Wildlife Board Approves 19 Drought Permits for Henry Mountains Bison Herd

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) convened a Wildlife Board Meeting on August 21, 2025, to address pressing issues concerning the management of the bison population in the Henry Mountains, particularly in light of ongoing drought conditions. The meeting highlighted the need for additional drought permits to ensure the sustainability of the bison herd and the surrounding habitat.

Rusty Robinson, the Once-in-a-Lifetime Species Coordinator, presented the DWR's recommendations for managing the bison population. The primary goal is to maintain a post-hunt population of 325 adult bison. However, due to severe drought conditions affecting the habitat, the DWR proposed issuing 19 additional resident permits for hunting. This decision aims to adjust the population size in response to the current environmental challenges, as indicated by the latest drought monitor map showing significant drought in Wayne and Garfield counties.

The DWR's strategy involves utilizing the drought monitor to make temporary adjustments to the bison population based on habitat conditions. Robinson emphasized the importance of preventing permanent habitat degradation, stating that the additional permits would help manage the bull-to-cow ratio, which is currently over the objective. The proposed permits would be allocated to three Hunter's Choice hunts, which allow hunters to select either a bull or a cow, rather than the cow hunts, which are already at capacity.

The discussions also touched on the bison's changing habitat usage due to the drought. As natural water sources dry up, bison are forced to congregate in areas with available water, potentially leading to overgrazing in those locations. Biologist Wade Baskett noted that while some areas remain green, the overall conditions are dry, and the bison's movement patterns are being affected. The DWR aims to mitigate these impacts by increasing hunting permits, thereby reducing the herd size and allowing the habitat to recover.

The board's deliberations underscored the collaborative approach taken by the DWR, which considers the needs of various stakeholders, including other grazers in the area. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of the proposed measures to protect both the bison population and the integrity of the habitat.

As the DWR moves forward with these recommendations, the focus will remain on monitoring the bison population and habitat conditions closely, ensuring that both wildlife and the ecosystem are preserved amid challenging environmental circumstances.