R657-5. Taking Big Game, R657. Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources, Utah Administrative Code

Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)

R657. Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources

R657-5. Taking Big Game

R657-5-37A. Bonus Point System.

Latest version.

(1) Bonus points are used to improve odds for drawing permits.

(2)(a) A bonus point is awarded for:

(i) each valid unsuccessful application when applying for limited entry permits in the big game drawing or moose in the antlerless drawing; or

(ii) each valid application when applying for bonus points in the big game drawing or moose in the antlerless drawing.

(b) Bonus points are awarded by species for:

(i) premium limited entry, limited entry, management buck deer, and cooperative wildlife management unit buck deer;

(ii) premium limited entry, limited entry, management bull elk, and cooperative wildlife management unit bull elk;

(iii) limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit buck pronghorn;

(iv) all once-in-a-lifetime species; and

(v) antlerless moose.

(3) A resident may apply for a bonus point for:

(a) only one of the following species:

(i) buck deer - premium limited entry, limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit;

(ii) bull elk - limited entry, management and cooperative wildlife management unit; or

(iii) buck pronghorn - limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit;

(iv) antlerless moose, and

(b) only one once-in-a-lifetime, including once-in-a-lifetime cooperative wildlife management unit.

(4) A nonresident may apply for a bonus point for:

(a) any of the following species:

(i) buck deer - premium limited entry, limited entry and management unit;

(ii) bull elk - limited entry and management unit; or

(iii) buck pronghorn - limited entry;

(iv) antlerless moose, and

(b) any once-in-a-lifetime.

(5)(a) A resident may not apply in the drawing for both a premium limited entry or limited entry bonus point and a premium limited entry or limited entry permit.

(b) A resident may not apply in the drawing for a once-in-a-lifetime bonus point and a once-in-a-lifetime permit.

(6)(a) An applicant may not apply in the drawing for an antlerless moose bonus point and an antlerless moose permit.

(b) An applicant may not apply for a bonus point if that person is ineligible to apply for a permit for the respective species.

(d) Group applications will not be accepted when applying for bonus points.

(7)(a) Fifty percent of the permits for each hunt unit and species will be reserved for applicants with bonus points.

(b) Based on the applicant's first choice, the reserved permits will be designated by a random drawing number to eligible applicants with the greatest number of bonus points for each species.

(c) If reserved permits remain, the reserved permits will be designated by a random number to eligible applicants with the next greatest number of bonus points for each species.

(d) The procedure in Subsection (c) will continue until all reserved permits have been issued or no applications for that species remain.

(e) Any reserved permits remaining and any applicants who were not selected for reserved permits will be returned to the big game drawing.

(8)(a) Each applicant receives a random drawing number for:

(i) each species applied for; and

(ii) each bonus point for that species.

(9) Bonus points are forfeited if a person obtains a permit through the drawing for that bonus point species as provided in Subsection (2)(c), including any permit obtained after the drawing.

(10) Bonus points are not forfeited if:

(a) a person is successful in obtaining a conservation permit or sportsman permit;

(b) a person obtains a landowner or a cooperative wildlife management unit permit from a landowner; or

(11) Bonus points are not transferable.

(12) Bonus points are averaged and rounded down when two or more applicants apply together on a group application.

(12)(a) Bonus points are tracked using social security numbers or division-issued customer identification numbers.

(b) The division shall retain paper copies of applications for three years prior to the current big game and antlerless drawings for the purpose of researching bonus point records.

(c) The division shall retain electronic copies of applications from 1996 to the current big game drawing for the purpose of researching bonus point records.

(d) Any requests for researching an applicant's bonus point records must be requested within the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(e) Any bonus points on the division's records shall not be researched beyond the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(f) The division may eliminate any bonus points earned that are obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.

R657-5-37B. Preference Point System.

Latest version.

(1) Preference points are used in the big game and antlerless drawings to ensure that applicants who are unsuccessful in the drawing will have first preference in the next year's drawing.

(2)(a) A preference point is awarded for:

(i) each valid unsuccessful application of the first-choice hunt when applying for a general buck deer permit; or

(ii) each valid unsuccessful application when applying for an antlerless deer, antlerless elk, or doe pronghorn permit; or

(iii) each valid application when applying only for a preference point in the big game or antlerless drawing.

(b) Preference points are awarded by species for:

(i) general buck deer;

(ii) antlerless deer;

(iii) antlerless elk; and

(iv) doe pronghorn.

(3)(a) A person may not apply in the drawing for both a preference point and permit for the species listed in (2)(b).

(b) A person may not apply for a preference point if that person is ineligible to apply for a permit.

(4) Preference points are forfeited if a person obtains a general buck deer, antlerless deer, antlerless elk or doe pronghorn permit through the drawing.

(5)(a) Preference points are not transferable.

(b) Preference points shall only be applied to the big game and antlerless drawing.

(6) Preference points are averaged and rounded down when two or more applicants apply together on a group application.

(7)(a) Preference points are tracked using social security numbers or division-issued hunter identification numbers.

(b) The division shall retain copies of paper applications for three years prior to the current big game and antlerless drawings for the purpose of researching preference point records.

(c) The division shall retain copies of electronic applications from 2000 to the current big game drawing for the purpose of researching preference point records.

(d) Any requests for researching an applicant's preference point records must be requested within the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(e) Any preference points on the division's records shall not be researched beyond the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(f) The division may eliminate any preference points earned that are obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.

R657-5-1. Purpose and Authority

Latest version.

(1) Under authority of Sections 23-14-18 and 23-14-19, the Wildlife Board has established this rule for taking deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat.

(2) Specific dates, areas, methods of take, requirements, and other administrative details which may change annually are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

R657-5-2. Definitions

Latest version.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 23-13-2.

(2) In addition:

(a) "Antlerless deer" means a deer without antlers or with antlers five inches or shorter.

(b) "Antlerless elk" means an elk without antlers or with antlers five inches or shorter.

(d) "Arrow quiver" means a portable arrow case that completely encases all edges of the broadheads.

(e) "Buck deer" means a deer with antlers longer than five inches.

(f) "Buck pronghorn" means a pronghorn with horns longer than five inches.

(g) "Bull elk" means an elk with antlers longer than five inches.

(h) "Bull moose" means a moose with antlers longer than its ears.

(i) "Cow bison" means a female bison.

(j) "Doe pronghorn" means a pronghorn without horns or with horns five inches or shorter.

(k) "Draw-lock" means a mechanical device used to hold and support the draw weight of a conventional or compound bow at any increment of draw until released by the archer using a trigger mechanism and safety attached to the device.

(l) "Drone" means an autonomously controlled, aerial vehicle of any size or configuration that is capable of controlled flight without a human pilot aboard.

(m) "Ewe" means a female bighorn sheep or any bighorn sheep younger than one year of age.

(n) "Hunter's choice" means either sex may be taken.

