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Home , Bobcat, Waterfowl hunting

FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 CONTACT US CONTENTS HIGHLIGHTS KNOW THE LAWS This guidebook summarizes Utah’s Turn in a poacher 3 Know the laws Fewer permits: This year, you may furbearer laws and rules. Although Phone: 1-800-662-3337 4 Trappers Association obtain a maximum of five bobcat permits for it is a convenient quick-reference document Email: [email protected] reward program the season, a decrease of one permit compared for Utah’s furbearer regulations, it is not an Online: wildlife.utah.gov/utip 6 Key dates and fees to last season. For more information on obtain- all-encompassing resource. ing a permit, see page 10. Division offices 7 Basic requirements For an in-depth look at the state’s 10 Obtaining permits Offices are open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Cap on bobcat permits: Because of recent furbearer hunting laws and rules, visit Monday through Friday. 11 Obtaining and using tags declines in bobcat numbers, only 6,460 bobcat wildlife.utah.gov/rules. 13 Avoid nontarget species permits will be sold this year. Permit sales will You can use the references in the guide- Salt Lake City 14 Hunting and trapping methods begin Oct. 1, 2019 and continue until the cap book—such as Utah Code § 23-20-3 and Utah 1594 W North Temple 14 Trap registration numbers is reached or until Oct. 31, 2019, whichever Administrative Rule R657-11-4—to search Box 146301 15 Trap restrictions to protect river happens first. You can purchase bobcat permits the Division’s website for the detailed statute Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 at wildlife.utah.gov and from license agents or rule that underpins the guidebook summary. 801-538-4700 16 Unmodified and modified body- and Division offices. For more information on If you have questions about a particular obtaining a permit, see page 10. rule, call or visit the nearest Division office. Central Region gripping traps 1115 N Main Street 17 Artificial cubby set Shorter bobcat season: The 2019-2020 Who makes the rules? Springville, UT 84663 17 Did it get wet? Decontaminate it! bobcat season will be one week shorter, The Utah Wildlife Board passes the rules Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer 801-491-5678 18 Use of bait running from Nov. 20, 2019 to March 1, 2020. summarized in this guidebook. 18 Are you allowed to possess a For more information on season dates and bag There are seven board members, and Northeastern Region weapon? limits, see page 25. 318 N Vernal Avenue each serves a six-year term. Appointed by the 19 Areas closed to beaver and governor, board members are not Division Vernal, UT 84078 Bobcat removal and tagging: Whether harvest employees. 435-781-9453 you find a bobcat in one of your traps, or in a 20 Areas where you cannot discharge trap you have written authorization to check, The Division’s director serves as the board’s Northern Region a firearm you must possess and carry a valid bobcat executive secretary but does not have a vote on 515 E 5300 S 20 Spotlighting permit issued in your name. Then, if you kill wildlife policies. Ogden, UT 84405 20 Trapping on waterfowl the bobcat, you must attach your own tags to Before board members make changes to 801-476-2740 management areas the carcass. For additional details, see page 11. wildlife rules, they listen to recommendations from Division biologists. They also receive input Southeastern Region 21 Trapping and 22 Trespassing More changes to predator control from the public and various interest groups via 319 N Carbonville Road, Ste A program: Recent changes to Utah’s predator Price, UT 84501 22 management in Utah the regional advisory council (RAC) process. control program include the requirement to 435-613-3700 23 Restricted areas If you have feedback or suggestions for use a new smartphone app. For details, see board members, you can find their contact 23 Possession, sale and page 25 or visit wildlife.utah.gov/predators. information online at wildlife.utah.gov. Southern Region transportation 1470 N Airport Road 24 Depredation Trap registration license required: You Cedar City, UT 84721 Wildlife Board members wildlife.utah.gov 435-865-6100 25 Season dates and must possess a valid trap registration license 25 Utah’s predator control program when you use any trapping device capable Randy Dearth Byron Bateman, Chair County Field Office 27 Definitions of capturing or killing protected wildlife. You Wade Heaton Kevin Albrecht, Vice Chair 451 N SR-318 must also have that license on your person Karl Hirst Mike Fowlks, Hurricane, UT 84737 when setting or checking trapping devices. Donnie Hunter Division Director & 435-879-8694 Bret Selman Executive Secretary On the cover: long-tailed photo,

wildlife.utah.gov courtesy of Jim Shuler 2 3 For more information about this requirement, Three-year guidebook: In August 2019, FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 please see wildlife.utah.gov/trapping-faq.html. the Utah Wildlife Board approved a 3-year Don’t lose your hunting and privileges For details on obtaining the license and any guidebook for furbearer regulations. That If you commit a wildlife violation, you could lose the privilege of hunting and fishing in Utah. exemptions that apply, see page 9. means the regulations in this guidebook will The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can suspend the license of remain relatively unchanged until 2022. anyone who knowingly, intentionally or recklessly violates wildlife Trapping coyotes and raccoons: Because laws. Your license can be suspended for a wildlife violation if: and traps are capable of Check season dates: Season dates change • You are convicted. capturing or killing protected wildlife, Utah’s every year. For a complete list of furbearer • You plead guilty or no contest. season dates, see page 25. trapping laws apply to individuals who are • You enter a plea in abeyance or trapping coyotes and raccoons. For details, see Bobcat permit/tag format: Bobcat diversion agreement. the information box on page 21. temporary possession tags and jaw tags are Suspension proceedings are separate and indepen- dent from criminal prosecution. The Utah Division of Trap registration numbers: If you already attached to bobcat permits. For more informa- tion on how to attach these tags to a bobcat, Wildlife Resources may suspend your license privileges have a valid trap registration number, but you please read Tagging on page 11. whether or not the court considers suspension in your don’t have a physical copy of it, please contact criminal case. You will be notified of any action against a Division office to receive a duplicate copy, Trapping on WMAs: Certain your privilege after criminal proceedings conclude. And free of charge. You can also download the Utah trappers are authorized to remove muskrats remember, if your license is suspended in Utah, you Hunting and Fishing app and carry an elec- from state-owned wildlife management may not be permitted to hunt or in most other tronic copy of your trap registration license on areas (WMAs). You can learn more about that states. (Visit wildlife.utah.gov/know-the-consequences.html to see a map of participating states.)

Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer your mobile device. See page 9 for details. process at wildlife.utah.gov/WMAtrapping, starting in October. Accidental trapping of protected spe- of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, cies: Black-footed , and wolf are the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of Trappers Association Obtain permanent tags: You may obtain protected species under the Endangered Spe- the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. reward program permanent and bobcat tags—by cies Act. If you accidentally trap or capture one Department of the Interior and its bureaus Every year, thieves steal valuable appointment only—at any Division office. of these species, you must immediately report prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, Marten tags will be available Sept. 21, 2019 traps from Utah trappers. it to the Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife color, national origin, age, disability or sex. If through March 13, 2020. Bobcat tags will be The Utah Trappers Association is Service. See page 18 for details. you believe that you have been discriminated available Nov. 20, 2019 through March 13, offering a reward—up to $500—to against in any program, activity or facility, or 2020. You can also obtain permanent tags at Native American trust lands and na- individuals who report trap theft to the if you desire further information, please visit the Utah Trappers Association Fur Sale on Feb. tional wildlife refuges: If you want to trap www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.cfm. Division, which results in a successful 7–8, 2020. on Native American trust lands and national prosecution. If you see someone stealing wildlife refuges in Utah, you should first check Private lands: The Division cannot a trap, report it through the Division’s Restrictions to protect river otters: with the respective tribal authority or refuge guarantee access to any private land. Under hotline at 1-800-662-3337. Some rivers have trapping restrictions. See manager. certain circumstances, you must obtain writ- If you encounter traps while page 15 to learn more. ten permission from the landowner or the outdoors, you have a legal obligation Corrections: If errors are found in this landowner’s authorized representative before to respect that private property. At the Checking traps after dark: A trapper on guidebook after it is printed, the Division hunting or trapping on private lands. To learn same time, trappers have an ethical foot may use a flashlight to check traps after will correct them in the online copy. Visit more, please see Trespassing on page 22. obligation not to set traps in areas where dark, and furbearers caught in these trapping wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks to view all of the wildlife.utah.gov devices may be harvested by shooting at any they are likely to be encountered by the Division’s guidebooks. Division funding: The Division is mostly time. Harvesting furbearers by methods other general public or their pets. funded by the sale of hunting and fishing than trapping remains restricted to 30 minutes Protection from discrimination: The licenses and through federal aid made possible before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Division receives federal financial assistance by an excise tax on the sale of firearms and Please read Hunting and trapping methods on from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under other hunting- and fishing-related equipment. page 14 for details and restrictions. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II wildlife.utah.gov 4 5 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 KEY DATES AND FEES BASIC REQUIREMENTS Utah Code §§§§ 23-18-2, 23-18-6, 23-19-1, 23-20-3 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-3 Important dates Fees Are you planning to hunt or trap bobcats, or other furbearers in Utah this year? Marten permits avail- Sept. 5, 2019– Furbearer Before you can obtain any necessary permits, you must meet a few basic requirements— able March 1, 2020 and obtain a trap registration license—if you are trapping furbearers, coyotes or raccoons. Resident license* $29 Permanent marten tags Sept. 21, 2019– This section provides more information about trap registration licenses and how you can available March 13, 2020 Nonresident license* $154 obtain one. Bobcat permits and Oct. 1–31, 2019 Bobcat permits temporary possession Are you old enough? by his or her parent, legal guardian or other tags available Resident permit $15 each In Utah, there are no age restrictions for responsible person who is 21 years of age or (up to 5) Permanent bobcat tags Nov. 20, 2019– individuals who can hunt and trap furbearers. older and who has been approved by the par- available March 13, 2020 Nonresident permit $45 each However, if you’re under the age of 16— ent or guardian. Utah Trappers Associa- Feb. 7–8, 2020 (up to 5) and hunting with any weapon—you must A person at least 14 years old and under 16 tion Fur Sale be accompanied in the field by your parent, a years old must be accompanied by a person 21 Marten permits legal guardian or a responsible person 21 years years of age or older while hunting with any Season dates Marten permit No charge of age or older (see below). weapon. The Division encourages adults to be , gray , kit fox, Sept. 21, 2019– Adults must accompany young familiar with hunter education guidelines or to

Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer Trap registration license ringtail, spotted March 1, 2020 hunters complete the hunter education course before and weasel Resident $10 (payable once) Utah Code § 23-20-20 accompanying youth into the field. Beaver and mink Sept. 21, 2019– While hunting with any weapon, a person While in the field, the youth and the adult Nonresident $10 (payable once) April 1, 2020 under 14 years old must be accompanied must remain close enough for the adult to see Bobcat Nov. 20, 2019– Certificates of registration March 1, 2020 If you’re checking someone else’s Fur dealer $160 What am I required to Marten Sept. 21, 2019– carry in the field? furbearer traps for them, you must have March 1, 2020 Fur dealer’s agent $160 Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-8 all of the following on your person: a , and Year round Fur dealer renewal $40 The licenses and permits you’re required valid furbearer license, a trap registration Fur dealer’s agent renewal $40 to carry depend on what you are hunting or license, the appropriate permits or tags, and trapping. written authorization from the owner of * Furbearer licenses are valid for 365 days from the day you buy them. If you’re using any trapping device that’s the trapping device. (For details about what capable of catching or killing protected that written authorization must include, wildlife, you must have a trap registration see page 15.) Important: You may not license on your person. This requirement check someone else’s traps if any of your UTAH applies even if you are trapping coyotes or licenses or permits are denied or suspended. raccoons. Please keep in mind that if you

If you’re trapping furbearers, you must download the free Utah Hunting and Fishing wildlife.utah.gov have both a furbearer license and a trap app, you can store both your furbearer registration license on your person while in license and your trap registration license on the field. If any of those furbearers include your mobile phone or tablet. bobcat or marten, you must also have the appropriate bobcat or marten permit on your person. Download from wildlife.utah.gov/oile wildlife.utah.gov 6 7 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 however, need a trap registration license to set Carry your licenses a trapping device for any species (see details and permits below). You must have your furbearer license and Do you have a trap trap registration license—and any bobcat or marten permits—on your person while registration license? setting, checking or moving trapping devices. Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-8 You cannot alter your licenses or permits, nor You must possess a valid trap registration can you sell, transfer, give, loan or assign them license when trapping furbearers, coyotes or to another person. raccoons. The only exception is for those who are trapping coyotes or raccoons within 600 feet Utah’s Walk-in Access of a building or structure occupied or used by program humans or . The Walk-in Access (WIA) program You can obtain a trap registration license provides hunters, anglers and trappers by calling or visiting a Division office. There access to privately owned land, streams, is a one-time $10 license fee for a new trap rivers, ponds or reservoirs. registration license. If you want to participate in the and provide verbal assistance to the young vester education number and the name of the For more detailed information about program—and you are 14 years old or Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer hunter. Using electronic devices, such as state, province or country that issued the num- meeting this requirement, please see older—please remember that you must walkie-talkies or cell phones, does not meet ber. The Division may research this number to wildlife.utah.gov/trapping-faq.html. obtain a WIA authorization number in this requirement. verify that the course you completed meets Important: If you already have a valid order to access any WIA properties. Utah’s standards for safe and responsible trap registration number, but you don’t have The Division uses the numbers Have you passed trapping. a physical copy of it, please contact a Division to track who’s using WIA properties furharvester For more information on how to complete office. We can provide you with a duplicate throughout the year and to assess the Utah’s furharvester education course, visit education? copy free of charge. You can also download program’s value to the public. Utah Code § 23-19-11.5 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-23-6 wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation. the Utah Hunting and Fishing app and carry an Visit wildlife.utah.gov/walkinaccess to If you are a Utah resident born after Dec. electronic copy of your license on your mobile obtain your free WIA authorization 31, 1984, you must provide proof that you’ve Do you have a device. number. You can also call 1-800-221- passed a furharvester education course ap- furbearer license? When you receive a trap registration 0659 to obtain a number. proved by the Division before you can: Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-3 license, it will have a unique, permanent trap • Obtain a furbearer license You must have a valid Utah furbearer registration number printed on it. You must • Obtain a bobcat permit license before you can: ensure that all of your trapping devices are • Obtain a marten permit • Hunt, trap or harvest most furbearers permanently and legibly marked or tagged You can prove that you’ve completed • Check someone else’s traps for them with your trap registration number. (This re- furharvester education if you have a certificate (only with additional written authoriza- quirement does not apply to trapping devices of completion from your furharvester educa- tion, see page 15)

