1. (1) The number of conservation permits authorized by the Wildlife Board shall be based on:

   1. (a) the species population trend, size, distribution, and long-term health;
   2. (b) the hunting and viewing opportunity for the general public, both short and long term;
   3. (c) the potential revenue that will support protection and enhancement of the species; and
   4. (d) the total number of public draw permits available by species on a unit, subunit, or hunt area.
2. (2) One statewide conservation permit may be authorized for each conservation permit species.

3. (3) A limited number of area conservation permits may be authorized as follows:

   1. (a) the potential number of conservation permits available for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and desert bighorn sheep, assigned to a hunt area or combination of hunt areas, will be calculated based on the number of public draw permits issued the year before the permits being awarded using the following rule: 5-14 public permits = 1 conservation permit, 15-24 public permits = 2 conservation permits, 25-34 public permits = 3 conservation permits, 35-44 public permits = 4 conservation permits, 45-54 public permits = 5 conservation permits, 55-64 public permits = 6 conservation permits, 65-74 public permits = 7 conservation permits and >75 public permits = 8 conservation permits.
   2. (b) the potential number of conservation permits available for the remaining conservation permit species, for any unit, subunit or hunt area, will be calculated based on the number of public draw permits issued the year prior to the permits being awarded using the following rule: 11-30 public permits = 1 conservation permit, 31-50 public permits = 2 conservation permits, 51-70 public permits = 3 conservation permits, 71-90 public permits = 4 conservation permits, 91-110 public permits = 5 conservation permits, 111-130 = 6 conservation permits, 131-150 public permits = 7 conservation permits and >150 public permits = 8 conservation permits.
4. (4) The number of conservation permits may be reduced if the number of public permits declines during the time period for which conservation permits were awarded.
5. (5) The actual number of conservation and sportsman permits available for use will be determined by the Wildlife Board.
6. (6) Area conservation permits shall be approved by the Wildlife Board in a separate process from approving the number of public drawing permits.
7. (7) One sportsman permit shall be authorized for each statewide conservation permit authorized.

KEY: wildlife, wildlife permits

Date of Last Change: October 22, 2025

Notice of Continuation: September 8, 2020

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