(o) "Immediate family member" means the landowner's or lessee's spouse, child, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, grandfather, and grandmother.

(p) "Limited entry hunt" means any hunt published in the hunt tables of the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, which is identified as limited entry and does not include general or once-in-a-lifetime hunts.

(q) "Limited entry permit" means any permit obtained for a limited entry hunt by any means, including conservation permits, wildlife expo permits, sportsman permits, cooperative wildlife management unit permits and limited entry landowner permits.

(r) "Once-in-a-lifetime hunt" means any hunt published in the hunt tables of the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, which is identified as once-in-a-lifetime, and does not include general or limited entry hunts.

(s) "Once-in-a-lifetime permit" means any permit obtained for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt by any means, including conservation permits, wildlife expo permits, sportsman permits, cooperative wildlife management unit permits and limited entry landowner permits.

(t) "Ram" means a male desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep older than one year of age.

(u) "Spike bull" means a bull elk which has at least one antler beam with no branching above the ears. Branched means a projection on an antler longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip.

R657-5-3. License, Permit, and Tag Requirements

Latest version.

(1) A person may engage in hunting protected wildlife or in the sale, trade, or barter of protected wildlife or its parts in accordance with Section 23-19-1 and the rules or guidebooks of the Wildlife Board.

(2) Any license, permit, or tag that is mutilated or otherwise made illegible is invalid and may not be used for taking or possessing big game.

(3) A person must possess or obtain a Utah hunting or combination license to apply for or obtain any big game hunting permit.

R657-5-4. Age Requirements and Restrictions

Latest version.

(1)(a) A person 12 years of age or older may apply for or obtain a permit to hunt big game.

(b) A person 11 years of age may apply for a permit to hunt big game, provided that person's 12th birthday falls within the calendar year for which the permit is issued and that person does not use the permit to hunt big game before their 12th birthday.

(2)(a) A person at least 12 years of age and under 16 years of age must be accompanied by his parent or legal guardian, or other responsible person 21 years of age or older and approved by his parent or guardian, while hunting big game with any weapon.

(b) As used in this section, "accompanied" means at a distance within which visual and verbal communication are maintained for the purposes of advising and assisting.

R657-5-5. Duplicate License and Permit

Latest version.

(1) Whenever any unexpired license, permit, tag or certificate of registration is destroyed, lost or stolen, a person may obtain a duplicate from a division office or online license agent, for ten dollars or half of the price of the original license, permit, or certificate of registration, whichever is less.

(2) The division may waive the fee for a duplicate unexpired license, permit, tag or certificate of registration provided the person did not receive the original license, permit, tag or certificate of registration.

R657-5-6. Hunting Hours

Latest version.

Big game may be taken only between one-half hour before official sunrise through one-half hour after official sunset.

R657-5-7. Prohibited Weapons

Latest version.

(1) A person may not use any weapon or device to take big game other than those expressly permitted in this rule.

(2) A person may not use:

(a) a firearm capable of being fired fully automatic;

(b) any light enhancement device or aiming device that casts a visible beam of light; or

(c) a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target.

(3) Nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting laser range finding devices or illuminated sight pins for archery equipment.

R657-5-8. Rifles, Shotguns, Airguns, and Crossbows

Latest version.

(1) A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets.

(2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition.

(3) An airgun used to hunt big game must:

(a) be pneumatically powered;

(b) be pressurized solely through a separate charging device; and

(i) no less than 16 inches long;

(ii) with a fixed or expandable broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest position; and

(iii) traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle.

(4)(a) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a positive mechanical safety mechanism.

(b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must be at least 16 inches long and have:

(i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or

(ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.

(i) hunt big game with a crossbow or airgun during a big game archery hunt;

(ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way; or

(iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow utilizing a bolt that has any chemical, explosive or electronic device attached.

(5) A crossbow used to hunt big game may have a fixed or variable magnifying scope only during an any weapon hunt.

R657-5-9. Handguns

Latest version.

(1) A handgun may be used to take deer and pronghorn, provided the handgun:

(a) is a minimum of .24 caliber;

(b) fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet; and

(2) A handgun may be used to take elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat, provided the handgun;

(a) is a minimum of .24 caliber;

(b) fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet; and

R657-5-10. Muzzleloaders

Latest version.

(1) A muzzleloader may be used during any big game hunt, except an archery hunt, provided the muzzleloader:

(a) can be loaded only from the muzzle;

(b) has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope;

(d) has a minimum barrel length of 18 inches;

(e) is capable of being fired only once without reloading;

(f) powder and bullet, or powder, sabot and bullet are not bonded together as one unit for loading;

(g) is loaded with black powder or black powder substitute, which must not contain smokeless powder.

(2)(a) A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used to hunt big game.

(b) A bullet 130 grains or heavier, or a sabot 170 grains or heavier, must be used for taking deer and pronghorn.

(c) A 210 grain or heavier bullet must be used for taking elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat, except sabot bullets used for taking these species must be a minimum of 240 grains.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a muzzleloader permit for a big game hunt may:

(i) use only muzzleloader equipment authorized in this Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

(ii) not possess or be in control of a rifle or shotgun while in the field during the muzzleloader hunt.

(b) "Field" for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found, but does not include a hunter's established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck.

(i) a person lawfully hunting upland game or waterfowl;

(ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the muzzleloader hunt;

(iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock; or

(iv) 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 the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.

(4) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use muzzleloader equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit.

R657-5-11. Archery Equipment

Latest version.

(1) Archery equipment may be used during any big game hunt, except a muzzleloader hunt, provided:

(a) the minimum bow pull is 30 pounds at the draw or the peak, whichever comes first;

(b) arrowheads used have two or more sharp cutting edges that cannot pass through a 7/8 inch ring;

(d) arrows must be a minimum of 20 inches in length from the tip of the arrowhead to the tip of the nock.

(2) The following equipment or devices may not be used to take big game:

(a) a crossbow, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

(b) arrows with chemically treated or explosive arrowheads;

(c) a mechanical device for holding the bow at any increment of draw, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

(d) a release aid that is not hand held or that supports the draw weight of the bow, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

(e) a bow with a magnifying aiming device; or

(f) an airgun, except as provided in Subsection (5).

(3) Arrows carried in or on a vehicle where a person is riding must be in an arrow quiver or a closed case.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained an archery permit for a big game hunt may:

(i) only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

(ii) not possess or be in control of a crossbow, draw-lock, rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader while in the field during an archery hunt.

(i) a person lawfully hunting upland game or waterfowl;

(ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the archery hunt, provided the person is in compliance with the regulations of that hunt and possesses only the weapons authorized for that hunt;

(iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock;

(v) a person possessing a crossbow or draw-lock under a certificate of registration issued pursuant to R657-12.

(5) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use archery equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit, and may also use a crossbow, draw-lock, or airgun satisfying the minimum requirements of this rule.

