The Northern RAC voted unanimously to approve the Southeast Region big-game management plan as presented. Dustin Mitchell and other DWR staff explained that several unit population objectives changed after the division incorporated improved, unit‑specific data into its population models and survival inputs.

RAC members asked why some objectives rose relative to prior plans. DWR staff responded that earlier models used constant or less-detailed survival inputs; with expanded collaring and survival data, models now show higher current population estimates on certain units (for example, the LaSal unit), leading staff to propose higher objectives than the most recent plan iteration. Staff emphasized that the revised objectives remain below historical peaks and that units would still be monitored and managed, including targeted hunts in CWD hotspots.

Members pressed for clarity on how CWD would be managed during hunts. Staff said CWD hot spots are concentrated near Moab and Castle Valley; the division will run hunts this fall intended to target older bucks (the demographic most likely to display clinical signs) and that post-harvest testing is mandatory in the affected hunts. Staff advised hunters that antlers may be retained but consumption of meat from test‑positive animals is discouraged.

RAC questions highlighted public perception risks: some members said raising objectives could prompt misunderstandings when tag numbers are announced and asked staff to be prepared to explain population science and modeling changes. Staff said they would continue outreach and noted that plan revisions are subject to committee review and regional consideration.

A motion by Rob Dale, seconded by Wyatt Selman, carried unanimously to approve the Southeast Region plan as presented.