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RAC backs changes to surrender and variance timelines, adds subpoena as qualifying event
Summary
The council recommended shortening paperwork windows and aligning refund rules for limited-entry surrenders and variances, and adding court-ordered subpoenas during a hunt as a qualifying reason for variance; the RAC voted unanimously to approve the division’s recommendations.
Green River, Utah — The Southeastern Region Advisory Council recommended that the Division shorten deadlines and align language for hunt surrenders and variances, unanimously approving changes to bring medical and variance paperwork windows to 30 days and to add court-ordered subpoenas that occur during a hunt as a qualifying reason for a variance.
Division presenter Lindy told the council the change would align rules so that when hunts open fewer than 30 days after results are posted, the surrender process operates consistently and refunds for limited-entry hunts follow state code. "If someone is surrendering for a medical reason, right now you have to turn in your medical paperwork 90 days after the hunt ends, and we're proposing to shorten that to 30 days," Lindy said. She added the change removes lingering eligibility issues and shortens the window that has been used in some cases raising enforcement questions.
The division also proposed reducing the window for variance applications from 120 days after season end to 30 days, citing similar eligibility concerns, and removing COVID-19–related forbearance language no longer needed. Lindy said the division also recommended adding a court-ordered subpoena that occurs while a hunt is underway as an eligible reason to request a variance.
RAC discussion clarified that refunds under the proposed rules apply only to limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime permits; general-season tags are not eligible for refunds under state code. A council motion to approve the division recommendation was made by Charlie Fisher and seconded by Cash Stallings; the motion passed unanimously.
The division noted implementation steps would include updating rule language and outreach so hunters understand the shortened timelines and when refunds or variance consideration are available. No additional financial figures or exact statutory citations beyond a general reference to state code were provided during the meeting.
