In May 2023, new legislation went into effect that allows year-round hunting of cougars with just a hunting or combination license. The new legislation also allows trapping of cougars. Cougars are still designated as protected wildlife and must be checked in at a DWR office. Over the past year, biologists have monitored harvest rates to better determine the effects of the new hunting strategy.
“Most cougar harvest occurs during the winter months, and from the data we’ve received of cougar harvest, 511 cougars were harvested from May 2023 to May 2024,” DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois said. “From May 2022 to May 2023 — prior to when the legislation went into effect — 512 cougars were harvested. This last year there has also been a decrease in the number of livestock preyed upon by cougars, as well as cougar incidents with people.”
At this time, the DWR is not recommending any changes to cougar hunting in Utah and will continue to monitor the harvest of cougars in the state. The board voted to have the DWR look into a possible rule change to allow the sale of untanned hides/pelts for cougars and black bears harvested in Utah.
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The wildlife board also voted to have the DWR look into the possibility of allowing individuals enrolled in the Dedicated Hunter Program to “bank” service hours that are accrued over the required limit so they can count toward the service hours requirement the following year.
