Wildlife Board addresses miscommunication on doe pronghorn hunt permits

In a recent Wildlife Board meeting held in Utah, discussions centered around a critical oversight in the antlerless application process for pronghorn hunts. Dax Mangus, the big game coordinator, addressed the board regarding a miscommunication that had led to confusion over the number of doe permits available for the Vernal O Ray Valley hunt.

Initially, the hunt was intended to offer two doe permits, but due to an error, it had been advertised as a single permit. As the application deadline approached, Mangus emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that hunters had already begun applying under the assumption that two permits were available. To resolve the issue, he proposed to maintain the hunt as a two doe permit, which would align with public expectations and the current application process.

The board members expressed their concerns about the implications of this decision on wildlife populations. Mangus reassured them that the local wildlife population could sustain the permits without negative impacts, as the hunt targets specific agricultural lands and adjustments had already been made to reduce landowner vouchers.

While the board did not formally vote on the matter, they acknowledged the need for improved communication in future processes to prevent similar issues. The meeting concluded with a sense of resolution, as members appreciated the transparency and commitment to refining procedures moving forward. As the board adjourned, they left with a shared understanding of the importance of clear communication in wildlife management and the responsibility they hold in balancing public interest with ecological sustainability.