Wildlife Board revamps Antelope Island hunting MOU for public benefit

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources held a Wildlife Board Meeting on June 12, 2025, focusing on updates to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding hunting on Antelope Island. The meeting addressed public concerns about fairness and benefits related to hunting permits on the island, which has been a topic of discussion for several years.

Key changes to the MOU were proposed to enhance public access and equity in hunting opportunities. The board emphasized the need for a more transparent process that would ensure public benefit from hunting activities. Among the significant updates, the board introduced the possibility of a checker hunt and predator control measures to manage the coyote population, which has been impacting deer fawns on the island.

The new agreement allows for a minimum of two public draw permits for buck deer, with the potential to increase to five management buck permits. This change aims to provide more opportunities for public hunters while ensuring that conservation permits do not dominate the hunting landscape. For sheep hunting, the management will follow a plan that may adjust the number of permits based on population assessments, with all permits going through a public draw.

Additionally, the distribution of proceeds from conservation permits was revised. Previously, 10% of proceeds went to the group selling the permit, while 90% was allocated to state parks. The new structure aims for a more equitable split, ensuring that funds are used transparently for habitat work and other benefits for the general sportsman.

The board clarified its role in the MOU, focusing on the approval of permits and the overall structure of the hunting program. The meeting concluded with positive feedback from stakeholders, highlighting the importance of these changes in providing fair hunting opportunities for the public while maintaining conservation efforts on Antelope Island.