Administrative rule R657-5

Taking big game

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KEY: wildlife, game laws, big game seasons

Date of Last Change: March 10, 2025

Notice of Continuation: September 8, 2020

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-2-304; 23A-2-305; 23A-11-201; 23A-11-202

R657-5-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) Under authority of Sections 23A-2-304 and 23A-2-305, the Wildlife Board has established:

(a) this rule for taking deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bison, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat.

(b) appropriate weapons or devices to take big game and restrictions to weapons or devices to take big game.

(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.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 23A-1-101.

(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.

(c) "Antlerless elk control permit" means a permit allowing an individual to harvest an antlerless elk on an antlerless elk control unit.

(d) "Antlerless moose" means a moose with antlers shorter than its ears.

(e) "Antler Point Restriction" or "APR" means "a restriction of hunt to a minimum of antler points required for a buck deer to be legally harvested."

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

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

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

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

(j) "Commercial Antler Buyer" means an individual or entity that buys antlers or horns for reselling for financial gain.

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

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

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

(n) "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.

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

(p)(i) "Night Vision Device" means any device that enhances visible or non-visible light, including: night vision, thermal imaging, infrared imaging or electronics that enhance the visible or non-visible light spectrum.

(ii) "Night Vision Device" does not include trail cameras as defined in Subsection (x).

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

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

(s) "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.

(t) "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.

(u) "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.

(v) "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.

(w) "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.

(x)(i) "Point" means "a projection longer than one inch, measured from its base to its tip."

(ii) The eye guard is not counted as a point.

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

(y) "Shed antler" means an antler that:

(i) has been dropped naturally from a big game animal as part of the big game animal's annual life cycle; and

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

(z) "Shed horn" means:

(i) the sheath from a pronghorn that has been dropped naturally as part of the animal's annual life cycle; or

(ii) a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or bison horn naturally detached from the horn core.

(aa) "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.

(bb) "Stalking" means when game has been located and the hunter engages in deliberate movements, on foot, in an effort to harvest the located game.

(cc) "Trail camera" means a device that is not held or manually operated by a person and is capable of capturing images, video or location data of wildlife using heat or motion to trigger the device.

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

(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 23A-4-201 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.

(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 their parent or legal guardian, or other responsible person 21 years of age or older and approved by their 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.

(1) When 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.

(3) Upon issuance of a duplicate license, permit, tag, or certificate of registration, the original license, permit, tag, or certificate of registration is invalid.

R657-5-6. Hunting Hours.

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 and Devices.

(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 the following prohibited weapons or devices to take big game:

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

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

(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; or

(d) a projectile for which the path can be altered or electronically tracked after it is sent in motion.

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

(4) The following restrictions are placed on the use of specialized hunting technologies and equipment.

(a) A person may not possess any night vision device, or a device capable of night vision, while taking, locating, or attempting to locate any big game animal between July 31 and December 31;

(b) A person may not:

(i) place, maintain or use a trail camera as prohibited in Section 23A-5-307;

(ii) engage in the sale or purchase of trail camera or other non-handheld device media, including images, video, location, time or date data to take, aid in the take or attempted take of big game; or

(iii) engage in the storage and sale or purchase of stored media, including images, video, location, time, or date data to take, aid in the take or attempted take of big game.

(i) use visual enhancement technology, such as nanotechnology, except for basic devices used solely for magnification;

(ii) use pattern recognition technology, such as artificial intelligence;

(iii) use live feed aerial imagery;

(iv) use electronically amplified calls or sounds; or

(v)(A) use any protected GPS location data or protected radio collar data to locate, track, take, or retrieve or any attempt to locate, track, take, or retrieve big game or their parts.

(B) For the purposes of this subsection, "protected" means "a records classified as protected under the Government Records Access and Management Act, Section 63G-2-305."

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

(1) A rifle used to hunt big game must:

(a) fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets; and

(b) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must:

(a) be 20 gauge or larger;

(b) fire only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition; and

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

(a) be pneumatically powered;

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

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

(ii) traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle; and

(d) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(4) 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 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; and

(iii) no electronic function other than an illuminated nock.

(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 telescopic sight only during an any weapon hunt but no other attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

R657-5-9. Handguns.

(1) A handgun used to take big game may not have an attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(2) 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

(3) 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.

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

(a) has both the powder and bullet loaded from the muzzle;

(b) has open sights, peep sights, or not more than a 1x scope or sight which contains no internal or external components that make it capable of magnifications;

(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; and

(h) has no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(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 person who has obtained a muzzleloader permit for a big game hunt may use only muzzleloader equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit.

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

(a) use muzzleloader equipment authorized in this section; and

(b) use a fixed or variable magnifying scope.

R657-5-11. Archery Equipment.

(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:

(i) have no electronic function other than illuminated nocks; and

(ii) the bow does not include, have attached or use any electronic device other than:

(A) illuminated sight pins; or

(B) a device capable of capturing picture or video data provided the given device cannot aid in the take of a big game animal.

(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, a single lens, peep-mounted glass does not constitute a magnified 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 person who has obtained an archery permit for a big game hunt may only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit.

(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 person hunting an archery-only season on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt may only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit.

R657-5-12. Areas With Special Restrictions.

(1)(a) Hunting of wildlife is allowed within the boundaries of all park areas, except for those areas and hunts specifically closed by the Division of State Parks in Section R651-614-4.

(b) State laws regarding the possession and discharge of dangerous weapons apply in state park areas open to hunting.

(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 Subsection 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) A person may not hunt big game in National Wildlife Refuges unless declared open by the managing authority.

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

(11) A person may not discharge a firearm, except a shotgun firing shot size not to exceed T(.20), from, upon, or across the Green River located near Jensen, Utah from the Highway 40 bridge upstream to the Dinosaur National Monument boundary.