(6)(a) A person hunting an archery-only season on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt may:

(i) only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

(ii) not possess or be in control of a crossbow, draw-lock, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or airgun while in the field during the archery-only season.

R657-5-12. Areas With Special Restrictions

Latest version.

(1)(a) Hunting of any wildlife is prohibited within the boundaries of all park areas, except those designated by the Division of Parks and Recreation in Rule R651-614-4.

(b) Hunting with rifles and handguns in park areas designated open is prohibited within one mile of all park area facilities, including buildings, camp or picnic sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps, and developed beaches.

(c) Hunting with shotguns or archery equipment is prohibited within one-quarter mile of the areas provided in Subsection (b).

(2) Hunting is closed within the boundaries of all national parks unless otherwise provided by the governing agency.

(3) Hunters obtaining a Utah license, permit or tag to take big game are not authorized to hunt on tribal trust lands. Hunters must obtain tribal authorization to hunt on tribal trust lands.

(4) Military installations, including Camp Williams, are closed to hunting and trespassing unless otherwise authorized.

(5) In Salt Lake County, a person may:

(a) only use archery equipment to take buck deer and bull elk south of I-80 and east of I-15;

(b) only use archery equipment to take big game in Emigration Township; and

(6) Hunting is closed within a designated portion of the town of Alta. Hunters may refer to the town of Alta for boundaries and other information.

(7) Domesticated Elk Facilities and Domesticated Elk Hunting Parks, as defined in Section 4-39-102(2) and Rules R58-18 and R58-20, are closed to big game hunting. This restriction does not apply to the lawful harvest of domesticated elk as defined and allowed pursuant to Rule R58-20.

(8) State waterfowl management areas are closed to taking big game, except as otherwise provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(9) Hunters are restricted to using archery equipment, muzzleloaders or shotguns on the Scott M. Matheson Wetland Preserve.

(10) A person may not discharge a firearm, except a shotgun or muzzleloader, from, upon, or across the Green River located near Jensen, Utah from the Highway 40 bridge upstream to the Dinosaur National Monument boundary.

R657-5-13. Spotlighting

Latest version.

(1) Except as provided in Section 23-13-17:

(a) a person may not use or cast the rays of any spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to:

(i) take protected wildlife; or

(ii) locate protected wildlife while in possession of a rifle, shotgun, archery equipment, crossbow, muzzleloader, or airgun.

(b) the use of a spotlight or other artificial light in a field, woodland, or forest where protected wildlife are generally found is probable cause of attempting to locate protected wildlife.

(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(a) the use of headlights, illuminated sight pins on a bow, or other artificial light in a usual manner where there is no attempt or intent to locate protected wildlife; or

(b) 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 the concealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife.

R657-5-14. Use of Vehicle or Aircraft

Latest version.

(1)(a) A person may not use an airplane, drone, or any other airborne vehicle or device, or any motorized terrestrial or aquatic vehicle, including snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles, except a vessel as provided in Subsection (c), to take protected wildlife.

(b) A person may not take protected wildlife being chased, harmed, harassed, rallied, herded, flushed, pursued or moved by any vehicle, device, or conveyance listed in Subsection (a).

(i) the motor of a motorboat has been completely shut off;

(ii) the sails of a sailboat have been furled; and

(iii) the vessel's progress caused by the motor or sail has ceased.

(2) A person may not use any type of aircraft, drone, or other airborne vehicle or device from 48 hours before any big game hunt begins in the area where they are flying through 48 hours after any big game hunting season ends in the area where they are flying to locate, or attempt to observe or locate any protected wildlife.

(3)(a) The provisions of this section do not apply to the operation of an aircraft, drone, or other airborne vehicle or device used for the purposes of transporting hunters, equipment, or legally harvested wildlife, provided the aircraft takes off and lands only from an improved airstrip, where there is no attempt or intent to locate protected wildlife.

(b) Hunters that are transported by aircraft into an area may not hunt protected wildlife until the following day.

(c) For the purposes of this section, "improved airstrip" means a take-off and landing area with a graded or otherwise mechanically improved surface free of barriers or other hazards that is traditionally used by pilots for the purposes of air travel.

R657-5-15. Party Hunting and Use of Dogs

Latest version.

(1) A person may not take big game for another person, except as provided in Section 23-19-1 and Rule R657-12.

(2) A person may not use the aid of a dog to take, chase, harm or harass big game. The use of one blood-trailing dog controlled by leash during lawful hunting hours within 72 hours of shooting a big game animal is allowed to track wounded animals and aid in recovery.

R657-5-16. Big Game Contests

Latest version.

A person may not enter or hold a big game contest that:

(1) is based on big game or its parts; and

(2) offers cash or prizes totaling more than $500.

R657-5-17. Tagging

Latest version.

(1) The carcass of any species of big game must be tagged in accordance with Section 23-20-30.

(2) A person may not hunt or pursue big game after any of the notches have been removed from the tag or the tag has been detached from the permit.

(3) The tag must remain with the largest portion of the meat until the animal is entirely consumed.

R657-5-18. Transporting Big Game Within Utah

Latest version.

(1) A person may transport big game within Utah only as follows:

(a) the head or sex organs must remain attached to the largest portion of the carcass;

(b) the antlers attached to the skull plate must be transported with the carcass of an elk taken in a spike bull unit; and

(c) the person who harvested the big game animal must accompany the carcass and must possess a valid permit corresponding to the tag attached to the carcass, except as provided in Subsection (2).

(2) A person who did not take the big game animal may transport it only after obtaining a shipping permit or disposal receipt from the division or a donation slip as provided in Section 23-20-9.

R657-5-19. Exporting Big Game From Utah

Latest version.

(1) A person may export big game or its parts from Utah only if:

(a) the person who harvested the big game animal accompanies it and possesses a valid permit corresponding to the tag which must be attached to the largest portion of the carcass; or

(b) the person exporting the big game animal or its parts, if it is not the person who harvested the animal, has obtained a shipping permit from the division.

R657-5-20. Purchasing or Selling Big Game or Its Parts

Latest version.

(1) A person may only purchase, sell, offer or possess for sale, barter, exchange or trade any big game or its parts as follows:

(a) Antlers, heads and horns of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold only on the dates published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game;

(b) Untanned hides of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold only on the dates published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game;

(c) Inedible byproducts, excluding hides, antlers and horns of legally possessed big game as provided in Subsection 23-20-3, may be purchased or sold at any time;

(d) tanned hides of legally taken big game may be purchased or sold at any time; and

(e) shed antlers and horns may be purchased or sold at any time.

(2)(a) Protected wildlife that is obtained by the division by any means may be sold or donated at any time by the division or its agent.

(b) A person may purchase or receive protected wildlife from the division, which is sold or donated in accordance with Subsection (2)(a), at any time.

(3) A person selling or purchasing antlers, heads, horns or untanned hides shall keep transaction records stating:

(a) the name and address of the person who harvested the animal;

(b) the transaction date; and

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to scouting programs or other charitable organizations using untanned hides.

