1. (1) The Division may grant relief for natural disasters that result in the displacement of a permitted hunter from their residence or significantly impede their travel.
2. (2) The Division may grant relief to individuals whose participation in a hunting activity authorized by an eligible wildlife document is completely or substantially precluded during the designated season due to a natural disaster that directly impacts the permit holder.
3. (3) A person may request relief pursuant to the requirements of Subsections (1) and (2) by filing an application with the division within 30 days of the last day of the hunting season that is listed on their permit.
4. (4) Under Sections R657-42-1 and R657-42-2, the hunter must provide documentation of the natural disaster occurring, along with a notarized statement with supporting documentation explaining how the disaster resulted in their displacement, significantly impeded travel, or substantially precluded them from hunting.

5. (5) The following types of relief may be granted under Subsections (1) and (2) after approval, and upon furnishing a surrendered permit:

   1. (a) reinstate bonus or preference points;
   2. (b) waive the waiting period, if applicable; and
   3. (c) refund of the permit fee minus the processing fee.

6. (6) In the event a natural disaster affects a hunt unit, the division director may grant relief if the following criteria are met:

   1. (a) More than 50% of hunting opportunities are unavailable; and
   2. (b) Access to more than 50% of public land within an individual hunt unit has been closed due to administrative actions of the state or federal government in restricting public access to such lands.

7. (7) If the criteria outlined in Subsection (6) are met, the division director may grant one or more of the following types of relief:

   1. (a) reinstate bonus or preference points;
   2. (b) waive the waiting period, if applicable;
   3. (c) refund of the permit fee minus the processing fee; and
   4. (d) extend the hunting opportunity to the subsequent year for the same season and unit.
8. (8) Under Subsections (6) and (7), the hunter will be required to follow any instructions given by the division director to receive the relief described in Subsection (7).

KEY: wildlife, permits

Date of Last Change: June 23, 2026

Notice of Continuation: March 15, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-4-201; 23A-4-207; 23A-4-301