set for coyotes or raccoons within 600 feet of wildlife.utah.gov tion course or if you have a verified furharvest- • Obtain or use a bobcat permit a building or structure occupied or used by er education number on file with the Division. • Use a marten permit humans or livestock.) That number is assigned when you complete Furbearer licenses are available at No more than one trap registration number furharvester education. wildlife.utah.gov and from license agents and may be on a single trapping device. For ad- If you are applying for a resident furbearer Division offices. ditional information about trap registration license for the first time—and you completed You do not need a furbearer license to numbers and using and checking your trapping furharvester education in another state or hunt, harvest or trap coyotes, muskrats, devices, see page 14. country—you must provide a valid furhar- raccoons, red or striped . You do, wildlife.utah.gov 8 9 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 OBTAINING PERMITS OBTAINING AND USING TAGS If you want to hunt or trap bobcat or marten in Utah, you’ll need a permit in addition to As soon as you harvest a bobcat or marten, you need to attach the temporary possession your furbearer license. This section describes how to obtain bobcat and marten permits. tags. Then, you should plan a time to have a Division employee attach the permanent tag. If you were born after Dec. 31, 1984, you Tagging bobcats The temporary possession tag must remain must have proof of furharvester education Residency Utah Code §23-20-30 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-5 attached to the green pelt or unskinned carcass before you can purchase a bobcat or marten Utah Code §§ 23-13-2(13) and 23-13-2(37) You may only kill and tag a bobcat if you until a permanent bobcat tag has been affixed. permit. For more information, see page 8 or Before you purchase a furbearer possess a valid bobcat permit issued in your You may not use a bobcat permit to hunt, visit wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation. license, it’s important to know whether name and you find a bobcat in your own trap or pursue bobcat after any of the notches you are a legal resident of the state marked trapping device or a trapping device have been removed from the temporary pos- Bobcat permits of Utah for the purposes of hunting, you have written authorization to check. You session tag or the tag has been detached from Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-4 fishing or trapping. See the definition must have both the permit and tags on your the permit. Possession of an untagged green Beginning Oct. 1, 2019 at 8 a.m. MDT, of residency on page 28 to deter- person when checking the traps. (See page pelt or unskinned carcass is considered prob- you may purchase bobcat permits at mine whether you are a resident or a 15 for the requirements you must meet to able cause of unlawful taking and possession. wildlife.utah.gov or from any license agent or nonresident. check someone else’s trapping devices.) Division office. This year, you may purchase no After you kill a bobcat—but before you Permanent possession more than five permits. lost or stolen, you may obtain a duplicate from move the bobcat’s carcass or leave the site tags for bobcat and Bobcat permits will be sold until 11 p.m. a Division office or license agent. To obtain a of the kill—you are required to attach your marten MDT on Oct. 31, 2019 or until the cap on duplicate bobcat or marten permit, you must own bobcat tags to the carcass. (See the Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-7 Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer permit sales is reached. This year, because visit a Division office. illustration on the next page to review the two If you harvest a bobcat or marten, you of recent declines in bobcat numbers, the cap on The duplicate will cost $10, or half of the tags attached to the permit. There’s one tag for must have a Division employee attach a permit sales has been set at 6,460 permits. price of the original license or permit, which- the pelt and one for the jaw.) permanent possession tag to the pelt no later You must have your current furbearer ever is less. The tagging process requires you to: than Friday, March 13, 2020. license, bobcat permit and trap registration If you already have a valid trap registration • Completely detach the tags from the You may not buy, sell, trade or barter a license on your person while hunting or trap- number, but you don’t have a physical copy of permit green pelt from a bobcat or marten that does ping a bobcat. your trap registration license, please contact • Remove the notches that correspond not have a permanent tag affixed. If you obtain a bobcat permit in 2019, it is a Division office. We can provide you with a with the harvest date and the ’s valid for the entire 2019-2020 bobcat season. Obtaining permanent tags duplicate copy of the license free of charge. sex The season runs from Nov. 20, 2019 to March When you bring a bobcat pelt into a You can also download the Utah Hunting • Complete the required county and 1, 2020. Division office, a Division employee will attach and Fishing app and carry electronic copies of license number information at the bot- a permanent tag and take possession of the Marten permits your furbearer and trap registration licenses on tom of the tag bobcat’s lower jaw. When you bring in a mar- Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-6 your mobile device. • Attach the temporary possession tag to ten pelt, a Division employee will simply attach Marten permits are available free of charge the unskinned carcass or green pelt so a permanent tag. from any Division office, beginning Sept. 5, Sales final: Exceptions and that the tag remains securely fastened refunds You can also have permanent possession 2019. (Please keep in mind that you only need and visible tags attached at the Utah Trappers Association one marten permit in order to trap marten dur- Utah Code § 23-19-38 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-42 Later, you can remove the lower jaw of Some hunters and trappers successfully Fur Sale. ing the 2019-2020 season.) the bobcat and tag it with the numbered jaw wildlife.utah.gov obtain licenses or permits and then realize— Bring any marten pelt to one of the follow- You must have a current furbearer license, a tag that corresponds to the number on the ing locations: marten-trapping permit and a trap registration for one reason or another—that they won’t be pelt tag. able to use them. • A Division office listed on page 2. license on your person when you trap a marten While tagging a bobcat, you may not Visits are by appointment only from Sept. or have a marten in your possession. In most cases, the Division cannot refund remove more than one notch indicating date the cost of the license or permit, but there are 21, 2019 through March 13, 2020. or sex, nor can you tag more than one bobcat • The Utah Trappers Association Fur Sale Duplicate license or permit some exceptions. To determine whether you are using the same tag. Utah Code § 23-19-10 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-42 eligible for a refund or to download a refund- on Feb. 7–8, 2020. If your valid furbearer license is destroyed, request form, visit wildlife.utah.gov/refund. wildlife.utah.gov 10 11 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 If you have bobcat pelts, bring them to one harvested outside of Utah FIELD REGULATIONS of the following locations: Green pelts of bobcats and martens that Several rules govern hunting and trapping in Utah. These rules exist to help keep you safe • A Division office listed on page 2. were legally harvested outside of the state and to ensure an ethical hunt. Whether you’re targeting furbearers, coyotes or raccoons, Visits are by appointment only from Nov. may not be possessed, bought, sold, traded or 20, 2019 through March 13, 2020. bartered in Utah unless one of the following please be familiar with the requirements for legally using trapping devices. You should also • The Utah Trappers Association Fur Sale conditions applies: know the different types of hunting methods you may use and what you’re required to do on Feb. 7–8, 2020. • A permanent tag has been affixed. with any animals you harvest. • There is no fee for the permanent tags. • The pelts are accompanied by a shipping You will receive them after the employee permit issued by the wildlife agency Checkpoints and licenses, permits and tags required for hunting, verifies the bobcat was tagged with of the state where the animal was officer contacts any devices used to participate in hunting and the temporary possession tag that harvested. Utah Code §§ 23-20-25 and 77-23-104 any you’ve taken. These contacts allow corresponds to your bobcat permit. The Division conservation officers and biolo- the Division to collect valuable information employee will also review your furbearer gists monitor the harvest and possession of about Utah’s furbearer populations. license. furbearers. They may also stop hunters and Participating in surveys trappers to ensure they have the required Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-23 Transporting pelts to obtain tags licenses, permits, firearms and trapping If the Division contacts you about your Bobcats and martens that were legally equipment. You should expect to encounter furharvesting experience, please participate harvested may be transported by someone conservation officers and biologists checking in the survey regardless of your success. Your other than the furharvester to have the perma- hunters in the field and at checkpoints.

Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer participation helps the Division evaluate nent tag affixed. If you’re contacted by a conservation offi- population trends, assess harvest success and If you transport a bobcat or marten cer, you must provide the officer with the items collect other valuable information. for another person, you must have written VOID he or she requests. These may include any authorization that includes all of the following information: • Date of kill Avoid nontarget species • When using a cable device, reduce • Location of kill The following recommendations can the loop size and set it about eight • Species and sex of animal being trans- help you avoid catching , domestic inches off the ground. A smaller ported animals and other nontarget species in loop size won’t fit around a ’s • Origin and destination of transportation trapping devices set for bobcats and other head, and if the loop is set low, it will • The name, address, signature and furbearers. likely miss the heads of most large furbearer license number of the furhar- • Use traps with smaller jaw spreads. nontarget animals. You may not use vester For example, a number 2 trap is big a drag with a cable device—they are • The name of the individual transporting enough to catch bobcats, but the prohibited. the bobcat or marten larger foot of a cougar may spring the • If you catch a cougar kitten, remove • The furharvester’s marten permit num- trap without getting caught. traps from the area to avoid catching ber, if marten is being transported • Avoid using 4-coiled traps. A 2-coiled additional kittens. You can download an authorization form at trap is sufficient to hold bobcats • If you know that cougars are in a wildlife.utah.gov wildlife.utah.gov/furbearer that makes it easy VOID and coyotes, but larger animals like particular area, find another place to to collect all of the required information. cougars or domestic animals should trap. Cougars usually displace bobcats be able to pull out of the trap. from areas that they frequent. • Anchor foothold traps solidly to • Avoid setting traps near trails that are the ground. A cougar or other large frequently used by people and . animal will have a better chance of • Avoid using baits that are likely to at- pulling out of a trap that is solidly tract pets or other nontarget species. anchored. wildlife.utah.gov 12 13 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 Aiding or assisting in Trap registration numbers violations Utah Admin. Rules R657-11-8 & R657-11-9 Trap restrictions to Utah Code § 23-20-23 Each trapping device you use to trap protect river otters • Nonlethal-set foothold trapping You may not aid or assist another person to furbearers, coyotes or raccoons must be Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-9 devices with a jaw spread less than 5 violate any provisions of the Wildlife Resources permanently and legibly marked with your trap To protect Utah’s river populations, 1/8 inches, and nonlethal-set padded Code, rule or guidebook. registration number. there are trapping-device restrictions for foothold traps. Drowning sets with The penalty for aiding or assisting is the Your trap registration number is printed on the following areas: these traps are prohibited. same as that imposed for the primary violation. your trap registration license, which is required • Colorado River, between the Utah- • Body-gripping, killing-type trapping if you plan to trap furbearers, coyotes or rac- Colorado state line and Lake Powell devices with body-gripping area less Hunting and trapping coons. For more information about obtaining a • Escalante River, between Escalante than 30 square inches. methods trap registration license, see page 9. and Lake Powell • Nonlethal dry-land cable trapping You will be assigned only one trap registra- • Green River, between Flaming Gorge devices equipped with a stop-lock Harvest methods and tion number. This is your permanent number, Dam and the Utah-Colorado state line mechanism that prevents it from clos- shooting hours and you should mark it on each of your trapping • Middle section of the Provo River, ing to less than a 6-inch diameter. Utah Code §§ 23-20-3, 23-20-12 & Utah Admin. Rule R657- devices. The only exception is for trapping de- between Jordanelle Dam and • Size 330, body-gripping, killing-type 11-12 vices set for coyotes or raccoons within 600 feet Creek Reservoir trapping devices modified by replac- You may harvest all furbearers—except of a building or structure occupied by humans If you are trapping for a furbearer, ing the standard V-trigger assembly for bobcats and marten—by any legal means, or livestock. coyote or raccoon within 100 yards of either with one top side-parallel trigger as- excluding explosives and poisons. While hunt- You may not have more than one registra- side of these four rivers—or their tributar- sembly, with the trigger placed within Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer ing and trapping, you may not use the illegal tion number on your traps. ies—and up to one-half mile from their one inch of the side, or butted against spotlighting methods described on page 20. You must notify the Division within 30 days confluences, you may use only the following the vertical turn in the Canadian bend Bobcats may be taken only by shooting or if you change your address or if your trapping trapping devices: (see figure on the next page). trapping, or with the aid of dogs. devices are stolen. Marten may be taken only with an Setting and checking traps laxing lock without a stop, and that are elevated, covered set in which the maximum Trapping devices You may not set any trapping device on anchored to an immovable object trap size shall not exceed 1½ foothold or 160 Utah Code § 23-13-4 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-9 posted private property without the land- If you are unable to check your own traps, Conibear. Any foothold trap used to take a furbearer, owner’s or lessee’s written permission. you may authorize another person to check Harvesting furbearers by shooting or with coyote or raccoon must have spacers on the If you see an illegally set trapping device, them for you. Only someone who possesses the aid of dogs is restricted to 30 minutes be- jaws that leave an opening of at least 3/16 notify a conservation officer as soon as your written authorization, a valid furbearer fore sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, unless of an inch when the jaws are closed. The only possible. While performing their duties, con- license and trap registration license—and the you have a permit from the county to spotlight exceptions to this requirement are the follow- servation officers may seize all traps, trapping necessary permits to check traps and remove coyote, red fox, striped skunk or raccoon. For ing types of traps: devices and wildlife used or held in violation of protected wildlife—may check your traps in more information on spotlighting, see page • Rubber-padded jaw traps the rules in this guidebook. your absence. See Removing traps and trapped 20. • Traps with jaw spreads less than 4.25 All trapping devices used to take a wildlife in the next section for all wildlife- Furbearers caught in a trapping device may inches furbearer, coyote or raccoon must be checked, removal requirements. be taken by shooting at any time. • Traps that are completely submerged and any animals removed, at least once every You may not remove any of the following You may check trapping devices and under water when set 48 hours. The only exception is if you are using from a trapping device and then transport or wildlife.utah.gov remove animals at any time of day or night, ex- Any cable device (i.e., snare) used to take a the following types of traps, which must be possess them: cept on certain waterfowl management areas. furbearer, coyote or raccoon—except those set checked, and have any animals removed, every • Live protected wildlife For more information, see page 20. in water or with a loop size less than 3 inches 96 hours: • A live coyote or raccoon You may not take any wildlife from an in diameter—must be equipped with a break- • Killing traps that strike the top and bot- Any live animal found in a trapping device airplane or any other airborne vehicle or device away lock mechanism that will release when tom of the animal simultaneously must be euthanized and removed from the (including drones), or from any motorized ter- any force greater than 300 pounds is applied to • Drowning sets device by the trapper within the 48-hour trap- restrial or aquatic vehicle, including snowmo- the loop. Breakaway cable devices must be fas- • Lethal cable devices that are set to check period or released immediately by the biles and other recreational vehicles. tened to an immovable object solidly secured to wildlife.utah.gov capture on the neck, that have a nonre- trapper unharmed. the ground. The use of drags is prohibited. 