![]() ![]() ![]() In 1996 the Utah Wildlife Board approved a Predator Management Policy that authorizes the UDWR to increase cougar harvest quotas on management units where big game populations are depressed, or where big game has recently been released to establish or supplement new populations. The underlying intentions of today’s decision-makers are much less clear. The few who were directly involved were motivated by how much money they could make by turning in a kill. The Killing Continuesĭuring the bounty period, most people were concerned only about how quickly the species could be eradicated. Though management plans claim to be focused on preserving healthy populations, trophy hunting opportunities have always been the priority. ![]() Like most western states, cougars in Utah were first managed through a bounty process, then left unclassified for a few years, followed by the species listing by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) as a game animal and trophy hunted for recreation.Īll of these management practices contain a single common element: killing cougars to benefit a small group of men. The Department will seek public comment on how to approach lion regulations and the new legislation this year, so keep an eye on news releases from both Utah DWR and the Mountain Lion Foundation for how you can help lions in Utah. Hunters will be required to turn lions into the Utah DWR as usual, obtain their general hunting license, and night hunting is still prohibited. Cougars are still a protected big game species. As a result, the rules for cougars are as stated in the bill. The cougar addendum was added in the bill’s final hours and not brought to the attention of the representatives voting to approve leaving the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) blindsided as much of cougar management was removed from them. This legislation will allow year-round cougar hunting and introduce trapping into the state of Utah. HB0469 will go into effect on May 3, 2023. ![]()
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