R657-5-21. Possession of Antlers and Horns

Latest version.

(1) A person may possess antlers or horns or parts of antlers or horns only from:

(a) lawfully harvested big game;

(b) antlers or horns lawfully obtained as provided in Section R657-5-20; or

(2)(a) A person may gather shed antlers or shed horns or parts of shed antlers or shed horns at any time. An authorization is required to gather shed antlers or shed horns or parts of shed antlers or shed horns during the shed antler and shed horn season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person must complete a wildlife harassment and habitat destruction prevention course annually to obtain the required authorization to gather shed antlers during the antler gathering season.

(3) "Shed antler" means an antler which:

(a) has been dropped naturally from a big game animal as part of its annual life cycle; and

(b) has a rounded base commonly known as the antler button or burr attached which signifies a natural life cycle process.

(4) "Shed horn" means the sheath from the horn of a pronghorn that has been dropped naturally as part of its annual life cycle. No other big game species shed their horns naturally.

R657-5-22. Poaching-Reported Reward Permits

Latest version.

(1) Big Game poaching-reported reward permits are issued pursuant to rule R657-51 Poaching-Reported Reward Permits.

R657-5-23. General Archery Buck Deer Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates of the general archery buck deer hunt are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer may use archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 to take:

(a) one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit for the time specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game; or

(b) a deer of hunter's choice within extended archery areas as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may not hunt within Cooperative Wildlife Management unit deer areas.

(d) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer or limited entry deer areas, except as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3)(a) A person who obtains a general archery buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general archery buck deer, may hunt within extended archery areas during the extended archery area seasons as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

(b)(i) A person must complete the Archery Ethics Course annually to hunt any extended archery areas during the extended archery season.

(ii) A person must possess an Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion while hunting.

(4) A person who has obtained a general archery buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except antlerless deer and extended archery areas.

(5) If a person 17 years of age or younger obtains a general archery buck deer permit, that person may only hunt during the general archery deer season and the extended archery season as provided Section R657-5-23(3).

R657-5-24. General Any Weapon Buck Deer Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates for the general any weapon buck deer hunts are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck permit may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer within the hunt area and season dates specified on the permit as published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general any weapon buck deer, may not hunt within Cooperative Wildlife Management unit deer areas.

(c) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general any weapon buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer and limited entry deer areas, except as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except:

(a) antlerless deer, as provided in R657-5-27; and

(b) any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year, may hunt the general archery, extended archery, general any weapon and general muzzleloader buck deer seasons applicable to the unit specified on the general any weapon buck deer permit, using the appropriate equipment as provided in Sections R657-5-7 through R657-5-11, respectively.

R657-5-25. General Muzzleloader Buck Deer Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates for the general muzzleloader buck deer hunt are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck permit may use a muzzleloader, as prescribed in R657-5-10, to take one buck deer within the general hunt area specified on the permit as published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general muzzleloader buck deer, may not hunt within any deer Cooperative Wildlife Management unit.

(c) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit, or any other permit which allows that person to hunt general muzzleloader buck deer, may not hunt within premium limited entry deer or limited entry deer areas, except as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except antlerless deer, as provided in R657-5-27.

(b) If a person 17 years of age or younger purchases a general muzzleloader buck deer permit, that person may only hunt during the general muzzleloader deer season.

R657-5-26. Premium Limited Entry and Limited Entry Buck Deer Hunts

Latest version.

(1)(a) To hunt in a premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer area, hunters must obtain the respective limited entry buck permit. Limited entry areas are not open to general archery buck deer, general any weapon buck deer, or general muzzleloader buck deer hunting, except as specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b)(i) The Wildlife Board may establish in guidebook a limited entry buck deer hunt on a general season buck deer unit.

(ii) The season dates for a limited entry hunt under this Subsection will not overlap the season dates for the underlying general season hunt on the unit.

(iii) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive limited entry permits that occur on general season units.

(2) A limited entry buck deer permit allows a person using the prescribed legal weapon, to take one buck deer within the area and season specified on the permit, excluding deer cooperative wildlife management units located within the limited entry unit.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a premium limited entry, limited entry, management, or cooperative wildlife management unit buck deer permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a buck deer.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit buck deer permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, management, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(3).

(4) A person who has obtained a premium limited entry or limited entry buck permit may not:

(a) obtain any other deer permit, except an antlerless deer permit as provided in R657-5-27 and the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board; or

(b) hunt during any other deer hunt, except unsuccessful archery hunters may hunt within extended archery areas as provided in Subsection (7).

(5)(a) The Wildlife Board may establish a multi-season hunting opportunity in the big game guidebooks for selected premium limited entry and limited entry buck deer hunts.

(b) A person that obtains a premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit with a multi-season opportunity may hunt during any of the following limited entry buck deer seasons established in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for the unit specified on the premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit:

(i) archery season, using only archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 for taking deer;

(ii) muzzleloader season, using only muzzleloader equipment prescribed in R657-5-10 for taking deer; and

(iii) any weapon season, using any legal weapon prescribed in R657-5 for taking deer.

(c) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive a multi-season hunting opportunity for premium limited entry or limited entry units.

(6) A premium limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, is valid only within the boundaries of the unit designated on the permit, excluding:

(a) areas closed to hunting;

(b) deer cooperative wildlife management units; and

(7) A person who possesses an archery buck deer permit for a premium limited entry or limited entry unit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, may hunt buck deer within any extended archery area during the established extended archery season for that area, provided the person:

(a) did not take a buck deer during the premium limited entry or limited entry hunt;

(b) uses the prescribed archery equipment for the extended archery area;

(c) completes the annual Archery Ethics Course required to hunt extended archery areas during the extended archery season; and

(d) possesses on their person while hunting:

(i) the multi-season limited entry or limited entry buck deer permit; and

(ii) the Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion.

R657-5-27. Antlerless Deer Hunts

Latest version.

(1)(a) To hunt antlerless deer, a hunter must obtain an antlerless deer permit.

(b) A person may obtain only one antlerless deer permit or a two-doe antlerless deer permit through the division's antlerless big game drawing.

(2)(a) An antlerless deer permit allows a person to take one antlerless deer using the weapon type, within the area, and during season dates specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A two-doe antlerless deer permit allows a person to take two antlerless deer using the weapon type, within the area, and during the season specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) A person may not hunt antlerless deer on any deer cooperative wildlife management unit unless that person obtains an antlerless deer permit for that specific cooperative wildlife management unit.

(3) A person who has obtained an antlerless deer permit may not hunt during any other antlerless deer hunt or obtain any other antlerless deer permits, except as provided in R657-44-3.

