ADDITIONAL CWMU TAGS AVAILABLE IN UTAH – The Utah Wildlife Board recently approved additional antlerless elk hunting permits for five Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMUs) where elk populations have exceeded the state’s management goals. This decision is intended to control elk numbers in these areas to prevent issues such as overgrazing and excessive competition with deer for food. The affected CWMUs are Deseret, Ensign Ranches, East Fork Chalk Creek, Grass Valley/Clark Canyon, and Weber Florence Creek/Stillman Creek.
Elk populations have risen in these CWMUs, creating concerns about damage to habitats and food shortages for other wildlife species. The decision allows for the issuance of more hunting permits, including a harvest objective for 300 elk on the Deseret CWMU, which is one of the largest affected areas. Hunters with specific permits will be able to purchase additional antlerless elk permits this fall to contribute to population control efforts.
This measure is part of the state’s broader wildlife management strategy, designed to keep elk herds in line with the carrying capacity of the land. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance between elk populations, their habitats, and other wildlife species. The increased hunting opportunities will help mitigate some of the ecological impacts caused by elk overpopulation, such as habitat degradation and conflicts with agriculture.
The decision reflects the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while providing hunting opportunities for the public. For further details, including specific permit availability and hunting season dates, interested individuals are encouraged to check with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
For more information, visit the Utah Wildlife Resources websiteUtah Wildlife Resources website.
These new tags will offer more opportunity for those looking to fill the freezer this fall.