R657-41-3. Determining the Number of Conservation and Sportsman Permits

  (1) The number of conservation permits authorized by the Wildlife Board shall be based on:

  (a) the species population trend, size, distribution, and long-term health;

  (b) the hunting and viewing opportunity for the general public, both short and long term; and

  (c) the potential revenue that will support protection and enhancement of the species.

  (2) One statewide conservation permit may be authorized for each conservation permit species.

  (3) A limited number of area conservation permits may be authorized as follows:

  (a) the potential number of multi-year and single year conservation permits available for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and desert bighorn sheep, assigned to a hunt area or combination of hunt areas, will be calculated based on the number permits issued the year prior to the permits being awarded using the following rule:

  (i) 5-14 public permits = 1 conservation permit, 15-24 public permits = 2 conservation permits, 25-34 public permits = 3 conservation permits, 35-44 permits = 4 conservation permits, 45-54 public permits = 5 conservation permits, 55-64 = 6 conservation permits, 65-74 public permits = 7 conservation permits and >75 public permits = 8 conservation permits.

  (b) the potential number of multi-year and single year permits available for the remaining conservation permit species, for any unit or hunt area, will be calculated based on the number permits issued the year prior to the permits being awarded using the following rule:

  (i) 11-30 public permits = 1 conservation permit, 31-50 public permits = 2 conservation permits, 51-70 public permits = 3 conservation permits, 71-90 permits = 4 conservation permits, 91-110 public permits = 5 conservation permits, 111-130 = 6 conservation permits, 131-150 public permits = 7 conservation permits and >150 public permits = 8 conservation permits.

  (4) The number of conservation permits may be reduced if the number of public permits declines during the time period for which multi-year permits were awarded.

  (5) The actual number of conservation and sportsman permits available for use will be determined by the Wildlife Board.

  (6) Area conservation permits shall be approved by the Wildlife Board in a separate process from approving the number of public drawing permits.

  (7) One sportsman permit shall be authorized for each statewide conservation permit authorized.

  (8) All area conservation permits are eligible as multi-year permits, except the division may designate some area conservation permits as single year permits based on the applications received for single year permits.

  (9) All statewide permits will be multi-year permits.