CWMU Officials Discuss Elk Harvest Strategy and Potential Rule Changes

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources held a Wildlife Board Meeting on August 21, 2025, focusing on elk management and hunting regulations within the state. A significant discussion centered around the management of cow elk permits, particularly in areas designated as Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMUs).

During the meeting, a board member disclosed their involvement with the Ensign Ranch, a CWMU, and expressed concerns regarding the perceived overpopulation of elk in certain areas. They emphasized that their experience over 30 years of hunting in the Chaw Creek unit led them to believe that the current elk population numbers may be inflated. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing elk populations while balancing the interests of private landowners and public hunters.

The board considered the implications of allowing hunters to purchase a second cow elk permit. This proposal aims to address the overpopulation in specific units while providing additional hunting opportunities for the public. The committee acknowledged the need to accommodate both public hunters and CWMU operators, who expressed concerns about the increasing number of hunters they must manage.

The conversation also touched on the potential for expanding hunting opportunities beyond CWMUs to include more general tags for cow elk on both public and private lands. The board emphasized the importance of relying on biologists' expertise to make informed decisions about elk management across various units.

In a procedural matter, a board member questioned whether they should recuse themselves from voting on issues related to their CWMU. The board agreed that recusal was appropriate to maintain impartiality.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to balance wildlife management with hunting opportunities, ensuring that both ecological and recreational needs are met in Utah's diverse landscapes. The board plans to continue evaluating strategies for effective elk population management in the coming months.