Section R657-10-11 - Use of Dogs(1) Dogs may be used to take or pursue cougar only during open seasons as provided in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for taking cougar.(2) A dog handler may pursue cougar provided they possesses:(a) a valid hunting or combination license issued to the dog handler; or(b) the documentation and certifications required in Subsection R657-10-25(2) to pursue cougar for compensation.(3) When dogs are used in the pursuit of a cougar, the licensed hunter intending to take the cougar must be present when the dogs are released and must continuously participate in the hunt thereafter until the hunt is completed.(4) When dogs are used to take a cougar and there is not an open pursuit season, the dog handler must have: (a) a valid hunting or combination license ; or(b)(i) the documentation and certifications required in Subsection R657-10-25(2) to pursue cougar for compensation; and(ii) be accompanied, as provided in Subsection (3), by a paying client possessing a hunting or combination license.(5) A dog handler may pursue cougar under: (a) a valid hunting or combination license during the season and in the areas designated by the Wildlife Board in the guidebook open to pursuit; or(b) the pursuit for compensation provisions in this rule only during the seasons and in the areas designated by the Wildlife Board in the guidebook open to pursuit.(6)(a) An individual may not: (i) release into the field more than the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single pursuit;(ii) pursue a cougar with more than the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single pursuit, regardless of whether the individual owns or controls the dogs encountered in the field; or(iii) harvest a cougar that was pursued using more than the allowable maximum number of dogs.(b) An individual may not pursue or take a cougar using more than 16 dogs in a single pursuit.(c) The maximum number of dogs allowed in a single pursuit is cumulative across all members of a hunting party, even if multiple members of the hunting party possess authorization to use dogs to pursue cougar.(7)(a) A dog handler pursuing cougar may retrieve dogs that separate from the pack, provided the dog handler: (i) takes reasonable steps to keep the pack together before and during pursuit;(ii) separates from the license holder exclusively to retrieve stray dogs and does not attempt to actively pursue cougar during the retrieval process; and(iii) immediately releases any cougar incidentally treed or held at bay by the stray dogs.(b) Dogs that separate from the pack continue to count toward the maximum number of dogs allowable in pursuit.(c) A dog handler retrieving stray dogs under this subsection must still possess the documentation initially required to use dogs to pursue cougar as provided in this rule.Utah Admin. Code R657-10-11
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-16, effective 8/10/2023