14 15 • The person has obtained written autho- FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 Unmodified trap Modified trap rization from the owner of the trapping Did it get wet? device with the following information Decontaminate it! printed on the authorization in perma- Before you leave a trapping area nent ink: and step into another water, rinse all • The date written authorization was the mud and other debris off of your obtained waders, boots and wetted trapping gear • The name, address and phone or equipment. number of the owner Then, generously spray all of • The owner’s trap registration it—especially the soles of boots or number waders—with Formula 409 (a popular • The name of the individual being household cleaner). This treatment will Drawings courtesy of Brian Maxfield of Brian courtesy Drawings given authorization kill any whirling disease spores. Unmodified and modified body-gripping traps • The owner’s signature After you return home, thoroughly Standard V-trigger assemblies on body-gripping traps (shown on the left) are not legal on You can find an easy-to-complete authori- clean and dry all of your gear before certain parts of the Colorado, Green, Escalante and Provo rivers (see page 15 for locations). zation card online at wildlife.utah.gov/TrapForm. using it again. The modification shown on the right (one top side-parallel trigger assembly) is now required Nothing in this section authorizes a to protect river otters (see page 15 for more on required modifications). person to use the owner’s trap registra- plies if you’ve authorized someone else to use tion license, furbearer license, permit

Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer the device. That’s why it’s important to report Important: The trapping restrictions in • A person who meets all the legal require- or tag. stolen trapping devices to the Division as soon this section do not apply to trapping devices set ments and has the owner’s written While you’re hunting and trapping, you as possible. for coyotes or raccoons, as long as those devices authorization (see the top of page 17) may not possess any trapping device that is not You must also keep a record of the are within 600 feet of a building occupied or • A peace officer performing routine duties permanently marked or tagged with your reg- individuals who have written authorization to used by humans or domestic livestock. A person, other than the owner, may istered trap number unless you have received remove your traps, and supply a copy of that possess, set, disturb or remove a trapping written permission as described above. Removing traps and trapped wildlife record to a conservation officer, upon request. device—or temporarily possess, kill or remove If your registered trap number is on a Important: The trapping restrictions in You may not disturb or remove any trap- wildlife caught in a trap—as long as he or she trapping device, you can be held criminally this section do not apply to trapping devices ping device unless you are one of the following meets all of the following requirements: liable and civilly responsible for any violations set for coyotes or raccoons, as long as those de- individuals: • The trapping device is appropriately committed with that device. This rule still ap- • The owner of the trapping device marked with the owner’s trap registra- • A person who meets all the legal require- tion number. ments and has the owner’s written • The person possesses a valid furbearer Artificial cubby set authorization (see the top of page 17) license and appropriate permits or tags This manufactured container has an opening on one end that houses a trapping device. • A peace officer performing routine duties when working with furbearer sets. Bait must be 8 inches from the opening. • The landowner where the trapping Important: If the animal in the trap is device is set a bobcat, the person who kills the bobcat • A domestic pet owner who is disturbing must possess—and be carrying—a wildlife.utah.gov the trapping device in order to remove valid bobcat permit issued in their own their trapped pet name. They must then attach their own You may not kill or remove wildlife caught tags to the carcass. For additional details, in a trap, unless you are: see page 11. Artificial cubby sets must be placed with • The owner of the trapping device who • The person’s trap registration license or the top of the opening even with or below possesses the permit, license, tag or legal furbearer license are neither denied nor the bottom of the bait so that the bait is not authorization required for the species Tilt the trap so bait cannot be seen suspended. visible from above. that is captured from above. wildlife.utah.gov 16 17 vices are within 600 feet of a building occupied White-bleached bones with no hide or FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 or used by humans or domestic livestock. flesh attached may be set within 30 feet of a Areas closed to beaver Creek (above Woodruff Reservoir) and trapping device. and mink harvest Pine Creek, Dip Hollow and Peggy Use of bait Bait used inside an artificial cubby set must Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-25 Hollow within the U.S. Forest Service Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-10 be placed at least 8 inches from the opening. The following areas are closed to beaver boundary In most instances, you may not use Artificial cubby sets must be placed with and mink harvest at all times: • Summit County—Boundary begins protected wildlife or its parts as bait to take a the top of the opening even with or below the • Beaver County—Pine Creek at SR-150 and USFS Rd 058; east on furbearer, coyote or raccoon. The only excep- bottom of the bait so that the bait is not visible • Box Elder County—Basin Creek this USFS road to USFS Rd 073; east on tions are as follows: from above. drainage this road to USFS Rd 072; north on this • You may use the white-bleached bones If you use bait, you can be held responsible • Cache County—Right Hand Fork and road to the Utah-Wyoming state line; of protected wildlife with no hide or flesh if it becomes exposed for any reason. Temple Fork drainages (tributaries of east on this state line to USFS Rd 017; attached. Important: The trapping restrictions in the Logan River), Rock Creek and Curtis southeast on this road to USFS Rd 077; • You may use parts of legally taken this section do not apply to trapping devices Creek drainages (tributaries of Black- south on this road to USFS Rd 082; east furbearers and nonprotected wildlife. set for coyotes or raccoons, as long as those de- smith Fork River) and Beaver Creek on this road to USFS Rd 078; east on You may not set trapping devices for vices are within 600 feet of a building occupied • Emery County—San Rafael River this road to USFS Rd 086; east on this furbearers, coyotes or raccoons within 30 feet or used by humans or domestic livestock. • Garfield County—Hunt Creek (west of road to the Daggett-Summit county of any exposed bait. U.S. Forest Service boundary) line; south on this county line to the Trapping devices may be placed near Accidental trapping • Grand County—Willow Creek, Bitter Summit-Duchesne county line (sum- carcasses of protected wildlife, provided the Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-11 Creek and Sweetwater drainages mit of the Uinta Mountains); west on Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer carcass has not been moved for the purpose of Any protected wildlife accidentally caught • Garfield and Kane counties—East this county line to SR-150 at Hayden trapping and the trapping device is not located and found alive in a trapping device must be Fork of the Sevier River and tributaries Pass; north on SR-150 to USFS Rd 058. within 30 feet of the carcass. immediately released unharmed by a person above Blue Fly Creek There are also trapping-device restric- authorized to do so. (See page 16 to see • Garfield and Iron counties— tions on parts of the Colorado, Escalante, Are you allowed to a list of individuals who are authorized to Creek drainage and the following Green and Provo rivers, including their tribu- possess a weapon? remove protected wildlife from a trap.) creeks above Panguitch Lake: Blue taries and some of the surrounding land. You Utah Code §§ 76-10-503 and 76-10-512 If you accidentally trap protected wildlife, Springs Creek, Bunker Creek and Deer can read more about these restrictions in the It is illegal under Utah Code §§ you must report it to the Division within 48 Creek information box on page 15. 