Section R657-4-18 - High Volume Pen-reared Gamebird Release (Field Trial)(1) A High Volume Pen-reared Gamebird Release Wildlife Document is required for:(a) groups larger than 10 people releasing pen-reared gamebirds in the same area on 5 or fewer days within a 365 day period;(b) release of greater than ten pen-reared gamebirds per day in the same area on 5 or fewer days within a 365 day period; or(c) a field trial involving the pursuit of wild rabbits.(2)(a) A person or group may conduct an event using pen-reared gamebirds provided that person or group applies for and obtains a Wildlife Document from the Division, except as provided in Subsection (b).(b) A person or group may conduct a field trial using approved pen-reared gamebirds on a commercial hunting area without obtaining a Wildlife Document.(3)(a) Up to 1,000 pen-reared gamebirds may be in possession for up to ten days under a High Volume Pen-reared Gamebird Release Wildlife Document.(b) Possession of pen-reared gamebirds must comply with Sections R657-4-10, R657-4-11 and other applicable rule.(4) Any person or group using pen-reared gamebirds must have an invoice or bill of sale available for inspection showing lawful personal possession or ownership of such birds as specified in Section R657-4-8.(5)(a) Each pen-reared gamebird must be marked with a durable marking, except as provided in Subsection (c).(b) The marking must remain attached to the pen-reared gamebird.(c) The marking is not required for approved pen-reared gamebirds released in a field trial that is conducted on a commercial hunting area.(6) Pen-reared gamebirds may be released only:(a) on the property specified in the Wildlife Document;(b) on the dates specified in the Wildlife Document;(c) after the release area has been cleared of wild gamebirds using trained pointing or flushing dogs; and(d) on public property with additional permission from the land management agency for the event.(7) After release, pen-reared gamebirds may be taken:(a) on the property specified in the Wildlife Document;(b) on the dates specified in the Wildlife Document; and(c) by the person who released the pen-reared gamebirds, or by any person participating in the event.(8) Pen-reared gamebirds that leave the property where the event is held, and birds remaining at the end of the field trial except within commercial hunting area boundaries, shall become the property of the state and may not be taken, except during legal hunting seasons as specified in the Upland Game or Waterfowl proclamations of the Wildlife Board.(9) Pen-reared gamebirds released must:(a) meet requirements specified in Sections R657-4-10 and R657-4-11; and(b) be healthy, capable of flight, free of disease and suitable for human consumption.(10) Wild rabbits may be used for field trials provided:(a) the dog is tracking scent trails of wild rabbits;(b) following initial contact with a wild rabbit the dog must stop pursuit;(c) only during the dates of the field trial event as specified in the certificate of registration; and(d) the dog, or the person training the dog, may not harass, catch, capture, kill, injure, or at any time, possess any wild rabbits, except during legal hunting seasons.(11) Wild rabbits may be taken only during legal hunting seasons as specified in the Upland Game or Waterfowl proclamations of the Wildlife Board.(12) Division of Wildlife designated dog training areas are exempt from High Volume Pen-reared Gamebird Release requirements for activities authorized by the area manager.Utah Admin. Code R657-4-18
Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-20, effective 10/5/2023