(12) A person may not hunt big game inside the high fenced area surrounding the town of Alton, Utah.

R657-5-13. Spotlighting.

(1) Except as provided in Section 23A-1-204:

(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.

(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 between July 31 and January 31 to locate, or attempt to observe or locate any protected wildlife.

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

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

(1) A person may not take big game for another person, except as provided in Section 23A-4-201 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.

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.

(1) The carcass of any species of big game must be tagged in accordance with Section 23A-4-709.

(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.

(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 23A-1-205.

R657-5-19. Exporting Big Game From Utah.

(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.

(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;

(d) legally obtained shed antlers and horns may be purchased or sold at any time in a whole or altered state.

(e) a Certificate of Registration is required for commercial antler buyers.

(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.

(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 only on the dates 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.

(c) During winter conditions in which winter deer feeding triggers are met in accordance with the Emergency Big Game Winter Feeding Policy, a statewide emergency shed antler and shed horn gathering closure will be implemented.

(d) Shed antlers or shed horns may be collected if interfering with normal agricultural practices on private property.

R657-5-22. Poaching-Reported Reward Permits.

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.

(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) 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 Section R657-5-11 to take:

(i) 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

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

(b) 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.

(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 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 Subsection R657-5-23(3).

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

(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.

(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 Section 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 Section 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.

(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 Rule 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 website.

(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 Subsection 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 Section 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 Section R657-5-11 for taking deer;

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

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

(c) A landowner association under Rule 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.

(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 Section 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) Applicable permits as described in Subsection (a) are:

(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.

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

(b) Antlerless deer permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's website.

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any general season antlerless, general season doe, general season antlerless cooperative wildlife management unit, or general season doe cooperative wildlife management unit permit or preference points in the following year.

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

R657-5-28. General Archery Elk Hunt.

(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.

(1) The dates and areas for the general season bull elk hunts are provided in the Wildlife Board guidebooks 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 Section R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or a spike bull elk on a general season spike unit during the archery season;

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

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

(iv) any legal weapon as prescribed in Rule 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 Section R657-5-11 to take an antlerless elk or a spike elk on a general season spike unit during the archery season;

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

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

(iv) any legal weapon as prescribed in Rule R657-5 to take a 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 before 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.

(1) The dates and areas for general muzzleloader bull elk hunts are provided in the Wildlife Board guidebooks 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 Section 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 Section R657-5-10, to take a bull elk on an any bull elk unit. Spike bull units are closed to any bull muzzleloader permittees.

(3) 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 R657-5-34(3).

R657-5-31. Draw Only Youth Any Bull/Hunter's Choice Elk Permit.

(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 only obtain a draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit by applying for the Big Game draw.

(2) The draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit hunting season and areas are published in the Wildlife Board guidebook for taking big game.

(3)(a) A youth who has obtained a draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit may take a bull elk or hunter's choice elk on a general any bull elk unit. Spike bull elk units are closed to draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permittees.

(b) A youth who has obtained a draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit may use any legal weapon to take a bull elk or hunter's choice elk as specified on the permit.

(4) A youth who has obtained a draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-34(3).

(5) Preference points shall not be awarded or utilized when applying for or obtaining a draw only youth any bull/hunters choice elk permit.

R657-5-32. General Season Youth Elk Permit.

(1) A youth may purchase a general season youth elk permit.

(2) A youth who has obtained a general season youth elk permit may hunt both any bull and spike bull units during the seasons and areas published in the Wildlife Board guidebook for taking big game, but may not hunt during the draw only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk permit hunting season.

(3) A youth who has obtained a general season youth elk permit may not hunt during any other elk hunt or obtain any other elk permit, except as provided in Subsection R657-5-34(3)

R657-5-33. Limited Entry Bull Elk Hunts.

(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 Wildlife Board guidebooks for the unit specified on the limited entry bull elk permit:

(i) August and September archery seasons, using only archery equipment prescribed in Section R657-5-11 for taking elk;

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

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

(iv) multi-season permit holders may not hunt during late season, December archery limited entry bull elk seasons.

(c) A landowner association under Rule R657-43 is not eligible to receive a multi-season hunting opportunity for limited entry units nor late season, December archery limited entry bull elk seasons.

(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 Section R657-5-11, when hunting the archery season, excluding a crossbow, draw-lock, and airgun;

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

(c) any legal weapon, including a muzzleloader with a fixed or variable magnifying scope, 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 website.

(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 Subsection 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 R657-5-33(5) and R657-5-34(3).

R657-5-34. Antlerless Elk Hunts.

(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 online 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 Section 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 Section R657-44-3 do not count toward the annual three elk permit limitation prescribed in this subsection.

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

(4)(a) To obtain an antlerless elk control permit, a person must first obtain a big game buck, bull, or once-in-a-lifetime permit. 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 unit, as provided in the Antlerless guidebook by the Wildlife Board.

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

(c) A person that possesses 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.

(5)(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 Rule R657-37; and

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

(6)(a) A person who has obtained an antlerless 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 an antlerless elk.

(b) Antlerless elk permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's website.

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

R657-5-35. Buck Pronghorn Hunts.

(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 website.

(d) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Subsection 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.

R657-5-36. Doe Pronghorn Hunts.

(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 a doe pronghorn permit for that specific cooperative wildlife management unit.

(3)(a) A person who has obtained a doe 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 doe pronghorn.

(b) Doe pronghorn permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's website.

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

R657-5-37. Antlerless Moose Hunts.

(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) A person who has obtained an antlerless 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 an antlerless moose.

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

(c) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any limited entry antlerless, or limited entry ewe permit or bonus points in the following year.

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

R657-5-38. Bull Moose Hunts.

(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 website.

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

R657-5-39. Bison Hunts.

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

(2) Except as provided in Subsection (7), 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) Hunters must review a shot placement article provided by the Division.

(b) 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.