(4)(a) A person who obtains an antlerless deer permit and any of the permits listed in Subsection (b) may use the antlerless deer permit during the established season for the antlerless deer permit and during the established season for the applicable permits listed in Subsection (b) provided:

(i) the permits are both valid for the same area;

(ii) the appropriate archery equipment is used, if hunting antlerless deer during an archery season or hunt; and

(iii) the appropriate muzzleloader hunt equipment is used, if hunting antlerless deer during a muzzleloader season or hunt.

(b)(i) General buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or dedicated hunter;

(ii) General bull elk for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or multi-season;

(iii) Premium limited entry buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or multi-season;

(iv) Limited entry buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or multi-season;

(v) Limited entry bull elk for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or multi-season; or

(vi) Antlerless elk.

(c) A person that possess an unfilled antlerless deer permit and harvests an animal under authority of a permit listed in Subsection (b), may continue hunting antlerless deer as prescribed in Subsections (a) and (b) during the remaining portions of the Subsection (b) permit season.

R657-5-28. General Archery Elk Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates of the general archery elk hunt are provided in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a general archery elk permit may use archery equipment to take:

(i) an antlerless elk or a bull elk on a general any bull elk unit, excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units;

(ii) an antlerless elk or a spike bull elk on a general spike bull elk unit, excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units;

(iii) an antlerless elk or a bull elk on extended archery areas as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3)(a) A person who obtains a general archery elk permit may hunt within the extended archery areas during the extended archery area seasons as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game and as provided in Subsection (b).

(b)(i) A person must complete the Archery Ethics Course annually to hunt the extended archery areas during the extended archery season.

(ii) A person must possess an Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion on their person while hunting.

(4) A person who has obtained an archery elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3) and by the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

R657-5-29. General Season Bull Elk Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates and areas for the general season bull elk hunts are provided in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, except the following areas are closed to general any weapon bull elk hunting:

(a) Salt Lake County south of I-80 and east of I-15; and

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units.

(2)(a) A person may purchase either a spike bull elk permit or an any bull elk permit.

(b) A person who has obtained a general season spike bull elk permit may take a spike bull elk on a general season spike bull elk unit. Any bull elk units are closed to spike bull elk permittees.

(c) A person who has obtained a general season any bull elk permit may take any bull elk, including a spike bull elk, on a general season any bull elk unit. Spike bull elk units are closed to any bull elk permittees.

(3) A person who has obtained a general season bull elk permit may use any legal weapon to take a spike bull elk or any bull elk, as specified on the permit.

(4) A person who has obtained a general season bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3).

(5) The Wildlife Board may establish multi-season hunting opportunities in the big game guidebooks for general season spike and bull elk hunts consistent with the following parameters:

(a) an individual with a multi-season spike elk permit may use:

(i) archery equipment as prescribed in R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or spike bull elk on a general season spike unit during the archery season;

(ii) archery equipment as prescribed in R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or any bull elk on a general season any bull unit during the archery season;

(iii) muzzleloader equipment as prescribed in R657-5-10 to take spike bull elk on general season spike units during the muzzleloader season; or

(iv) any legal weapon as prescribed in R657-5 to take a spike bull elk on a general season spike unit during the any legal weapon season.

(b) An individual with a multi-season any bull elk permit may use:

(i) archery equipment as prescribed in R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or spike elk on a general season spike unit during the archery season;

(ii) archery equipment as prescribed in R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or any bull elk on a general season any bull unit during the archery season;

(iii) muzzleloader equipment as prescribed in R657-5-10 to take any bull elk on general season any bull units during the muzzleloader season; or

(iv) any legal weapon as prescribed in R657-5 to take any bull elk on a general season any bull unit during the any legal weapon season.

(c) An individual who obtains a multi-season bull elk permit may hunt within the extended archery areas during the extended archery area seasons described in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, provided that individual:

(i) completes the Archery Ethics Course prior to going afield; and

(ii) possesses the Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion on their person while hunting.

R657-5-30. General Muzzleloader Bull Elk Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The dates and areas for general muzzleloader bull elk hunts are provided in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, except the following areas are closed to general muzzleloader bull elk hunting:

(a) Salt Lake County south of I-80 and east of I-15; and

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units.

(2)(a) General muzzleloader bull elk hunters may purchase either a spike bull elk permit or an any bull elk permit.

(b) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader spike bull elk permit may use a muzzleloader, prescribed in R657-5-10, to take a spike bull elk on an any general spike bull elk unit. Any bull units are closed to spike bull muzzleloader permittees.

(c) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader any bull elk permit may use a muzzleloader, as prescribed in R657-5-10, to take any bull elk on an any bull elk unit. Spike bull units are closed to any bull muzzleloader permittees.

(3) On selected units identified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game, a person who has obtained a general muzzleloader bull elk permit may use muzzleloader equipment to take either an antlerless elk or a bull elk.

(4) A person who has obtained a general muzzleloader bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-33(3).

R657-5-31. Youth General Any Bull Elk Hunt

Latest version.

(1)(a) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31 of the current year.

(b) A youth may apply for or obtain a youth any bull elk permit.

(2) The youth any bull elk hunting season and areas are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3)(a) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may take any bull elk, including antlerless elk, on a general any bull elk unit. Spike bull elk units are closed to youth general any bull elk permittees.

(b) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may use any legal weapon to take any bull elk or antlerless elk as specified on the permit.

(4) A youth who has obtained a youth general any bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-33(3).

(5) Preference points shall not be awarded or utilized when applying for or obtaining a youth general any bull elk permit.

R657-5-32. Limited Entry Bull Elk Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt in a limited entry bull elk area, a hunter must obtain a limited entry bull elk permit for the area.

(2)(a) A limited entry bull elk permit allows a person, using the prescribed legal weapon, to take one bull elk within the area and season specified on the permit, except as provided in Subsection (5) and excluding elk cooperative wildlife management units located within a limited entry unit. Spike bull elk restrictions do not apply to limited entry elk permittees.

(3)(a) The Wildlife Board may establish a multi-season hunting opportunity in the big game guidebooks for selected limited entry bull elk units.

(b) A person that obtains a limited entry bull elk permit with a multi-season opportunity may hunt during any of the following limited entry bull elk seasons established in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for the unit specified on the limited entry bull elk permit:

(i) archery season, using only archery equipment prescribed in R657-5-11 for taking elk;

(ii) muzzleloader season, using only muzzleloader equipment prescribed in R657-5-10 for taking elk; and

(iii) any weapon season, using any legal weapon prescribed in R657-5 for taking elk.

(c) A landowner association under R657-43 is not eligible to receive a multi-season hunting opportunity for limited entry units.

(4) A limited entry bull elk permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, is valid only within the boundaries of the unit designated on the permit, excluding:

(a) areas closed to hunting;

(b) elk cooperative wildlife management units; and

(5) A person who possesses any limited entry archery bull elk permit, including a permit with a multi-season opportunity, may hunt bull elk within any extended archery area during the established extended archery season for that area, provided the person:

(a) did not take a bull elk during the limited entry hunt;

(b) uses the prescribed archery equipment for the extended archery area;

(c) completes the annual Archery Ethics Course required to hunt extended archery areas during the extended archery season; and

(d) possesses on their person while hunting:

(i) the limited entry bull elk permit; and

(ii) the Archery Ethics Course Certificate of Completion.