76-10-503 and 76-10-512 to possess or hours. • Rich County—Big Creek (above use a firearm, muzzleloader or any other You must obtain permission from a Divi- ranches), Randolph Creek, Woodruff dangerous weapon if you have been sion representative to remove the carcass of any protected wildlife accidentally caught in charged or convicted of certain offenses. • You were not attempting to take the one of your trapping devices. After remov- Loaded firearms in a The purchase or possession of any unauthorized species. , permit, tag or certificate ing the carcass, you must turn it over to the vehicle • You possess a valid trap registration Utah Code §§§§ 76-10-502, 76-10-504, 76-10-505 and Division. of registration from the Division does not license or a valid written authorization 76-10-523 Black-footed ferret, lynx and wolf are authorize the holder to legally possess or from the owner of the trapping device. You may not carry a loaded firearm in or on protected species under the Endangered Spe- use a firearm, muzzleloader or any other • You possess the licenses, permits and a vehicle unless you meet all of the following dangerous weapon while hunting if they cies Act. If you accidentally trap or capture any tags required to trap the targeted conditions: wildlife.utah.gov of these federally protected species, you must are otherwise restricted from possessing wildlife species. • You own the vehicle or have permission immediately report it to both the U.S. Fish and these weapons under Utah Code. • You otherwise comply with the from the vehicle’s owner. Wildlife Service and the Division. To determine whether you are provisions of Utah’s Wildlife Code and all • The firearm is a handgun. If you capture or kill an unauthorized spe- allowed to possess a weapon, please regulations that apply to trapping the • You are 18 years of age or older. review the Utah Code sections listed cies of protected wildlife in a trapping device, targeted wildlife species. A pistol, revolver, rifle or is above or contact the law enforcement you are not criminally liable under state law considered to be loaded when there is an agency that oversees your case. as long as all of the following circumstances unexpended cartridge, shell or projectile in the apply: wildlife.utah.gov firing position. 18 19 Pistols and revolvers are also considered wildlife while having in your possession a FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 to be loaded when an unexpended cartridge, firearm or other weapon or device that could Trapping coyotes and and raccoons in regulations about the use shell or projectile is in a position whereby the be used to take or injure protected wildlife. raccoons of trapping devices. Those regulations are manual operation of any mechanism once The use of a spotlight or other artificial Utah Code § 4-23-101 and Utah Admin. Rules R657-11 in place to: would cause the unexpended cartridge, shell light in any area where protected wildlife are and R58-14 • Reduce the capture and killing of or projectile to be fired. generally found is considered probable cause The Department of Agriculture and Food nontargeted protected wildlife A muzzleloading firearm is considered of attempting to locate protected wildlife. has regulatory authority over the state’s • Improve the likelihood of successfully loaded when it is capped or primed and has a The provisions of this section do not apply coyotes and raccoons. releasing nontargeted protected powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or to the following individuals: Although the Utah Division of Wildlife wildlife cylinders. • A person who uses the headlights of Resources does not manage these species, it • Detect illegal trap sets that target The firearm restrictions in this section do a motor vehicle—or other artificial does have responsibility and authority over protected wildlife not apply to concealed firearm permit holders, light—in a usual manner, where there is trapping and the use of trapping devices • Protect law-abiding trappers from provided the person is not utilizing the con- no attempt or intent to locate protected capable of catching or killing protected criminal liability if they acciden- cealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife. wildlife. wildlife. tally capture nontargeted protected • A trapper who uses an artificial light to Trapping devices—even those set wildlife Areas where you cannot illuminate the path and trap sites for the for coyotes and raccoons—frequently For detailed information on the use discharge a firearm purpose of conducting the required trap capture and kill other animals.­ The Division of trapping devices in Utah, see pages Utah Code § 76-10-508 checks. In this instance, the trapper must regulates trapping and the use of trapping 14–19 of this guidebook. For more You may not discharge a dangerous carry the artificial light. It cannot be a devices to reduce the capture of nontar- information about the trap registration Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer weapon or firearm under any of the following motor vehicle headlight or a light at- geted protected species. license requirement, see page 9 or visit circumstances: tached to or powered by a motor vehicle. This guidebook references both coyotes wildlife.utah.gov/trapping-faq.html. • From a vehicle And while checking trapping devices • From, upon or across any highway with an artificial light, the trapper may striped skunk or raccoon. See Utah Code § 23- Carrying a dangerous • At power lines or signs not occupy or operate any motor vehicle. • At railroad equipment or facilities, 13-17 and your county laws and ordinances for weapon while under the Some counties allow spotlighting if a more information. including any sign or signal hunter is trying to harvest coyote, red fox, influence of alcohol or • Within Utah state park camp or picnic Even if your county’s laws do not permit drugs sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps spotlighting, you may still use spotlighting to Utah Code § 76-10-528 or developed beaches Trapping on waterfowl hunt coyote, red fox, striped skunk or raccoon if You may not carry a dangerous weapon • Without written permission from the management areas you are one of the following individuals: or hunt furbearers, coyotes or raccoons while owner or property manager, within 600 Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-26 • A landowner (or landowner’s agent) who under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please Trapping wildlife, including feet of: is protecting crops or domestic animals see wildlife.utah.gov/rules for more informa- nonprotected species, on state • A house, dwelling or any other from by those animals tion. waterfowl management areas (WMAs) is building • A Wildlife Services agent, acting in an prohibited, unless specifically authorized • Any structure in which a domestic official capacity under a memorandum of Use of dogs by the Division. Utah Code § 23-20-3 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-14 animal is kept or fed, including a understanding with the Division. The Division uses limited trapping You may use dogs to pursue or harvest barn, yard, corral, feeding The firearm restrictions in this section do on WMAs to protect wildlife populations furbearers from 30 minutes before sunrise to wildlife.utah.gov pen or stockyard not apply to concealed firearm permit holders, and to prevent burrowing damage to provided the person is not utilizing the con- 30 minutes after sunset, and only during the Spotlighting the dikes. cealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife. open seasons listed in this guidebook. See Utah Code §§§ 23-20-3, 76-10-504, 76-10-523 and Utah To apply for the opportunity to page 25 for season dates and bag limits. Admin. Rule R657-11-13 trap muskrats and other furbearers If you are the owner or handler of the dogs, You may not use spotlighting to hunt or on these WMAs, please visit you must have a valid furbearer license in your harvest protected wildlife. wildlife.utah.gov/WMAtrapping in possession while you are pursuing or harvest- You may not use a spotlight, headlight or October. ing a furbearer.

