Utah Wildlife Board approves public land renewals and reviews hunting license exemptions

The recent DWR RAC meeting held on May 22, 2025, in Utah, focused on significant updates regarding wildlife management and licensing regulations. The meeting's primary agenda item was the acceptance of the 2025 cooperative wildlife management units and public land renewals, which passed unanimously after a motion by Eric Majors and a second by Natasha Hadden. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to manage wildlife resources effectively in the region.

A key discussion point was the introduction of House Bill 309, which mandates that individuals must hold a valid hunting, fishing, or combination license to engage in activities within wildlife management areas (WMAs). Chelsea Duke, who presented the updates, clarified that this law, effective since May 7, 2025, was enacted by the Utah legislature and is not merely a rule set by the Wildlife Board. The board's role is now to implement this law, which includes defining terms and establishing exemptions as permitted.

Duke emphasized that the Wildlife Board's authority is limited under this new legislation. Specifically, the board cannot exempt individuals based solely on their lack of engagement in hunting, trapping, or fishing within WMAs. Instead, the board can only define what constitutes an educational program or visitor center and outline specific exemptions. This law applies to class 1 and class 2 counties, including Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, and Davis, affecting a total of 30 WMAs in the Northern and Central regions.

During the meeting, RAC members raised questions about the potential for exemptions, particularly regarding federal land management employees conducting official duties. The discussion also touched on the presence of mountain bikers in WMAs, with some members expressing concerns about fairness, given that these areas are primarily designated for wildlife management rather than recreational activities.

The meeting concluded without public comments, indicating a lack of immediate community feedback on the proposed changes. However, the implications of House Bill 309 and the Wildlife Board's new responsibilities are likely to resonate within the community as they navigate the balance between wildlife conservation and recreational use of public lands. As the board moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring compliance with the new law while considering the diverse interests of various stakeholders in the region.