(6) "Prescribed legal weapon" means for purposes of this subsection:

(a) archery equipment, as defined in R657-5-11, when hunting the archery season, excluding a crossbow, draw-lock, and airgun;

(b) muzzleloader equipment, as defined in R657-5-10, when hunting the muzzleloader season; and

(c) any legal weapon, including a muzzleloader, crossbow with a fixed or variable magnifying scope or draw-lock, or airgun when hunting during the any weapon season.

(7)(a) A person who has obtained a limited entry or cooperative wildlife management unit bull elk permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bull elk.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit bull elk permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any once-in-a-lifetime, premium limited entry, limited entry, or cooperative wildlife management unit permit or bonus point in the following year.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(2).

(8) A person who has obtained a limited entry bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsections (5) and R657-5-33(3).

R657-5-33. Antlerless Elk Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt antlerless elk, a hunter must obtain an antlerless elk permit.

(2)(a) An antlerless elk permit allows a person to take one antlerless elk using the weapon type, within the area, and during season dates specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person may not hunt antlerless elk on an elk cooperative wildlife management unit unless that person obtains an antlerless elk permit for that specific cooperative wildlife management unit.

(3)(a) A person may obtain three elk permits each year, in combination as follows:

(i) a maximum of one bull elk permit;

(ii) a maximum of one antlerless elk permit issued through the division's antlerless big game drawing; and

(iii) a maximum of two antlerless elk permits acquired over the counter or on-line after the antlerless big game drawing is finalized, including antlerless elk:

(A) control permits, as described in Subsection (5);

(B) depredation permits, as described in R657-44-8;

(D) private lands only permits, as described in Subsection (6).

(b) Antlerless elk mitigation permits obtained by a landowner or lessee under R657-44-3 do not count towards the annual three elk permit limitation prescribed in this subsection.

(i) "Mitigation permit" has the same meaning as defined in R657-44-2(2).

(4)(a) A person who obtains an antlerless elk permit and any of the permits listed in Subsection (b) may use the antlerless elk permit during the established season for the antlerless elk permit and during the established season for the applicable permits listed in Subsection (b), provided:

(i) the permits are both valid for the same area;

(ii) the appropriate archery equipment is used, if hunting antlerless elk during an archery season or hunt; and

(iii) the appropriate muzzleloader hunt equipment is used, if hunting antlerless elk during a muzzleloader season or hunt.

(b)(i) General buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any legal weapon, or dedicated hunter;

(ii) General bull elk for archery, muzzleloader, any legal weapon, or multi-season;

(iii) Premium limited entry buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, or multi-season;

(iv) Limited entry buck deer for archery, muzzleloader, any legal weapon, or multi-season;

(v) Limited entry bull elk for archery, muzzleloader or any legal weapon, or multi-season.

(vi) Antlerless deer or elk, excluding antlerless elk control permits.

(c) A person that possess an unfilled antlerless elk permit and harvests an animal under authority of a permit listed in Subsection (b), may continue hunting antlerless elk as prescribed in Subsections (a) and (b) during the remaining portions of the Subsection (b) permit season.

(5)(a) To obtain an antlerless elk control permit, a person must first obtain a big game buck, bull, or a once-in-a-lifetime permit.

(b) An antlerless elk control permit allows a person to take one antlerless elk using the same weapon type, during the same season dates, and within areas of overlap between the boundary of the buck, bull, or once-in-a-lifetime permit and the boundary of the antlerless elk control permit, as provided in the Antlerless guidebook by the Wildlife Board.

(c) Antlerless elk control permits are sold over the counter or online after the division's antlerless big game drawing is finalized.

(d) A person that possess an unfilled antlerless elk control permit and harvests an animal under the buck, bull, or once-in-a-lifetime permit referenced in Subsection (b), may continue hunting antlerless elk as prescribed in Subsection (b) during the remaining portions of the buck, bull, or once-in-a-lifetime permit season.

(6)(a) A private lands only permit allows a person to take one antlerless elk on private land within a prescribed unit using any weapon during the season dates and area provided in the Big Game guidebook by the Wildlife Board.

(b) No boundary extension or buffer zones on public land will be applied to private lands only permits.

(c) Private lands only permits are sold over the counter or online after the division's antlerless big game drawing is finalized.

(d) "Private lands" means, for purposes of this subsection, any land owned in fee by an individual or legal entity, excluding:

(i) land owned by the state or federal government;

(ii) land owned by a county or municipality;

(iii) land owned by an Indian tribe;

(iv) land enrolled in a Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit under R657-37; and

(v) land where public access for big game hunting has been secured.

R657-5-34. Buck Pronghorn Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt buck pronghorn, a hunter must obtain a buck pronghorn permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a buck pronghorn permit may not obtain any other pronghorn permit or hunt during any other pronghorn hunt.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a limited entry or cooperative wildlife management unit buck pronghorn permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a buck pronghorn.

(b) Limited entry and cooperative wildlife management unit buck pronghorn permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(2).

(4) A buck pronghorn permit allows a person to take one buck pronghorn within the area, during the season, and using the weapon type specified on the permit, except on a pronghorn cooperative wildlife management unit located within a limited entry unit.

R657-5-35. Doe Pronghorn Hunts

Latest version.

(1)(a) To hunt doe pronghorn, a hunter must obtain a doe pronghorn permit.

(b) A person may obtain only one doe pronghorn permit or a two-doe pronghorn permit through the division's antlerless big game drawing.

(2)(a) A doe pronghorn permit allows a person to take one doe pronghorn using the weapon type, within the area, and during the season specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A two-doe pronghorn permit allows a person to take two doe pronghorn using the weapon type, within the area, and during the season dates specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) A person may not hunt doe pronghorn on any pronghorn cooperative wildlife management unit unless that person obtains an antlerless pronghorn permit for that specific cooperative wildlife management unit.

(3) Except for mitigation permits issued pursuant to R657-44-8, a person who has obtained a doe pronghorn permit may not hunt pronghorn during any other pronghorn hunt or obtain any other pronghorn permit.

R657-5-36. Antlerless Moose Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt antlerless moose, a hunter must obtain an antlerless moose permit.

(2)(a) An antlerless moose permit allows a person to take one antlerless moose using any legal weapon within the area and season specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(b) A person may not hunt antlerless moose on a moose cooperative wildlife management unit unless that person obtains an antlerless moose permit for that specific cooperative wildlife management unit as specified on the permit.

(3) A person who has obtained an antlerless moose permit may not hunt moose during any other moose hunt or obtain any other moose permit for that hunt year.