wildlife.utah.gov other artificial light to locate any protected 20 21 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 • Uintah County—Stewart Lake “Cultivated land” is land that is readily Wildlife management Wolf management in • Utah County—Powell Slough, Utah Lake identifiable as land whose soil is loosened or areas Utah Preserve broken up for the raising of crops, land used Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-32 are protected under the • Wayne County—Bicknell Bottoms for the raising of crops, or a pasture that is Most Division-owned wildlife manage- federal Endangered Species Act through- • Weber County—Ogden Bay and Harold artificially irrigated. ment areas (WMAs) are closed to motor ve- out most of Utah. In a small portion of S. “Permission” means written authorization hicles. You may only access one of these areas northern Utah (north of I-80 and east of You may not discharge a firearm, crossbow from the owner or person in charge to enter in a motor vehicle if you have already obtained I-84), wolves have been removed from or archery tackle on any of the areas listed upon private land that is cultivated or properly written authorization from the appropriate the Endangered Species List, and the above any time of the year except during the posted. Permission must include all of the Division regional office. state has authority to manage them. specified seasons or as following details: Goshen Warm Springs WMA is closed to all The general public may not hunt, kill authorized by the Division. • The signature of the owner or person in hunting, trapping and trespassing. or trap wolves. The firearm restrictions in this section do charge To learn about wolf management in not apply to concealed firearm permit holders, • The name of the person being given Possession, sale and Utah, visit wildlife.utah.gov/wolf. provided the person is not utilizing the con- permission transportation cealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife. • The appropriate dates • A general description of the land Transporting furbearers When dogs are used to pursue furbearers, State parks “Properly posted” means that signs Utah Code § 23-13-4 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-16 Utah Code § 76-10-508 and Utah Admin. Rule R651-614-4 the licensed hunter who intends to take the prohibiting trespass—or bright yellow, bright You may only transport the green pelts Hunting and trapping any wildlife is furbearer must be present when the dogs are orange or fluorescent paint—are clearly of furbearers if you possess the appropriate Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer prohibited within the boundaries of all state released. Then, the licensed hunter must con- displayed at all corners, on fishing streams license and permits. If you have harvested bob- park areas, except those designated open to tinuously participate in the hunt until it ends. crossing property lines, and on roads, gates or marten, they must be correctly tagged. hunting by the Utah Division of State Parks and and rights-of-way entering the land. Or, they For more information on attaching temporary Use of weapons on Recreation in Utah Admin. Rule R651-614-4. are displayed in a manner that is visible to a and permanent tags, see page 11. waterfowl management For information about discharging a person in the area. A registered Utah fur dealer—or that areas dangerous weapon or firearm in a state park, You may not post private property you person’s agent—may transport or ship green Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-9 see Areas where you cannot discharge a firearm do not own or legally control or land that is pelts of furbearers within Utah. You may only discharge a shotgun (with in the previous section or review Utah Code § open to the public as provided by Utah Code No one may transport or possess live non-toxic shot) or archery tackle on the 76-10-508. § 23-21-4. In addition, it is unlawful to take protected wildlife, except as permitted by Utah following waterfowl management areas and Admin. Rule R657-3. other Division-managed properties during Trespassing protected wildlife or its parts while trespassing the specified waterfowl hunting seasons or as Utah Code §§ 23-20-14 and 23-20-3.5 in violation of Utah Code § 23-20-14. authorized by the Division: While taking wildlife or engaging in You are guilty of a class B misdemeanor Bring clean bobcat • Box Elder County—Harold S. Crane, wildlife-related activities, you may not— if you violate any provision described in this jaws and pelts Locomotive Springs, Public Shooting without permission—enter or remain on section. Your license, tag or permit privileges Before you bring the lower jaw and Grounds and Salt Creek privately owned land that is: may also be suspended. pelt of a bobcat to a Division office for • Daggett County—Brown’s Park • Cultivated permanent tagging, please remove as • Davis County—Farmington Bay, Howard • Properly posted Restricted areas much flesh as possible. Slough and Ogden Bay • Fenced or enclosed in a manner designed Utah military installations (including Camp You should also allow the jaw and wildlife.utah.gov • Emery County—Desert Lake to exclude intruders Williams) and federal wildlife refuges are pelt to dry in the open air. Do not use a • Juab County—Mills Meadow In addition, you may not: closed to hunting, trapping and trespassing, storage or transport container made of • Millard County—Clear Lake and Topaz • Enter or remain on private land when unless otherwise authorized. plastic—use a paper bag or cardboard Slough directed not to do so by the owner or a If you are hunting on Native American trust box instead. This will help prevent the jaw • Sanpete County—Manti Meadows person acting for the owner. lands, you must observe the tribe’s wildlife from decaying. • Tooele County—Blue Lake and Timpie • Obstruct any entrance or exit to private regulations. Springs property. wildlife.utah.gov 22 23 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 You do not need a furbearer license in or- Wasting wildlife SEASON DATES AND BAG LIMITS der to transport green pelts of coyote, muskrat, Utah Code § 23-20-8 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-19 Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-25 raccoon, red fox or striped skunk. You may not waste—or permit to be wasted or spoiled—any protected wildlife or Badger Exporting furbearers its parts. • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, from Utah You may, however, leave the skinned 2020 2020 Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-17 carcass of a furbearer in the field. This action • Areas open: Statewide* • Areas open: Statewide* You may not export or ship the green does not constitute waste of wildlife. • Bag limit: No limit • Bag limit: No limit pelt of any furbearer from Utah without first obtaining a valid shipping permit from the Depredation Beaver • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–April 1, Recent changes to Division. Utah’s predator You do not need a shipping permit in order Badger, weasel and 2020 control program to export green pelts of coyote, muskrat, rac- • Areas open: Statewide*, except the Utah’s predator control program has coon, red fox or striped skunk from Utah. Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-20 areas listed in the information If a badger, weasel or spotted skunk is cre- box on page 19. changed in recent years. Sales ating a nuisance or causing damage, you may • Bag limit: No limit The changes included new require- Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-18 harvest it at any time—without a license—as • Notes: There are trapping-device ments to prevent fraud, improve data If you possess a valid furbearer license, you long as you do not sell or trade the animal or restrictions on and near sections of the collection and ensure proactive manage- may sell, offer for sale, barter or exchange only its parts. Colorado, Escalante, Green and Provo ment of the program’s budget. those species you were licensed to take and Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer rivers. See the information box on page Program participants are now that you legally harvested. Red fox and striped skunk 15 for more information. required to obtain a certificate of Any person who obtains a valid fur dealer Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-20 registration, meet certain standards for or fur dealer’s agent certificate of registration Red fox and striped skunk may be taken at Bobcat the coyotes they submit and use a new may buy, sell or trade green pelts or parts of any time without a furbearer license. • Season dates: Nov. 20, 2019–March 1, smartphone app. For detailed informa- furbearers within Utah. 2020 tion about these requirements—and Bobcat • Areas open: Statewide* Fur dealers (or their agents and taxider- Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-21 how they might affect you—visit • Bag limit: One per permit, up to a mists) must keep records of all transactions A Wildlife Services agent may remove or wildlife.utah.gov/predators. maximum of five dealing with green pelts of furbearers. Those harvest a depredating bobcat as long as the The predator control program • Possession limit: One per permit, up to a records must contain all of the following agent is supervised by the USDA Wildlife Ser- launched after the Utah Legislature maximum of five information: vices program and following Division-approved passed the Protection Act in • The transaction date procedures. 2012. The program provides incentives • The name, address, license number and Coyote for members of the public to remove A livestock owner or the owner’s employee • The Department of Agriculture regulates tag number of each seller may take bobcats that are harassing livestock. coyotes for the benefit of Utah’s mule If the ownership of a pelt changes, the coyotes, and you do not need a fur- deer populations. Participants in the The employee must be on a regular payroll and bearer license to harvest them. To learn above information must be listed on a receipt not hired specifically to take furbearers. program receive up to $50 for each issued to the new owner. more, visit wildlife.utah.gov/UDAF. properly documented coyote that they Any bobcat harvested by a livestock owner • Participants in Utah’s predator control You may possess legally acquired furbear- or an employee must be surrendered to the kill in Utah.