(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 management bison permit may take a bison of either sex within the unit boundaries and during the season dates established by the Wildlife Board.

(b) Management bison units may be established by the Wildlife Board in areas where management objectives are for zero bison.

(d) A person must successfully complete an online orientation course before obtaining a Management Bison permit.

(e) A person who obtains a management bison permit forfeits any bison bonus points accrued under Section R657-62-8 and incurs the associated waiting period identified in Subsection R657-62-18(6)(d) but remains eligible to acquire a management bison permit in subsequent years.

(f) A person may only obtain one bison permit and harvest one bison in a single hunt year.

(8)(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 website.

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

R657-5-40. Desert Bighorn and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Ram Hunts.

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

(2)(a) A person who has obtained a ram desert bighorn sheep permit may not obtain any other desert bighorn sheep permit or hunt during any other desert bighorn sheep.

(b) A person who has obtained a ram Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit may not obtain any other Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit or hunt any other Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

(3) Ram desert bighorn sheep and ram Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits are considered separate once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities.

(4)(a) A ram desert bighorn sheep permit allows a person to take one desert bighorn ram within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type prescribed by the Wildlife Board.

(b) A ram Rocky Mountain sheep permit allows a person to take one Rocky Mountain bighorn ram within the area, during the seasons, and using the weapon type prescribed by the Wildlife Board.

(5)(a) A person who has obtained a desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep 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 desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

(b) Desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's website.

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

R657-5-40.5. Desert Bighorn and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ewe Hunts.

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

(4)(a) A person who has obtained an ewe desert bighorn sheep or a ewe Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep 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 ewe desert bighorn sheep or a ewe Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

(b) Ewe desert bighorn sheep and ewe Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit holders must report hunt information by telephone, or through the division's website.

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

R657-5-41. Rocky Mountain Goat Hunts.

(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 female goat 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-only goat 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 website.

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

R657-5-42. Depredation Hunter Pool Permits.

(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 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.

R657-5-43. Carcass Importation.

(1) It is unlawful to import dead elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or their parts from any state or province 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) skulls or skull plates with antlers attached, so long as all brain matter and spinal column material is removed;

(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) A list of 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 website.

(b) Importation of harvested elk, moose, mule deer, or white-tailed deer or its parts from the affected areas are 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 Utah;

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

R657-5-44. Chronic Wasting Disease - Infected Animals and Testing.

(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; or

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

(2)(a) The division may identify big game hunting units where all or some permit holders may be required to submit their harvested animal to the division for Chronic Wasting Disease testing.

(b) Big game hunting units that are eligible for mandatory testing will be identified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

(c) Individuals possessing permits who are selected as participants in the big game Chronic Wasting Disease testing program will be notified in writing before the opening day of their hunt with a list of program requirements.

(d) An individual who fails to comply with mandatory testing requirements in this rule may be declared ineligible to apply for or receive any big game licenses, permits, or certificates of registration until they comply with the requirements of this rule and any assessment of fees under Section R657-42-9.

R657-5-45. Management Buck Deer Hunt.

(1) For the purposes of this section, "management buck" means any buck deer with three points or less on at least one antler above and including the first fork in the antler.

(2) Management buck deer permits shall be distributed pursuant to Rule R657-62.

(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 website.

(5) 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).

(6) 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.

R657-5-46. Cactus Buck Deer Hunt.

(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 website.

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

(5) 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.

R657-5-47. Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only Hunt.

(1) The Wildlife Board may prescribe Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only hunts for any big game species.

(2) An individual may only use the following weapons on a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only hunt:

(a) a legal handgun for the species being hunted, consistent with Section R657-5-9 must:

(i) have no attached scope;

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

(iii) be no more than 24 inches in overall length; and

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

(A) a fixed, detachable, or collapsible buttstock;

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

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

(d) a legal shotgun consistent with Subsection R657-5-8(2), with the following restrictions:

(i) no attached scope; or

(ii) not semi-automatic.

(e) a rifle as detailed in Subsection R657-5-8(1), with the following restrictions:

(i) not semi-automatic;

(ii) no attached scope; and

(iii) utilizes a straight-walled cartridge with a minimum bullet diameter of .35 caliber and a minimum case length of not less than 1.16 inches.

(3) A person who has obtained a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-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-Straight-walled Rifle-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) A Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only hunt is not a centerfire rifle hunt for purposes of Section 23A-11-205 or R657-5-48.

(6) A Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only permit may not be used on an extended archery hunt.

(7) Electronic communication to receive real-time information on hunter or game location to aid in the stalking of a specific big game animal is prohibited on a Handgun-Archery-Muzzleloader-Shotgun-Straight-walled Rifle-Only hunt.

R657-5-48. Restricted Weapons Hunt.

(1)(a) The Wildlife Board may prescribe Restricted Weapon Type hunts for any big game species.

(b) A person who has obtained a Restricted Weapon Type permit may not hunt within Cooperative Wildlife Management unit areas.

(c) A person who has obtained a Restricted Weapon Type permit may only hunt within the unit specified on the permit and no other general season, limited entry, or premium limited units, except as provided by the Wildlife Board in the guidebooks for big game.

(d) A permit issued for a Restricted Weapon Type season identified in Subsection (1)(a) allows a person to take a species designated on the permit within the area, during the season dates, and using the weapon type described in Subsections (2) through (6) and specified on the permit.

(2) "Restricted Archery Equipment" means archery equipment as detailed in Subsections R657-5-11(1) through (3) with the following restrictions:

(a) must be a single stringed long bow or recurve bow with no cables, pulleys or cams;

(b) has no sights; and

(3) "Restricted Muzzleloader Equipment" means muzzleloader equipment as detailed in Subsections R657-5-10(1) and (2) with the following restrictions:

(a) the ignition system is limited to traditional flintlock, wheellock, matchlock, musket cap, or percussion cap. All other ignition systems, including 209 primers, are prohibited; and

(b) contains only open sights or peep sights.

