential rule review; proponents said the change could address ‘‘point creep’’ and perceived double-dipping by permit holders who both draw and buy vouchers; opponents urged caution, noting many landowners and small operators rely on voucher programs and that removing points would disadvantage long-term point holders.

Motion and vote details: Jake Huber moved to accept the landowner permit rule amendments as presented; Eric Majors seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later, Jake Huber moved that the board review whether permit holders who obtain permits via vouchers or conservation tags should forfeit points; the motion was seconded and passed 5-3. RAC members and staff discussed program mechanics, statutory limits and how the LOA (landowner access) and CWMU programs differ.

DWR staff reminded the RAC that certain programs and the drawing rules are governed by separate rule sections (drawing-procedure rules) and that a board-level review would be the appropriate place to clarify point treatment. The RAC’s request is advisory; any change to point accrual or forfeiture would require rulemaking and an explicit change to the drawing rules.

Clarifying detail: the landowner voucher change applies to a narrow acreage band (4,899–8,999 acres), and the RAC asked the board to study effects before any broader changes to drawing or point rules are adopted.

The RAC’s item will be forwarded to the wildlife board with the RAC’s twin recommendations: approve the landowner rule as written and review the point-forfeiture question at the board level.","The Northeastern RAC approved rule amendments implementing new landowner-voucher criteria and separately passed an action item requesting the wildlife board to review whether permit holders should forfeit drawing points after redeeming vouchers or conservation permits.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6579699,"RAC backs DWR changes to big-game rule on reporting deadlines, weapons and CWD-related import restrictions",476,676000,1152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f&start=676&end=1152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f/thumbnail_676000.jpg","/articles/6579699/Utah/RAC-backs-DWR-changes-to-big-game-rule-on-reporting-deadlines-weapons-and-CWD-related-import-restrictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579699-8cd8b15e7117c6b120f7cfb43a655a4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765008&Signature=j8wJyTcWNNu-SuzJizpuPv9AXGMogDLkjXW2DVyhxnwGy79ktx48qtshcDcRfGhhW9~kkEuz3AKWv6ySF~7vbCYyrbtx2d4snEFCrsvTC2Qm7di-sOOL-TtGJm5KWb~ltkd9Jsy~md~l6PKjFx9Lc0SrQkgnisKpXCrYOSM-UYh-Np7xCWx4lkNsrlP6mvq-sOt6Lbxx-owwKoSIVBIvT7wmbeoBFV8rj1vyIlGFTWcH72tDHm69g4kQrEpnS1LhBSLgX8~okH6elJlxWuiHWLwQHDd52HNklXDsstz6HICukCakijsEu8w84cf9fRl2Pusy-IFL8twCGPW5lB7ndA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northeastern Regional Advisory Council voted to accept proposed amendments to the state “taking big game” rule (R657-5) as presented by Division wildlife staff. The package included four changes: a shortened mandatory harvest-report deadline for the latest hunts, removal of an area-wide hunting prohibition around the town of Alton in favor of targeted management access, a wording change to allow restricted-rifle permit holders to hunt all seasons on units where they hold a restricted rifle, and a change to CWD-related import restrictions to permit antlered skulls without spinal columns but permit some head/brain material for European-style mounts.

Division staff described the rationale: shortening the reporting deadline gives biologists more time to process data in advance of recommendations; the Alton change is intended to allow management hunting where fences and landowner cooperation can reduce deer impacts to town hay fields; the weapon-language change aligns restricted-rifle wording with existing practice; and the import rule change responds to frequent interstate transport of antlered skulls for euro-mounting while preserving the prohibition on spinal columns and limiting higher-risk tissues.

A RAC member raised a public-safety and disease-prevention question about whether skulls must have skin removed; the division replied that the greatest CWD risk is spinal column and brain tissue, and that the rule would continue to prohibit entry of spinal columns. DWR staff said the division plans additional education and outreach to encourage proper removal and disposal of high-risk tissues.

The RAC motion to accept the rule changes was put and carried unanimously.

Direct quote from DWR staff: “We don't want any spinal column attached, but if it has brain in it, you're bringing it back to, you know, do a European mount...we feel like maybe that's a reasonable compromise,” (Dax, Division staff).

The DWR said it will also follow up with wildlife veterinarians and enforcement to clarify what is allowed and to expand public education about safe handling and disposal of high-risk parts from CWD-endemic areas.

