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RAC backs Utah DWR turkey changes amid debate over selling landowner vouchers
Summary
The Northern RAC accepted DWR recommendations to expand turkey control tools — mandatory harvest reporting, increased control permits and conservation compensation — but a heated debate unfolded over whether landowners should be allowed to sell turkey vouchers or charge access fees.
The Northern Regional Advisory Council unanimously accepted the Division of Wildlife Resources(DWR) recommendations for wild turkey management after an extensive discussion that split sportsmen's groups, landowners and some conservationists.
DWR told the RAC it was proposing several changes: mandatory harvest reporting for turkeys, adding turkeys to the urban deer plan, increasing landowner control permits from two to five, authorizing monetary compensation through the conservation agreement rule for nuisance situations, and removing language that prohibited selling vouchers and charging access fees.
"We're adding three new tools to the toolbox," said Chuck Carpenter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, who emphasized data collection and landowner relief but warned against commodifying access. "When you switch to a commodification of wildlife, that's a big step."
Supporters of the proposal argued the changes are targeted to reduce damage during drought and help landowners tolerate nuisance flocks. Sierra Nelson of the Utah Wool Growers Association told the RAC that turkeys were causing significant crop damage and "this recommendation allows for relief to the producers that has not been there in the past." Saki White of the Utah Farm Bureau made a similar case for compensation as a practical tool.
Opponents, including Carpenter and some members of the conservation community, cautioned that allowing vouchers to be sold could shift access away from public hunters toward buyers, creating a pay‑to‑hunt dynamic. Carpenter urged a stepwise approach: enact reporting and compensation first, then evaluate whether selling vouchers is necessary.
DWR staff clarified mechanics of the voucher program: vouchers would be issued after site assessments, generally beards‑off (hen) permits to avoid trophy incentives, and could be limited in number (10% of offending animals, with a 15‑voucher maximum). The division also said it would retain trapping as a priority removal tool when feasible.
After discussion and public comment from landowner organizations and sportsmen's groups, the RAC moved and unanimously approved the division's package as presented.
The RAC noted public interest in more transparent reporting on how many depredation vouchers and permits are issued and in what sex breakdown; DWR staff said it could summarize that information and redact private owner details.
The RAC vote: motion to accept DWR wild turkey recommendations passed unanimously. The division will implement the rule changes and report back as data from mandatory reporting and mitigation surveys becomes available.
