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Board authorizes Division to implement additional CWMU cow permits for over-objective units
Summary
The board approved the Division's request to allow additional antlerless elk permits for CWMUs exceeding objectives (Morgan Southridge, Chalk Creek), and agreed the Division can implement options in rule going forward; two board members recused.
The board voted to authorize the Division to implement provisions in the CWMU rule that provide tools for units that have been at least 10% over population objective for three consecutive years. The Division had recommended allowing CWMUs with over-objective elk populations to offer additional antlerless elk permits (a second cow permit option) and other measures under the rule.
Darren (Division staff) told the board the items were included in the rule passed last year and that the Division sought approval to apply the rule tools immediately for units that need them. Units named for the current recommendation included Morgan Southridge and Chalk Creek. The Division noted prior-year results for some operators; for example, Deseret reportedly harvested nearly 400 cows under similar options last year.
Board members discussed fairness to public hunters, how supplemental permits would be allocated, and the risk of increasing hunter pressure on private lands. Darren said the Division's intent is to offer the additional permit option first to hunters already licensed to hunt the CWU (using existing licensing logic) and then to work down other options if harvest objectives are not met, including depredation hunts or other measures described in rule.
Recusals and vote: Board member Chris Robinson said he would recuse himself because of his role with a CWMU; Ryan Fouts also recused later in the record. The motion, made by Kent Johnson and seconded by Paula Richmond, passed with the recorded outcome of four yes votes and two recusals.
Next steps: Division staff will notify eligible hunters and CWMU operators, offer the special-tag options through the licensing system, and return to the board with implementation results and harvest reporting.