The RAC’s acceptance will be recorded in the board briefing materials; final adoption of rule text is subject to the wildlife board process and any required state rulemaking steps.","The RAC accepted proposed amendments to the \"taking big game\" rule that shorten some mandatory harvest-report deadlines, clarify restricted-rifle language and relax import restrictions on antlered skulls from states with chronic wasting disease (CWD).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6579704,"Northeastern RAC approves 2025 deer-permit plan, halves proposed Beaver West increase",2602,1238000,3840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f&start=1238&end=3840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049952-3069096f9eeeb81302ef6137d5176c9f/thumbnail_1238000.jpg","/articles/6579704/Utah/Northeastern-RAC-approves-2025-deer-permit-plan-halves-proposed-Beaver-West-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579704-46ad258aaabc9e45554b7cf4934b89b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765008&Signature=CgRkicOBpyl99Y37o1dW~s9mkq5XhC08tZ2LB4SjDuN8c6X4yH-eVYj5QwPVVOJQobFZx4hxaseu0pGAkUjV-0WSUfAjNFTCRbyab~C5n5DvL~hgvHXYNZQP3~W6KdZhPHltn76xnSVBNxOwlG-WOU4j1HZxU4fk0tlVUCthHEQnx-pCPEPzFU9yiZ50-jA1cMfEFx6stzBXrT22yfEgMbBztBy0HtybIg9PLHIXLvm5MTW5VNUubf~mY3JoZst2w65Nxa9yYqULExrlp~83qqz5GG7jp7d2fOIBVnc~KVm1c2mac~0BQQQZCDaFTePB8qfxsqNESSVHlJPTVoDH~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northeastern Regional Advisory Council voted to approve the Division of Wildlife Resources’ deer-permit recommendations for 2025, with one change: the council reduced the proposed increase for the Beaver West unit from 900 permits to 450.

The motion to approve the package with that exception passed 7-1 after extended discussion about buck-to-doe objectives, chronic wasting disease (CWD) risk and hunter opportunity. Richie Anderson moved to approve the plan as presented but halve the Beaver West increase; the motion was seconded and carried by a 7-1 vote.

The recommendations implement the first set of permit changes under the new statewide deer-management plan adopted last fall. Division staff told the RAC they will automatically implement permit adjustments that fall within 20% of last year’s permit numbers and bring changes larger than that through public process. The new plan aims to manage buck-to-doe ratios in some units to address productivity and CWD risk, and issues about 20% of premium limited-entry permits as “management buck” permits intended to increase harvest on younger males while preserving some older-buck opportunity.

RAC members and public commenters pressed several points: some speakers urged caution, saying the region is still below population objectives in several herds and large permit increases could be premature; others, including representatives of sportsmen’s groups, asked the DWR to proceed but monitor outcomes closely. Multiple public electronic comments and in-person speakers opposed increases on specific units, citing crowding and hunter success concerns.

Biologists explained technical drivers behind particular recommendations: drought and past winter mortality depressed cohorts on some limited-entry units (for example, the Diamond–Vernal complex), leading to permit reductions; conversely, improved conditions and modeled population responses supported increases on some southern units. The DWR also described changes in how it will calculate and implement “dedicated hunter” allocations and how rotating or rolling percentages might simplify administering those dedicated permits.

On the Beaver split in southern Utah, the RAC majority supported a more cautious approach than the division’s full recommendation. Several RAC members said a phased increase (450 additional permits) would let managers and the public assess effects before larger increases.

Clarifying details: the statewide plan sets management objectives (for example, premium limited-entry units aim for roughly 40–45 bucks per 100 does); the DWR will issue about 20% of premium-unit permits as management-buck permits; automatic implementation is triggered for permit changes within 20% of prior-year numbers (the deer committee had proposed 30% but the board set 20%).

The RAC asked the DWR for ongoing data reporting — harvest composition, number of days hunted, and unit-by-unit pregnancy and body-condition measures — and asked that the division revisit units if outcomes diverge from model projections. The council also asked the DWR to keep working with landowners and to provide more outreach on how permit and season changes interact with local access and private-land issues.

The council’s decision now goes to the wildlife board as part of the public record and will be considered with input from other regional councils.","The Northeastern Regional Advisory Council backed the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) 2025 deer-permit recommendations but voted to cut the proposed Beaver West permit increase in half after public and RAC concern.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

RAC endorses updated expo-permit rule and allows contractor limited online validation

RAC approves landowner-permit rule changes and asks board to examine point loss for permit holders

RAC backs DWR changes to big-game rule on reporting deadlines, weapons and CWD-related import restrictions

Northeastern RAC approves 2025 deer-permit plan, halves proposed Beaver West increase