R657-10-25. Cougar Pursuit

  (1)(a) Except as provided in rule R657-10-3(1)(b) and Subsection (2), cougar may be pursued only by persons who have obtained a cougar pursuit permit.

  (b) The cougar pursuit permit does not allow a person to:

  (i) kill a cougar; or

  (ii) pursue cougar for compensation.

  (c) A person may pursue cougar for compensation only as provided in Subsection (2).

  (d) To obtain a cougar pursuit permit, a person must possess a Utah hunting or combination license.

  (2)(a) A person may pursue cougar on public lands for compensation, provided the dog handler:

  (i) receives compensation from a client or customer to pursue cougar;

  (ii) is a licensed hunting guide or outfitter under Title 58, Chapter 79 of the Utah Code and authorized to pursue cougar;

  (iii) possesses on his or her person the Utah hunting guide or outfitter license;

  (iv) possesses on his or her person all permits and authorizations required by the applicable public lands managing authority to pursue cougar for compensation; and

  (v) is accompanied by the client or customer at all times during pursuit.

  (b) A person may pursue cougar on private lands for compensation, provided the dog handler:

  (i) receives compensation from a client or customer to pursue cougar;

  (ii) is accompanied by the client or customer at all times during pursuit; and

  (iii) possesses on his or her person written permission from all private landowners on whose property pursuit takes place.

  (c) A person who is an employee or agent of the Division of Wildlife Services may pursue cougar on public lands and private lands while acting within the scope of their employment.

  (3) A pursuit permit is not required to pursue cougar under Subsection (2).

  (4)(a) A person pursuing cougar for compensation under subsections (2)(a) and (2)(b) shall comply with all other requirements and restrictions in statute, rule and the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board regulating the pursuit and take of cougar.

  (b) Any violation of, or failure to comply with the provisions of Title 23 of the Utah Code, this rule, or the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board may be grounds for suspension of the privilege to pursue cougar for compensation under this subsection, as determined by a division hearing officer.

  (5) A cougar pursuit permit authorizes the holder to pursue cougar with dogs on any unit open to pursuing cougar during the seasons and under the conditions prescribed by the Wildlife Board in guidebook.

  (6) A person may not:

  (a) take or pursue a female cougar with kittens or kittens with spots;

  (b) repeatedly pursue, chase, tree, corner or hold at bay, the same cougar during the same day; or

  (c) possess a firearm or any device that could be used to kill a cougar while pursuing cougar.

  (i) The weapon restrictions set forth in the subsection do not apply to a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing or attempting to utilize the concealed weapon to injure or kill cougar.

  (7) If eligible, a person who has obtained a cougar pursuit permit may also obtain a limited entry cougar permit, harvest objective cougar permit, or cougar control permit.

  (8) Cougar may be pursued only on limited entry units, harvest objective units, or unlimited quota units during the dates provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking cougar.

  (9) A cougar pursuit permit is valid on a calendar year basis.

  (10) A person must possess a valid hunting or combination license to obtain a cougar pursuit permit.