R657-68-4. Effect and Term of a Trial Hunting Authorization

  (1)(a) A person who obtains a trial hunting authorization will receive an accompanying registration number to be used in lieu of a hunter education number when applying for or purchasing a hunting license or permit authorized in Subsection (b).

  (b) A person who possesses a trial hunting authorization may apply for and purchase the following Utah hunting licenses and permits, notwithstanding the hunter education requirements in Section 23-19-11 and R657-23:

  (i) hunting license, excluding multi-year licenses;

  (ii) combination license, excluding multi-year licenses;

  (iii) all hunting permits, excluding the following big game permits allocated through a division drawing:

  (A) premium limited entry;

  (B) limited entry;

  (C) once-in-a-lifetime;

  (D) cooperative wildlife management unit;

  (E) dedicated hunter; and

  (F) sportsman.

  (2)(a) A trial hunting authorization:

  (i) is valid for a single, three year term, except as provided in Subsection (6); and

  (ii) shall immediately terminate upon the holder successfully completing an approved hunter education course, as provided in Section 23-19-11 and R657-23.

  (b) A person may not obtain more than one trial hunting authorization in a lifetime.

  (3) A trial hunting authorization shall be considered an "approved hunter education course" under Section 23-17-6(3)(a)(ii) for the exclusive and limited purpose of hunting on a commercial hunting area.

  (a) A person who hunts on a commercial hunting area with a trial hunting authorization is subject to the requirements in R657-68-5.

  (4)(a) A person who possesses a current trial hunting authorization may not participate in the Hunter Mentoring Program (R657-67) as a hunting mentor.

  (b) A person who possesses a current trial hunting authorization may participate in the Hunter Mentoring Program (R657-67) as a qualifying minor, as hereafter provided.

  (i) A trial hunting authorization will be recognized by the division as a "hunter education program" under R657-67-3(1)(b) for the exclusive and limited purpose of a qualifying minor participating in the Hunter Mentoring Program.

  (ii) Notwithstanding the big game permit limitations in Subsection R657-68-4(1)(b)(iii), a qualifying minor possessing a current trial hunting authorization may share any big game permit authorized in the Hunter Mentoring Program rule.

  (iii) Both the qualifying minor and hunting mentor are subject to the provisions of this rule and the Hunter Mentoring Program rule when a hunting permit is shared under R657-67-3 with a qualifying minor possessing a current trial hunting authorization.

  (5) A person that applies for a big game hunting permit with a trial hunting authorization is subject to the minimum age requirements set forth in Section 23-19-22.

  (6)(a) A trial hunting authorization that expires after a hunting permit application is filed in a division drawing shall remain valid to the date the permit is issued for the exclusive purpose of receiving and using the permit.

  (i) A trial hunting authorization extended under Subsection (6)(a) beyond the prescribed three year term may not be used during the extension period to obtain any other hunting license or permit.

  (b) A person that obtains a license or permit with a valid trial hunting authorization that thereafter expires prior to the conclusion of the hunting season assigned to that license or permit may use the license or permit through the entire season, subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in R657-68-5.

  (c) A person that successfully completes an approved hunter education course prior to using a hunting license or permit obtained with a trial hunting authorization is not subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in R657-68-5, provided proof of hunter education compliance is carried on the person while hunting.