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Wildlife board adopts Book Cliffs bison plan with wintering objectives for subunits
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a new Book Cliffs bison management plan that sets wintering adult objectives of 400 for the South+Little Creek subunit and 250 for Bitter Creek, reflecting habitat work, hunting strategies and committee input from sportsmen and ranchers.
The Utah Wildlife Board unanimously approved a new bison management plan for the Book Cliffs on Dec. 4, adopting subunit wintering adult objectives intended to guide future hunting and habitat work.
Northeast region biologist Clint Sampson told the board that a stakeholder committee—including sportsmen, ranchers and agency staff—recommended splitting the unit into three subunits and setting a wintering adult objective of 400 animals for the South and Little Creek (roadless) combination and 250 for the Bitter Creek side. "We came up with a plan to split the objective in the Book Cliffs among the three subunits," Sampson said, noting habitat projects and hunting pressure influence bison distribution.
Why it matters: The updated objectives reflect recent habitat treatments (chainings, seeding, water developments) and a desire to reduce cross‑border movements into Colorado if management there changes. Board members asked about potential impacts from Colorado delisting and how habitat projects influence bison movements; Sampson said habitat and hunting pressure can keep herds localized.
Board action: Rack reports showed broad support across regions and the board voted to accept the plan as presented. The plan will guide future habitat projects and hunting strategies to meet the new objectives.
Next steps: The division will remove two committee member names from the final document (members who did not participate) and proceed with implementation actions including prioritized habitat projects and monitoring.