program receive compensation for wildlife.utah.gov ers and tanned hides—without possessing a Division within 72 hours. furbearer license—as long as you can provide removing coyotes. To learn more proof of legal ownership. Beaver about this program, see the infor- A furbearer license is not required to sell Utah Code § 23-18-4 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-22 mation box on this page or visit or possess coyote, muskrat, raccoon, red fox or If a beaver is causing damage or exhibiting wildlife.utah.gov/predators. striped skunk or their parts. other nuisance behavior, you may harvest or remove it during closed seasons, but you must • Red indicates areas of special note or significant changes. first obtain a nuisance permit from a Division * National wildlife refuges, Native American trust lands and waterfowl management areas may have special

wildlife.utah.gov office or conservation officer. regulations. 24 25 Utah FurbearerUtah Guidebook • 2019–2020 Kit fox muskrat on a Waterfowl Manage- DEFINITIONS •Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, ment Area. For more information, Utah Code § 23-13-2 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-11-2 2020 visit wildlife.utah.gov/WMAtrapping in Artificial cubby set means any manufac- Foothold trap means any underspring or October. • Areas open: Statewide* tured container with an opening on one end jump trap, longspring trap or coil-spring trap • Bag limit: No limit that houses a trapping device. with two smooth arms or jaws that come • Important: The kit fox is on Utah’s Raccoon • The Department of Agriculture regulates together when an animal steps on a pan in the sensitive species list. The Division Bait means any lure containing animal parts raccoons, and you do not need a fur- center of the trap. encourages trappers to release all kit larger than one cubic inch, with the exception bearer license to harvest them. To learn fox unharmed. of white-bleached bones with no hide or flesh Furbearer means species of the Bassa- more, visit wildlife.utah.gov/UDAF. attached. riscidae, , , and Casto- Marten ridae families, except coyote and cougar. •Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, Red fox Cage trap means any enclosure containing • Season dates: Year round 2020 a one-way door triggered by a treadle or pan Fur dealer means any individual engaged • Areas open: Statewide* • Areas open: Daggett, Duchesne, Summit that prevents escape of an animal after the in, wholly or in part, the business of buying, • Bag limit: No limit and Uintah counties* door closes. selling, or trading skins or pelts of furbearers • Notes: You do not need a furbearer • Bag limit: No limit within Utah. license to harvest red fox. Carcass means the dead body of an animal • Notes: Marten may be taken only with or its parts. Fur dealer’s agent means any person who an elevated, covered set in which the Ringtail is employed by a resident or nonresident fur maximum trap size shall not exceed 1½ • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, Certificate of registration means a docu- Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer dealer as a buyer. foothold or 160 Conibear. 2020 ment issued under the Wildlife Resources Code, or any rule or proclamation of the Wildlife Good condition means the carcass is fresh Mink • Areas open: Statewide* • Bag limit: No limit Board granting authority to engage in activi- or frozen and securely wrapped to prevent • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–April 1, ties not covered by a license, permit or tag. decomposition so that the tissue remains suit- 2020 Spotted skunk able for analysis. • Areas open: Statewide*, except the • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, Domicile means the place: areas listed in the information 2020 • where an individual has a fixed perma- Green pelt means the untanned hide or skin box on page 19. • Areas open: Statewide* nent home and principal establishment; of any furbearer. • Bag limit: No limit • Bag limit: No limit • to which the individual if absent, intends • Notes: There are trapping-device to return; and Livestock means , , and restrictions on and near sections of the Striped skunk • in which the individual and the turkeys. • Season dates: Year round Colorado, Escalante, Green and Provo individual’s family voluntarily reside, Nonresident means a person who does not rivers. See the information box on page • Areas open: Statewide* not for a special or temporary purpose, qualify as a resident. 15 for more information. • Bag limit: No limit but with the intention of making a • Notes: You do not need a furbearer permanent home. Owner means the person who has been Muskrat license to harvest striped skunk. To create a new domicile an individual issued a trap registration number associated • Season dates: Year round must: with one or more trapping devices. • Areas open: Statewide* Weasel • abandon the old domicile; and • Season dates: Sept. 21, 2019–March 1, wildlife.utah.gov • Bag limit: No limit • be able to prove that a new domicile has Permit means a document, including a 2020 stamp, that grants authority to engage • Notes: You do not need a furbearer been established. license to harvest muskrat. You will • Areas open: Statewide* in specified activities under the Wildlife need a special permit if you plan to trap • Bag limit: No limit Exposed bait means bait that is visible from Resources Code or a rule or proclamation of the any angle, except when used in an artificial Wildlife Board. cubby set.

* National wildlife refuges, Native American trust lands and waterfowl management areas may have special

wildlife.utah.gov regulations 26 27 Possession means actual or constructive license or permit and does NOT claim residency possession. for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country. Protected wildlife means the animals A Utah resident license or permit is invalid defined in the “wildlife” definition below. It if a resident license for hunting, fishing or trap- does not include coyote, field , gopher, ping is purchased in any other state or country. ground , jackrabbit, muskrat and An individual DOES NOT qualify as a raccoon. resident if he or she is an absentee landowner Pursue means to chase, tree, corner or hold a paying property tax on land in Utah. furbearer at bay. Scent means any lure—composed of mate- Resident means a person who has a rial of less than one cubic inch—that has a domicile (fixed permanent home and principal smell intended to attract animals. establishment) in Utah for six consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase Sell means to offer or possess for sale, barter, of a license or permit, AND DOES NOT claim exchange or trade. It is also the act of selling, residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in bartering, exchanging or trading. any other state or country. Tag means a card, label or other identification An individual retains Utah residency if he device issued for attachment to the carcass of Utah Furbearer Guidebook • 2019–2020 Utah Furbearer or she leaves Utah to serve in the armed forces protected wildlife. of the , or for religious or educa- tional purposes, and does NOT claim residency Take means to hunt, pursue, harass, catch, for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other capture, possess, angle, seine, trap or kill any state or country. protected wildlife; or to attempt any of the Members of the armed forces of the United aforementioned actions. States and dependents are residents as of Trapping means taking protected wildlife the date the member reports for duty under with a trapping device. assigned orders in Utah, if: • The member is NOT on temporary duty Trapping device means any apparatus used in Utah and does NOT claim residency for to remotely capture or kill an animal, including hunting, fishing or trapping in any other a cage trap, foothold trap, snare wire or any state or country. other body-gripping mechanism. • The member presents a copy of his or her assignment orders to a Division office to Wildlife means crustaceans—including verify the member’s qualification as a brine shrimp and crayfish—and all vertebrate resident. animals living in nature, except feral animals. A nonresident attending an institution of higher learning in Utah as a full-time student may qualify as a resident if the student has been present in Utah for 60 consecutive days immediately preceding the purchase of the wildlife.utah.gov 28