(4) "Restricted Rifle Equipment" means a rifle as detailed in Subsection R657-5-8(1) with the following exceptions:

(a) contains only open sights or peeps sights; and

(b) cannot be semi-automatic.

(5) Restricted Archery permits may not be used on an extended archery hunt.

(6) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for big game may use any restricted weapon authorized in this section to take the species authorized on the permit.

(7) Electronic communication to receive real-time information on hunter or game location to aid in the stalking of a specific big game animal is prohibited on a restricted weapon hunt.

R657-5-49. Hunter Orange Exceptions.

(1) An individual shall wear a hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater made of primarily hunter orange material and so the item can be seen 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-Straight-walled Rifle-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;

(e) hunters participating in a nuisance wildlife removal hunt authorized under a certificate of registration by the division; and

(f) hunters participating in an archery hunt with unit boundaries and season dates that overlap the unit boundaries and season dates for the youth any bull elk hunt.

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

(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 before 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 logistic 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 Rule 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 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.

R657-5-51. Game Retrieval and Meat Salvage Minimum Requirements.

(1)(a) No person shall wound or kill a big game animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve it and take it into possession.

(b) A reasonable effort under Subsection (1)(a) shall include:

(i) physically going to the big game animal's location where a person attempted to take it and search for any sign that the big game animal was wounded or killed; and

(ii) taking the big game animal into possession and properly tagging it as per Section R657-5-17.

(2) Any hunter who harvests a big game animal shall salvage the meat from the front quarters as far down as the knees, meat from the hindquarters as far down as the hocks, and the meat along the backbone between the neck and hindquarters including the loins and tenderloins, excluding meat on the ribs and neck.

R657-5-52. Harvest Reporting

(1)(a) A person who has obtained any big game or antlerless permit, including CWMU, conservation, LOA and expo permits must report hunt information by filling out the harvest survey on the division's website within 30 calendar days after the end of the season date listed on the permit, whether the permit holder was successful or unsuccessful in harvesting.

(b) The following types of big game permits must report hunt information by filling out the harvest survey designated on a division's web page within 30 calendar days after the end of the extended archery season:

(i) general season buck deer archery;

(ii) youth general season buck deer any legal weapon;

(iii) dedicated hunter;

(iv) general season bull elk archery;

(v) youth general season bull elk; and

(vi) multi-season spike bull elk.

(d) Permit holders must report hunt information by filling out the harvest survey on the division's website or by contacting the division office by telephone.

(e) A person who fails to comply with the requirement in Subsection (a) shall be ineligible to apply for any big game species permits and bonus or preference points in either the big game application or antlerless application the following year.

(f) Late questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Subsection R657-42-9(2).

R657-53. Antler Point Restrictions on Buck Deer Hunts.

(1) The Wildlife Board may implement antler point restrictions on buck deer hunts.

(2)(a) The Wildlife Board may set the APR as either a 3-point or 4-point antler restriction, where the buck deer has 3 or 4 points on at least one antler above or including the first fork in the antler.

(b) the eye guard on a buck deer does not qualify as a "point" as described in Subsection (2)(a).

(3) An APR must be implemented before the application process for permits, specified in Rule R657-62.

(4) The Wildlife Board may elect to implement an APR for:

(a) specific buck deer hunting unit;

(b) a specific buck deer hunting season or seasons;

(d) either adults or youth, or both; or

(e) any combination of subsections (4)(i)-(iv).

(5) The division may require person who has obtained a buck deer permit subject to an APR and has successfully harvested a buck deer may be required to submit photographic evidence that their harvested buck complies with the APR.

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

(7) Any APR implemented by the Wildlife Board shall be published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking big game.

Administrative rule R657-9

Taking waterfowl, snipe and coot

Scroll to bottom of page to view a menu of all administrative rules

KEY: wildlife, birds, migratory birds, waterfowl

Date of Last Change: March 11, 2025

Notice of Continuation: July 2, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-2-304; 23A-2-305; 50 CFR part 20

R657-9-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) Under authority of Sections 23A-2-304 and 23A-2-305, and in accordance with 50 CFR 20, 50 CFR 32.64 and 50 CFR 27.21, 2004 edition, which is incorporated by reference, the Wildlife Board has established this rule for taking certain migratory game birds.

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

R657-9-2. Definitions.

(1)(a) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 23A-1-101.

(b) The terms provided in Subsections 58-79-102(1) through (7) are incorporated by reference.

(2) In addition:

(a) "Bait" means shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed that lures, attracts or entices birds.

(b) "Baiting" means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

(d) "Daily Bag Limit" means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination, aggregate, of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season in any one specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed.

(e) "Dark geese" means the following species: cackling, Canada and brant.

(f) "Light geese" means the following species: snow, blue and Ross'.

(g) "Live decoys" means tame or captive ducks, geese or other live birds.

(h) "Migratory game bird" means waterfowl, snipe, coot, American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, white-winged dove, and Sandhill crane.

(i) "Off-highway vehicle" means any motor vehicle designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain.

(j) "Permanent waterfowl blind" means any waterfowl blind that is left unattended overnight and that is not a portable structure capable of immediate relocation.

(k) "Possession limit" the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person when lawfully taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed.

(l) "Retrieval Zone" means areas adjacent to rest areas where game retrieval is allowed but hunting is restricted.

(m) "Sinkbox" means any type of low floating device, having a depression, affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water.

(n) "Snipe" means the following species: common, Jack, pin-tailed, solitary, Swinhoe's and Wilson's snipe.

(o) "Transport" means to ship, export, import or receive or deliver for shipment.

(p) "Waterfowl" means ducks, mergansers, geese and tundra swans.

