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Senate approves limited special hunting permits for Antelope Island over local objections
Summary
The Senate passed a first-substitute bill adding a small number of special hunting permits for Antelope Island to address herd growth; supporters said the measure helps management and funding, while some local representatives said residents and tourism interests opposed the change.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on Monday passed a first-substitute bill authorizing additional special hunting permits on Antelope Island for bison, sheep and mule deer, a measure sponsors said would help manage increasing herds and generate revenue.
“It's 2 hunting permits for bison and also 2 permits for sheep and mule deer,” Senator Hickman said, describing the bill’s approach to allow harvest of older, unproductive animals. Hickman framed the change as a management tool consistent with multiple use policies across state parks.
Senator Thomas said he had “heard from virtually everybody in Davis and Weber County, and they are unanimously opposed to this,” and said local residents’ concerns about tourism and wildlife viewing weighed against the proposal. Senator Christiansen, who also spoke from Weber County, disputed the characterization of unanimous opposition: “I live in Weber County. I am for this,” she said, adding that the Legislature has financial responsibility for the park.
Senator McCoy cautioned about framing the bill as a biological necessity, saying the proposal appeared to be about revenue. “This bill is not about thinning out the herds ... What this is about, pure and simple, is cash,” he said, urging transparency if the intent is revenue generation.
Supporters pointed to existing statute empowering the Division of Parks and Recreation to permit multiple uses in state parks and said wildlife and game-control agencies would set rules and seasons. After debate the Senate called the question and passed the first substitute SB187 by recorded vote (18 yes, 11 nay). The bill will be referred to the House for further consideration.
The floor debate highlighted a split between local-tourism concerns and statewide wildlife-management and fiscal responsibility arguments. Sponsors said the measure is limited in scope and aimed at specific population management needs; critics asked for more local input and voiced concern about the island’s role as a tourist attraction.
