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RAC approves conservation‑permit rule amendments to expand hunter flexibility
Summary
The council unanimously recommended rule amendments to the conservation‑permit program intended to make permits and memorandum of understanding (MOU) arrangements more flexible for hunters and to ensure a demonstrable public benefit when conservation permits affect season timing.
The Northern Regional Advisory Council voted unanimously to recommend changes to the conservation‑permit rules after hearing an explanation from Kobe Jones of the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Jones said the amendments are intended to make the conservation permit program and associated MOUs more accommodating to hunters while ensuring the agreements demonstrate a public benefit. He told the RAC that the MOU language will require a public benefit when the conservation permit affects season timing or gives a conservation holder the first opportunity; examples include an increase in public permits or additional management buck permits tied to public benefit.
Public comment on the item was limited; one respondent “somewhat agreed” with the amendment and Angie Wanakott of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife spoke in support at the meeting. After discussion the RAC moved to accept the proposed amendment; the motion carried unanimously and will be forwarded to the wildlife board for final action.
The council asked staff to consider how permit timing and rotation will be handled in specific cases such as Antelope Island, where permit timing is governed by separate MOUs and state park arrangements, and staff said those rules remain governed by the MOU’s terms.