R657-5-37. Bull Moose Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt bull moose, a hunter must obtain a bull moose permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a bull moose permit may not obtain any other moose permit or hunt during any other moose hunt.

(3) A bull moose permit allows a person to take one bull moose within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type prescribed by the Wildlife Board, excluding any moose cooperative wildlife management unit located within a limited entry unit.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained a bull moose permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bull moose.

(b) Bull moose permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(2).

R657-5-38. Bison Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt bison, a hunter must obtain a bison permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a bison permit may not obtain any other bison permit or hunt during any other bison hunt.

(3) A hunter's choice bison permit allows a person to take a bison of either sex within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type prescribed by the Wildlife Board.

(4)(a) An orientation course is required for bison hunters who draw an Antelope Island bison permit. Hunters shall be notified of the orientation date, time and location.

(b) The Antelope Island hunt is administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation.

(5) A cow bison permit allows a person to take one cow bison within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon types as specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(6) An orientation course is required for bison hunters who draw cow bison permits. Hunters will be notified of the orientation date, time and location.

(7)(a) A person who has obtained a bison permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a bison.

(b) Bison permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(2).

R657-5-39. 5. Desert Bighorn and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ewe Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt a ewe desert bighorn sheep or a ewe Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, a hunter must obtain the respective ewe permit.

(2)(a) A ewe permit allows a person to take one ewe using any legal weapon within the area and season specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3) A person who has obtained a ewe permit may not hunt desert bighorn or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep during any other sheep hunt or obtain any other sheep permit during that hunt year.

(4) Ewe desert bighorn sheep and ewe Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits are considered separate hunting opportunities.

R657-5-40. Rocky Mountain Goat Hunts

Latest version.

(1) To hunt Rocky Mountain goat, a hunter must obtain a Rocky Mountain goat permit.

(2) A person who has obtained a Rocky Mountain goat permit may not obtain any other Rocky Mountain goat permit or hunt during any other Rocky Mountain goat hunt.

(3) A Rocky Mountain goat of either sex may be legally taken on a hunter's choice permit.

(4) The goat permit allows a person to take one goat within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type prescribed by the Wildlife Board.

(5) A female-only goat permit allows a person to take one femalegoat within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type specified on the permit and in the Antlerless guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(6)(a) An orientation course is required for Rocky Mountain goat hunters who draw or purchase a female-goat only permit or a hunter's choice permit.

(b) The orientation course must be completed online through the division's website.

(7)(a) A person who has obtained a Rocky Mountain goat permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a Rocky Mountain goat.

(b) Rocky Mountain goat permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Rule R657-42-9(2).

R657-5-41. Depredation Hunter Pool Permits

Latest version.

(1) When big game are causing damage or are considered a nuisance, control hunts not listed in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game may be held as provided in Rule R657-44. These hunts occur on short notice, involve small areas, and are limited to only a few hunters.

(2) For the purpose of this section, nuisance is defined as a situation where big game animals are found to have moved off formally approved management units onto adjacent units or other areas not approved for that species.

R657-5-42. Carcass Importation

Latest version.

(1) It is unlawful to import dead elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or their parts from the areas of any state, province, game management unit, equivalent wildlife management unit, or county, which has deer or elk diagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease, except the following portions of the carcass:

(a) meat that is cut and wrapped either commercially or privately;

(b) quarters or other portion of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached;

(d) hides with no heads attached;

(e) skull plates with antlers attached that have been cleaned of all meat and tissue;

(f) antlers with no meat or tissue attached;

(g) upper canine teeth, also known as buglers, whistlers, or ivories; or

(h) finished taxidermy heads.

(2)(a) The affected states, provinces, game management units, equivalent wildlife management units, or counties, which have deer, elk, or moose diagnosed with Chronic Wasting Disease shall be available at division offices and through the division's Internet address.

(b) Importation of harvested elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or its parts from the affected areas are hereby restricted pursuant to Subsection (1).

(3) Nonresidents of Utah transporting harvested elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer from the affected areas are exempt if they:

(a) do not leave any part of the harvested animal in Utah and do not stay more than 24 hours in the state of Utah;

(b) do not have their deer, elk, or moose processed in Utah; or

R657-5-43. Chronic Wasting Disease - Infected Animals

Latest version.

(1) Any person who under the authority of a permit issued by the division legally takes a deer, elk, or moose that is later confirmed to be infected with Chronic Wasting Disease may:

(a) retain the entire carcass of the animal;

(b) retain any parts of the carcass, including antlers, and surrender the remainder to the division for proper disposal; or

(c) surrender all portions of the carcass in their actual or constructive possession, including antlers, to the division and receive a free new permit the following year for the same hunt.

(2) The new permit issued pursuant to Subsection (1)(c) shall be for the same species, sex, weapon type, unit, region, and otherwise subject to all the restrictions and conditions imposed on the original permit, except season dates for the permit shall follow the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game published in the year the new permit is valid.

(3) Notwithstanding other rules to the contrary, private landowners and landowner associations may refuse access to private property to persons possessing new permits issued under Subsection (1)(c).

R657-5-44. Management Bull Elk Hunt

Latest version.

(1)(a) For the purposes of this section "management bull" means any bull elk with 5 points or less on at least one antler. A point means a projection longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip.

(b) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31.

(c) For the purposes of this section "senior" means any person 65 years of age or older on the opening day of the management bull elk archery season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2)(a) Management bull elk permits shall be distributed pursuant to R657-62 with thirty percent of the permits being allocated to youth, thirty percent to seniors and the remaining forty percent to hunters of all ages.

(3) Management bull elk permit holders may take one management bull elk during the season, on the area and with the weapon type specified on the permit. Management bull elk hunting seasons, areas and weapon types are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained a management bull elk permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a management bull elk.

(b) Management bull elk permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(5)(a) Management bull elk permit holders who successfully harvest a management bull elk, as defined in Subsection (1)(a) must have their animal inspected by the division.

(b) Successful hunters must deliver the head and antlers of the elk they harvest to a division office for inspection within 48 hours after the date of kill.

(6) Management bull elk permit holders may not retain possession of any harvested bull elk that fails to satisfy the definition requirements in Subsection (1)(a).

(7) A person who has obtained a management bull elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-33(3).

R657-5-45. General Any Weapon Buck Deer and Bull Elk Combination Hunt

Latest version.

(1) Permit numbers, season dates and unit boundary descriptions for the general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination hunt shall be established in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) A person who obtains a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer and one bull elk during the season and within the unit specified on the permit.

(a) A general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit does not authorize the holder to hunt deer or elk within any cooperative wildlife management unit.

(3) A person who has obtained a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit may not hunt during any other deer or elk hunt or obtain any other deer or elk permit, except:

(a) antlerless deer, as provided in Subsection R657-5-27, and

(b) antlerless elk, as provided in Subsection R657-5-33.

(4)(a) Lifetime license holders may obtain a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit.