(q) "Waterfowl blind" means any manufactured place of concealment, including boats, rafts, tents, excavated pits, or similar structures, which have been designed to partially or completely conceal a person while hunting waterfowl.

(r) "Waterfowl Management Area" means the following properties owned or managed by the division primarily for the conservation, production, or recreational harvest of ducks, mergansers, geese, tundra swans, and other waterfowl:

(i) Bicknell Bottoms;

(ii) BlackHawk;

(iii) Blue Lake;

(iv) Brown's Park;

(v) Clear Lake;

(vi) Desert Lake;

(vii) Farmington Bay;

(viii) Fitzgerald;

(ix) Harold Crane;

(x) Howard Slough;

(xi) Locomotive Springs;

(xii) Mallard Springs;

(xiii) Manti Meadows;

(xiv) Mills Meadows;

(xv) Ogden Bay;

(xvi) Powell Slough;

(xvii) Provo River Delta;

(xviii) Public Shooting Grounds;

(xix) Redmond Marsh;

(xx) Rock Island;

(xxi) Salt Creek;

(xxii) Stewart Lake;

(xxiii) Timpie Springs;

(xxiv) Topaz;

(xxv) Warm Springs; and

(xxvi) Willard Spur.

R657-9-3. Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program.

(1) A person must obtain a Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number to hunt migratory game birds.

(2) A person may register online as published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking migratory game birds to obtain their HIP registration number. A person must write their HIP registration number on their current valid hunting license.

(3) Any person obtaining a HIP registration number will be required to provide their:

(a) hunting license number;

(b) hunting license type;

(d) address;

(e) phone number;

(f) birth date; and

(g) information about the previous year's migratory game bird hunts.

(4) Lifetime license holders will receive a sticker every three years from the division to write their HIP number on and place on their lifetime license card.

(5) Any person hunting migratory game birds will be required, while in the field, to possess a hunting or combination license with the HIP registration number recorded on the license, demonstrating they have registered and provided information for the HIP program.

R657-9-4. Stamp Requirements.

(1) Any person 16 years of age or older must obtain a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp before hunting waterfowl, and must have the physical stamp or proof of electronic stamp in possession when hunting waterfowl.

(2) A physical federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp must be validated by the hunter's signature in ink across the face of the stamp.

(3) A electronic federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp does not need to be signed.

(4) A federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp is not required for any person under the age of 16.

(5) Federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps are non-transferrable.

R657-9-5. Permit Applications for Tundra Swan, Band-tailed Pigeon and Sandhill Crane.

(1) A person must obtain a permit before taking any migratory game bird, except for:

(a) American Crow;

(b) Mourning Dove;

(d) Waterfowl except for Tundra swan.

(2) Tundra swan permits are issued pursuant to Section R657-62-22.

(3) Band-tailed pigeon permits may be obtained from division offices, through the mail, and through the division's internet address by the first week in August, free of charge.

(4)(a) Sandhill crane permits will be issued pursuant to Section R657-62-21.

(b) Residents and nonresidents may apply.

(c) The application period for Sandhill crane is published in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking Waterfowl and migratory game birds.

(d) A person may obtain only one Sandhill crane permit each year.

R657-9-6. Tagging Tundra Swans and Sandhill Cranes.

(1)(a) A person that takes a tundra swan or sandhill crane must tag the carcass, as provided in Section 23A-4-709, immediately upon taking possession of the carcass and reaching a location listed in Subsections (i) through (iii), that is closest to the place where the carcass was first retrieved by the hunter, another person, or a dog:

(i) the blind or fixed location in the field where the person taking the tundra swan was set up and from where they shot at the tundra swan;

(ii) a vessel available to the person; or

(iii) the first area of land free from standing water.

(b) "Vessel" means, for the purposes of this subsection, any type of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(2) To tag a tundra swan and sandhill crane carcass, a person shall:

(a) completely detach the tag from the license or permit;

(b) completely remove the appropriate notches to correspond with the date the tundra swan or sandhill crane was taken; and

(3) A person may not:

(a) remove more than one notch indicating the date; or

(b) tag more than one tundra swan or sandhill crane carcass using the same tag.

(4) A person may not hunt or pursue a tundra swan or sandhill crane after:

(a) shooting and retrieving the tundra swan or sandhill crane;

(b) the tag is detached from the permit; or

R657-9-7. Return of Tundra Swan Harvest and Hunt Information.

(1) Tundra swan permit holders who do not hunt or are unsuccessful in taking a tundra swan must respond to the tundra swan questionnaire through the division's internet address, or by telephone, within 30 calendar days of the conclusion of the prescribed tundra swan hunting season.

(2)(a) Except for as provided in Subsection (b), within three days of harvest, any tundra swan permit holders who successfully harvest any swan species must personally present the swan or its head to the division or Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for measurement and provide all requested harvest information.

(b) Anyone who takes a trumpeter swan must bring the entire swan to the division or Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

(3) Hunters who fail to comply with the requirements of Subsection (1) or (2) shall be ineligible to:

(a) obtain a tundra swan permit the following season; and

(b) obtain a tundra swan permit after the first season of ineligibility until the swan orientation course is retaken.

(4) Late tundra swan questionnaires may be accepted pursuant to Subsection R657-42-9(3). Tundra swan permit holders are still required to present the swan or its head for measurement to a division office.

R657-9-8. Authorized Weapons.

(1) Migratory game birds may be taken with a shotgun, crossbow or archery tackle, including a draw lock.

(2) Migratory game birds may not be taken with a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance.

(3) Migratory game birds may not be taken with a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells, except as authorized by the Wildlife Board and specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe and coot.

(4)(a) It is unlawful to use any protected gps location data or protected radio collar data to locate, track, take, or retrieve or any attempt to locate, track, take, or retrieve migratory birds or their parts.

(b) For the purposes of this subsection, "protected" means "a records classified as protected under the Government Records Access and Management Act, Section 63G-2-305".

