Northeast RAC asks DWR to study separate bobcat license to ease trapper‑class requirement

RAC members in Vernal moved and approved a request asking the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to research creating a bobcat hunting license not tied to the fur‑harvester (trapper) education requirement. The motion — seconded and approved by a raise‑of‑hands vote with roughly eight members in favor — asks DWR to review statutory and administrative steps needed and report back with options.

DWR staff explained that the current education requirement for certain trapping privileges is codified and that changing whether a bobcat tag can be issued without the fur‑harvester class could require code changes or legislative action. RAC members argued for a middle ground that would allow calling or hunting bobcats with hounds without imposing full trapping coursework on hunters who do not intend to trap.

Speakers at the meeting said demand for fur‑harvester classes is low in some places and classes fill quickly; DWR outreach staff noted they offer classes when requested and encouraged users to contact local offices to request training availability. RAC members suggested the division could propose a separate bobcat tag or an alternate education path that preserves safety and responsible take while expanding lawful opportunity.

The item was framed as a region‑level request for DWR to analyze options and return with a recommendation; no regulatory change was adopted at the RAC meeting itself.