(b) Upon obtaining a general any weapon buck deer and bull elk combination permit, the lifetime license holder foregoes any rights to receive a buck deer permit for the general archery, general any weapon or general muzzleloader deer hunts as provided in Section 23-19-17.5.

R657-5-46. Management Buck Deer Hunt

Latest version.

(1)(a) For the purposes of this section "management buck" means any buck deer with 3 points or less on at least one antler above and including the first fork in the antler. A point means a projection longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip. The eye guard is not counted as a point.

(b) For purposes of this section "youth" means any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31.

(c) For the purposes of this section "senior" means any person 65 years of age or older on the opening day of the management buck deer archery season published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(2) Management buck deer permits shall be distributed pursuant to rule R657-62 with thirty percent of the permits being allocated to youth, thirty percent to seniors and the remaining forty percent to hunters of all ages.

(3) Management buck deer permit holders may take one management buck deer during the season, in the area and with the weapon type specified on the permit. Management buck deer hunting seasons, areas and weapon types are published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(4)(a) A person who has obtained a management buck deer permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a management buck deer.

(b) Management buck deer permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(5)(a) Management buck deer permit holders who successfully harvest a management buck deer, as defined in Subsection (1)(a) must have their animal inspected by the division.

(b) Successful hunters must deliver the head and antlers of the deer they harvest to a division office for inspection within 48 hours after the date of kill.

(6) Management buck deer permit holders may not retain possession of any harvested buck deer that fails to satisfy the definition requirements in Subsection (1)(a).

(7) A person who has obtained a management buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-27.

R657-5-47. Cactus Buck Deer Hunt

Latest version.

(1) For the purposes of this section "cactus buck" means a buck deer with velvet covering at least 50% of the antlers during the season dates established by the Wildlife Board for a cactus buck deer hunt.

(2)(a) Cactus buck deer permit holders may take one cactus buck deer during the season, in the area, and with the weapon type specified on the permit.

(b) Cactus buck deer hunting seasons, areas and weapon types are published in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a cactus buck deer permit must report hunt information within 30 calendar days after the end of the hunting season, regardless of whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting a cactus buck deer.

(b) Cactus buck deer permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's Internet address.

(4)(a) Cactus buck deer permit holders who successfully harvest a cactus buck deer, as defined in Subsection (1)(a), must have their animal inspected by the division.

(b) Successful hunters must deliver the head and antlers of the deer they harvest to a division office for inspection within 48 hours after the date of harvest.

(5) Cactus buck deer permit holders may not retain possession of any harvested buck deer that fails to satisfy the definition requirements in Subsection (1).

(6) A person who has obtained a cactus buck deer permit may not hunt during any other deer hunt or obtain any other deer permit, except as provided in Section R657-5-27.

R657-5-48. Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only Hunt

Latest version.

(1) The division may establish Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only hunts for any big gamespecies.

(2) An individual may only use the following weapons on a handgun-archery-muzzleloader-shotgun-only hunt:

(a) a legal handgun for the species being hunted, consistent with R657-5-9 and Subsection (5), with no attached scope;

(b) legal archery equipment consistent with R657-5-11;

(d) a legal shotgun consistent with R657-5-8, with no attached scope.

(3) A person who has obtained a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only permit may take one animal of the big game species identified on the permit.

(4) A person who has obtained a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only permit may only hunt under that permit during the season dates and within the boundaries identified on the permit and in the guidebooks of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(5) In addition to the requirements in R657-5-9, a handgun used to take a big game animal in a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only hunt must:

(a) have no more than a single barrel 15 inches or less in length, including the chamber;

(b) have a single rear handgrip without any form of a:

(i) fixed, detachable, or collapsible buttstock;

(ii) apparatus or extension behind the rear grip capable of being used to steady the handgun against the body while firing; or

(iii) vertical foregrip; and

(6) A Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only hunt is not a centerfire rifle hunt for purposes of Section 23-20-31 or R657-5-49.

R657-5-49. Hunter Orange Exceptions

Latest version.

(1) A person shall wear a minimum of 400 inches of hunter orange material on the head, chest, and back while hunting any species of big game, with the following exceptions:

(a) Hunters participating in a once-in-a-lifetime, statewide conservation, or statewide sportsmen hunt;

(b) Hunters participating in an archery or muzzleloader hunt outside of an area where an any weapon general season bull elk or any weapon general season buck deer hunt is occurring;

(c) Hunters participating in a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Only hunt outside of an area where an any weapon general season bull elk or any weapon general season buck deer hunt is occurring;

(d) Hunters hunting on a cooperative wildlife management unit unless otherwise required by the operator of the cooperative wildlife management units; and

(e) Hunters participating in a nuisance wildlife removal hunt authorized under a certificate of registration by the division.

R657-5-50. Authorization to Remove Bighorn Sheep from Domestic Sheep Operations

Latest version.

(1) The division may issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a domestic sheep operation allowing for the removal of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or desert bighorn sheep found to have physical contact with domestic sheep.

(2) If a domestic sheep grazing operation wishes to acquire a certificate of registration, it must submit an application to the division.

(3) In evaluating the application, the division may consider:

(a) the size and location of the domestic sheep operation;

(b) past efforts to maintain spatial separation between wild and domestic sheep;

(d) future plans to improve spatial separation between wild and domestic sheep;

(e) historical disease status of the wild sheep population; and

(f) management priorities for the wild sheep population.

(4) The division may deny an application for a certificate of registration if, in the opinion of the division, there are other means available to respond to a commingling event.

(5) The division shall require any certificate of registration holder to comply with the following provisions:

(a) the grazing operation shall immediately notify the division if a wild bighorn sheep is found within 1 mile of any domestic sheep;

(b) the grazing operation shall utilize all reasonable means to notify the division of the threatened commingling event prior to undertaking any lethal removal action;

(d) the grazing operation will inform the division within 24 hours of a lethal removal effort, or as soon as practical thereafter, considering access and logistical limitations;

(e) all lethally removed wild bighorn sheep will be field-dressed and preserved in a manner so as to allow donation for human consumption;

(f) the entire carcass of each lethally removed bighorn sheep shall be relinquished to division personnel, including intact head, horns and cape; and

(g) only legal weapons identified in R657-5 may be used in lethal removal activities.

(6)(a) Owners, employees, and immediate family members may be named as authorized individuals to act under the authority of a certificate of registration.

(b) Any individual acting under the authority of a certificate of registration must be specifically named on the certificate of registration.

(7)(a) The division may establish a term for the validity of a certificate of registration.

(b) The division may revoke a certificate of registration where the certificate of registration holder, an individual named on the certificate, or someone acting under their direct authority violated any provision of this rule, the Wildlife Resources Code, or the certificate of registration.

(8) The procedures and rules governing any adverse action taken by the division or the Wildlife Board against a certificate of registration or an application for certificate of registration are set forth in Rule R657-2.