R657-9-9. Nontoxic Shot.

(1) Only nontoxic shot may be in possession or used while hunting waterfowl, snipe, coot; and sandhill crane.

(2) A person may not possess or use lead shot:

(a) while hunting waterfowl, snipe, coot or sandhill crane in any area of the state;

(b) on federal refuges;

(c) on the following waterfowl management areas: Bicknell Bottoms, BlackHawk, Blue Lake, Brown's Park, Clear Lake, Desert Lake, Farmington Bay, Harold S. Crane, Howard Slough, Locomotive Springs, Manti Meadow, Mills Meadows, Ogden Bay, Powell Slough, Provo River Delta, Public Shooting Grounds, Salt Creek, Stewart's Lake, Timpie Springs, Willard Spur; or

(d) on the Scott M. Matheson or Utah Lake Wetland Preserve.

R657-9-10. Use of Weapons on State Waterfowl Management Areas.

(1) A person may not discharge a firearm, crossbow or archery tackle on the following Waterfowl or Wildlife Management Areas: Bicknell Bottoms, BlackHawk, Blue Lake, Brown's Park, Clear Lake, Desert Lake, Farmington Bay, Harold S. Crane, Howard Slough, Locomotive Springs, Mills Meadows, Ogden Bay, Powell Slough, Public Shooting Grounds, Salt Creek, Stewart's Lake, Timpie Springs, Topaz, Utah Lake Wetland Preserve and Provo River Delta during any time of the year.

(2) The following exceptions apply to Subsection (1):

(a) the use of authorized weapons as provided in Section R657-9-8 during waterfowl hunting seasons for lawful hunting activities;

(b) as otherwise authorized by the Division in a special use permit, certificate of registration, rule, proclamation, or order of the Wildlife Board; or

R657-9-11. Shooting Hours.

(1) A person may not hunt, pursue, or take wildlife or discharge any firearm or archery tackle on state-owned lands adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, on division-controlled waterfowl management areas or on federal refuges between official sunset and one-half hour before official sunrise.

(2) Legal shooting hours for taking or attempting to take migratory game birds are provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking migratory game birds.

R657-9-12. Airborne, Terrestrial, and Aquatic Vehicles.

(1) Migratory game birds may not be taken:

(a) from a motorboat or other craft having a motor attached;

(b) from a sailboat unless the motor has been completely shut off or sails furled and its progress has ceased; or

(c) by means or aid of any motor driven land, water or air conveyance, or any sailboat used to or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying or stirring up of any migratory bird.

(2) A craft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds; however, crippled birds may not be shot from such craft under power.

R657-9-13. Airboats.

(1) Air-thrust or air-propelled boats and personal watercraft are not allowed in designated parts of the following areas for the purposes of waterfowl hunting:

(a) Box Elder County: Box Elder Lake, Bear River, that part of Harold S. Crane within one-half mile of all dikes and levees, Locomotive Springs, Public Shooting Grounds and Salt Creek, that part of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge north of "D" line dike, and outside Units 1, 3, 4 and 5 as posted.

(b) Daggett County: Brown's Park;

(d) Emery County: Desert Lake;

(e) Millard County: Clear Lake, Topaz Slough;

(f) Salt Lake County: BlackHawk;

(g) Tooele County: Timpie Springs;

(h) Uintah County: Stewart's Lake;

(i) Utah County: Powell Slough;

(j) Utah County: Provo River Delta;

(k) Wayne County: Bicknell Bottoms; and

(l) Weber County: Ogden Bay within diked units or as posted and the portion of Harold S. Crane Waterfowl Management Area that falls within the county line.

(2) "Personal watercraft" means, for purposes of this section, a motorboat that is:

(a) less than 16 feet in length;

(b) propelled by a water jet pump; and

(c) designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than sitting or standing inside the vessel.

R657-9-14. Motorized Vehicle Access.

(1) "Motorized vehicle" means, for purposes of this section, a vehicle that is self-propelled or possesses the ability to be self-propelled. This does not include vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, or an electric personal assisted mobility device.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (a) through (c), Section R657-28-4 outlines prohibited activities on waterfowl and wildlife management areas.

(a) Motorized vehicle travel is restricted to county roads, improved roads and parking areas.

(b) Off-highway vehicles are not permitted on state waterfowl management areas, except as marked and posted open.

(d) Motorized vehicle use is restricted on waterfowl management and wildlife management areas as specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe and coot.

R657-9-15. Sinkbox.

A person may not take migratory game birds from or by means, aid, or use of any type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water.

R657-9-16. Live Decoys.

A person may not take migratory game birds with the use of live birds as decoys or from an area where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and have been, for a period of ten consecutive days before such taking, confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl.

R657-9-17. Amplified Bird Calls.

A person may not use recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds or recorded or electronically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds except as authorized by the Wildlife Board and specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe and coot.

R657-9-18. Baiting.

(1) A person may not take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.

(2) This section does not prohibit the following:

(a) The taking of any migratory game bird on or over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas:

(i) standing crops or flooded standing crops including aquatics, standing, flooded or manipulated natural vegetation, flooded harvested croplands, or lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation or normal soil stabilization practice;

(ii) from a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation;

(iii) from a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or

(iv) standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys or retrieving downed birds.

(3) The taking of any migratory game bird, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, is legal on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.

R657-9-19. Possession During Closed Season.

No person shall possess any freshly killed migratory game birds during the closed season.

R657-9-20. Live Birds.

(1) Every migratory game bird wounded by hunting and reduced to possession by the hunter shall be immediately killed and become part of the daily bag limit.

(2) No person shall at any time, or by any means possess or transport live migratory game birds.

R657-9-21. Waste of Migratory Game Birds.

(1) A person may not waste or permit to be wasted or spoiled any protected wildlife or any part of them.

(2) No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird pursuant to this rule without making a reasonable effort to immediately retrieve the bird and include it in that person's daily bag limit.

R657-9-22. Termination of Possession.

Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased when the birds have been delivered by the hunter to another person as a gift; to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for transport by the Postal Service or common carrier to some person other than the hunter.

R657-9-23. Tagging Requirement.

(1) No person shall put or leave any migratory game bird at any place other than at that person's personal abode, or in the custody of another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transporting or storing, including temporary storage, or for having taxidermy services performed unless there is attached to the birds a disposal receipt, donation receipt or transportation slip signed by the hunter stating the hunter's address, the total number and species of birds, the date such birds were killed and the Utah hunting license number under which they were taken.

(2) Migratory game birds being transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor may not be considered as being in storage or temporary storage.

R657-9-24. Donation or Gift.

No person may receive, possess or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such hunter's address, the total number and species of birds taken, the date such birds were taken and the Utah hunting license number under which taken.

R657-9-25. Custody of Another Person's Migratory Game Bird.

No person may receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are tagged as required by Section R657-9-23.

R657-9-26. Species Identification Requirement.

No person shall transport within the United States any migratory game birds unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to each bird while being transported from the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.

R657-9-27. Marking Package or Container.

(1) No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container in which such birds are transported has the name and address of the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement of the numbers and kinds of species of birds contained therein clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.

(2) A Utah shipping permit obtained from the division must accompany each package shipped within or from Utah.

R657-9-28. Migratory Bird Preservation Facilities.

(1) "Migratory bird preservation facility" means, for purposes of this section:

(i) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire or other consideration;

(ii) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other consideration; or

(iii) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.

(2) No migratory bird preservation facility shall:

(a) receive or have in custody any migratory game bird unless accurate records are maintained that can identify each bird received by, or in the custody of, the facility by the name of the person from whom the bird was obtained, and show:

(i) the number of each species;

(ii) the location where taken;

(iii) the date such birds were received;

(iv) the name and address of the person from whom such birds were received;

(v) the date such birds were disposed of; and

(vi) the name and address of the person to whom such birds were delivered; or

(b) destroy any records required to be maintained under this section for a period of one year following the last entry on record.

(3) Record keeping as required by this section will not be necessary at hunting clubs that do not fully process migratory birds by removal of the head and wings.

(4) No migratory bird preservation facility shall prevent any person authorized to enforce this part from entering such facilities at all reasonable hours and inspecting the records and the premises where such operations are being carried out.

R657-9-29. Importation.

A person may not:

(1) import migratory game birds belonging to another person; or

(2) import migratory game birds over the following importation limits:

(a) From any country except Canada and Mexico, during any one calendar week beginning on Sunday, not to exceed ten ducks, singly or in the aggregate of all species, and five geese, singly or in the aggregate of all species;

(b) From Canada, not to exceed the maximum number to be exported by Canadian authorities;

(c) From Mexico, not to exceed the maximum number permitted by Mexican authorities in any one day: provided that if the importer has a Mexican hunting permit date-stamped by appropriate Mexican wildlife authorities on the first day the importer hunts in Mexico, the importer may import the applicable Mexican possession limit corresponding to the days actually hunted during that particular trip.

R657-9-30. Use of Dogs.

(1) An individual may not use or permit a dog to harass, pursue, or take protected wildlife unless otherwise allowed for in the Wildlife Code, administrative rules issued under Wildlife Code, or a guidebook of the Wildlife Board.

(2) Dogs may be used to locate and retrieve turkey during open turkey hunting seasons.

(3) Dogs are generally allowed on state wildlife management and waterfowl management areas, subject to the following conditions:

(a) dogs are not allowed on the following state wildlife management areas and waterfowl management areas between March 10 and August 31 annually or as posted by the Division:

(i) Annabella;

(ii) Bear River Trenton Property Parcel;

(iii) Bicknell Bottoms;

(iv) BlackHawk;

(v) Blue Lake;

(vi) Browns Park;

(vii) Bud Phelps;

(viii) Clear Lake;

(ix) Desert Lake;

(x) Farmington Bay;

(xi) Harold S. Crane;

(xii) Hatt's Ranch;

(xiii) Howard Slough;

(xiv) Huntington;

(xv) James Walter Fitzgerald;

(xvi) Kevin Conway;

(xvii) Locomotive Springs;

(xviii) Manti Meadows;

(xix) Mills Meadows;

(xx) Montes Creek;

(xxi) Nephi;

(xxii) Ogden Bay;

(xxiii) Pahvant;

(xxiv) Public Shooting Grounds;

(xxv) Redmond Marsh;

(xxvi) Richfield;

(xxvii) Roosevelt;

(xxviii) Salt Creek;

(xxix) Scott M. Matheson Wetland Preserve;

(xxx) Steward Lake;

(xxxi) Timpie Springs;

(xxxii) Topaz Slough;

(xxxiii) Utah Lake Wetland Preserve;

(xxxiv) Vernal; and

(xxxv) Willard Bay.

(b) the Division may establish special restrictions for Division-managed properties, such as on-leash requirements and temporary or locational closures for dogs, and post them at specific Division properties and at Regional offices;

(c) organized events or group gatherings of 25 or more individuals that involve the use of dogs, such as dog training or trials, that occur on Division properties may require a special use permit as described in Rule R657-28;

(d) dog training may be allowed in designated areas on Lee Kay Center and Willard Bay WMA by the Division without a special use permit; and

(e) dogs are only allowed on the Nature Trail within the Hasenyager Nature Preserve, and must be on a leash; and

(f) the Skipper Bay Trail of the Provo River Delta Wildlife Management Area is managed by the Utah County Trail Department, and the Utah County trial system leash ordinance applies.

R657-9-31. Season Dates and Bag and Possession Limits.

(1) Season dates and bag and possession limits are specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking migratory game birds.

(2) A youth duck hunting day may be allowed for any person 17 years of age or younger on July 31st of the year in which the youth hunting day is held, as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe and coot.

R657-9-32. Rest Areas and No Shooting Areas.

(1) A person may only access and use state waterfowl management areas in accordance with state and federal law, state administrative code, and proclamations of the Wildlife Board.

(2)(a) The division may establish portions of state waterfowl management areas as "rest areas" for wildlife that are closed to the public and trespass of any kind is prohibited.

(b) In addition to any areas identified in the proclamation of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe, and coot, the following areas are designated as rest areas:

(i) that portion of Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area known as Spring Lake;

(ii) that portion of Desert Lake Waterfowl Management Area known as Desert Lake;

(iii) that portion of Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area that lies above and adjacent to the Hull Lake Diversion Dike known as Duck Lake;

(iv) that portion of Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area known as Rest Lake;

(v) that portion of Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area that lies in the northwest quarter of unit one; and

(iv) that portion of Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area known as North Bachman and extending north to the Unit one dike road and east to the spillways of South run road.

(c) Maps of all rest areas will be available at division offices, on the division's website, and to the extent necessary, marked with signage at each rest area.

(3)(a) The division may establish portions of state waterfowl management areas as "No Shooting Areas" where the discharge of weapons for the purposes of hunting is prohibited.

(b) No Shooting Areas remain open to the public for other lawful activities.

(c) In addition to any areas identified in the proclamation of the Wildlife Board for taking waterfowl, snipe, and coot, the following areas are No Shooting Areas:

(i) all of Antelope Island, including all areas within 600 feet of the upland vegetative line or other clearly defined high-water mark;

(ii) within 600 feet of the north and south side of the center line of Antelope Island causeway;

(iii) within 600 feet of all structures found at Brown's Park Waterfowl Management Area;

(iv) the following portions of Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area:

(A) within 600 feet of the Headquarters;

(B) within 600 feet of dikes and roads accessible by motorized vehicles;

(D) within the 300-foot retrieval zone around the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area rest area;

(v) within the 200 foot retrieval zone extending east from the southeast signed and posted corner of Rest Lake at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area north to the intersection with Salt Creek bypass canal and signed and posted northeast corner of Rest Lake;

(vi) the following portions of Provo River Delta Wildlife Management Area:

(A) within 600 feet of Lakeview Parkway;

(B) within 600 feet of Boat Harbor Drive;

(D) within 600 feet of the Provo River Delta trail;

(vii) within 600 feet of the headquarters area of Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area;

(viii) within the boundaries of all State Parks except those designated open by appropriate signage as provided in Section R651-614-4;

(ix) within ⅓ of a mile of the Great Salt Lake Marina;

(x) below the high-water mark of Gunnison Bend Reservoir and its inflow upstream to the Southerland Bridge, Millard County;

(xi) any property within the boundary of the Salt Lake International Airport; and

(xii) any property within the boundaries of federal migratory bird refuges, unless hunting waterfowl specifically authorized by the federal government.

(4) The division reserves the right to manage division lands and regulate its use consistent with Section 23A-6-404 and Rule R657-28.

R657-9-33. Falconry.

(1) Falconers must obtain a valid hunting or combination license, a federal migratory bird stamp and a falconry certificate of registration to hunt waterfowl and must also obtain:

(a) a band-tailed pigeon permit before taking band-tailed pigeon; and

(b) a sandhill crane permit before taking sandhill crane.

(2) Areas open and bag and possession limits for falconry are specified in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking migratory game birds.

R657-9-34. Waterfowl Blinds on Waterfowl Management and Wildlife Management Areas.

(1) Waterfowl blinds on division waterfowl management and wildlife management areas may be constructed or used as follows:

(a) waterfowl blinds may not be left unattended overnight, except for blinds constructed entirely of non-woody, vegetative materials that naturally occur where the blind is located;

(b) trees and shrubs on waterfowl management and wildlife management areas that are live or dead standing may not be cut or damaged except as expressly authorized in writing by the division;

(c) excavating soil or rock on waterfowl management and wildlife management areas above or below water surface is strictly prohibited, except as expressly authorized in writing by the division;

(d) rock and soil material may not be transported to waterfowl management and wildlife management areas for purposes of constructing a blind; and

(e) waterfowl blinds may not be constructed or used in any area or manner, which obstructs vehicular or pedestrian travel on dikes.

(2) The restrictions set forth in Subsection (1)(a) through Subsection (1)(c) do not apply to the following waterfowl management areas:

(a) Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area - West and North of Unit 1, Turpin Unit, and Doug Miller Unit;

(b) Howard Slough Waterfowl Management Area - West and South of the exterior dike separating the waterfowl management area's fresh water impoundments from the Great Salt Lake;

(d) Harold Crane Waterfowl Management Area - one half mile North and West of the exterior dike separating the waterfowl management area's fresh water impoundments from Willard Spur.

(3)(a) The restrictions set forth in Subsection (1)(a) through Subsection (1)(c) do not apply to blinds on Willard Spur Waterfowl Management Area.

(b) The placement or use of any permanent blind on Willard Spur Waterfowl Management Area requires written permission from the Division and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

(4) Waterfowl blinds constructed or maintained on waterfowl management areas in violation of this section may be removed or destroyed by the division without notice.

(5) Any unoccupied, permanent waterfowl blind located on state land open to public access for hunting may be used by any person without priority to the person that constructed the blind. It being the intent of this rule to make such blinds available to any person on a first-come, first-serve basis.

(6) Waterfowl blinds or decoys cannot be left unattended overnight on state land open to public access for hunting in an effort to reserve the particular location where the blinds or decoys are placed.

(7) A person may not construct a new permanent blind on a waterfowl management area after June 3, 2021.