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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 CONTENTS WHAT’S NEW KNOW THE LAWS

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


This guidebook summarizes Utah’s
Turn in a poacher 4 Store your digital license Increased pintail duck limit: The daily waterfowl hunting laws and rules. Although
Phone: 1-800-662-3337 on the app bag limit for pintail ducks has been increased it is a convenient quick-reference document
Email: turninapoacher@utah.gov 6 Key dates and fees to two birds per day. For all bag limits and for Utah’s waterfowl regulations, it is not an
Online: wildlife.utah.gov/utip 6 Mercury and ducks season dates, see page 30. all-encompassing resource.
7 Waterfowl Slam program For an in-depth look at the state’s
Division offices Youth Waterfowl Hunt dates: This fall,
8 Basic requirements the Youth Waterfowl Hunt in the Northern waterfowl hunting laws and rules, visit
Offices are open 8 a.m.–5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. 9 Do you need a federal stamp? zone will be held Sept. 22, 2018. The Youth Wa- wildlife.utah.gov/rules.
9 Utah’s Trial Hunting Program terfowl Hunt in the Southern zone will be held You can use the references in the guide-
Salt Lake City 10 Do you have a HIP number? one week later, on Sept. 29, 2018. For details, book—such as Utah Code § 23-20-3 and
1594 W North Temple 11 How to obtain a 2018 swan permit see page 32. Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-6—to search the
Box 146301 13 Swan permits for youth Division’s website for the detailed statute or
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 14 After your swan hunt License required to apply for permits: rule that underpins the guidebook summary.
801-538-4700 Starting this year, you must have a valid If you have questions about a particular
15 Firearms, crossbows and archery
hunting or combination license before you can rule, call or visit the nearest Division office.
Central Region tackle apply for swan, greater sage-grouse, sandhill
1115 N Main Street 17 Make sure you’re in range crane and sharp-tailed grouse permits in the Who makes the rules?
Springville, UT 84663 18 Hunters with disabilities hunt drawing. The permit application period The Utah Wildlife Board passes the rules
801-491-5678 18 Hunting methods runs from July 3–19, 2018. For more informa- summarized in this guidebook.
20 Boating laws and rules tion on applying for a swan permit, see page There are seven board members, and
Northeastern Region 21 Hunting-dog field trials and 11. For information on applying for grouse each serves a six-year term. Appointed by the
318 N Vernal Avenue and crane permits, see the 2018–19 Utah
Vernal, UT 84078 training governor, board members are not Division
22 Rest areas Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook. employees.
435-781-9453
23 No-shooting areas Check season dates: Season dates change The Division’s director serves as the
Northern Region 23 Trespassing every year. For details, see the tables that start board’s executive secretary but does not have
515 E 5300 S 24 Possession and transportation on page 30. a vote on wildlife policies.
Ogden, UT 84405 25 Avian diseases in Utah Before board members make changes to
801-476-2740 27 Special regulations for national And keep in mind wildlife rules, they listen to recommendations
wildlife refuges from Division biologists. They also receive
Southeastern Region Northern and Southern duck-hunting input from the public and various interest
319 N Carbonville Road, Ste A 30 Season dates and bag and
zones: This year, there will again be two groups via the regional advisory council (RAC)
Price, UT 84501 possession limits
different zones for hunting ducks, coots, process.
435-613-3700 31 Goose areas mergansers, snipe and scaup. For season dates If you have feedback or suggestions for
32 Utah’s Youth Waterfowl Hunts and boundary information on the Northern
Southern Region board members, you can find their contact
33 Maps available online and Southern zones, see page 30.
1470 N Airport Road information online at wildlife.utah.gov.
Cedar City, UT 84721 33 Shooting hours
54 Definitions Dark goose hunts in four areas: If you Wildlife Board members
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
435-865-6100 like to hunt dark geese, keep in mind that
there are four separate dark goose hunting Kevin Albrecht Kirk Woodward, Chair
Washington County Field Office Calvin Crandall Byron Bateman, Vice Chair
451 N SR-318 areas: Eastern Box Elder, Northern, South-
Steve Dalton Mike Fowlks,
Hurricane, UT 84737
Karl Hirst Division Director &
435-879-8694
Donnie Hunter Executive Secretary

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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 Plan your hunt: The Utah Hunt Planner is an

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Store your digital online tool you can use to be better prepared Don’t lose your hunting and fishing privileges
license on the app for your next Utah hunt. It contains in-depth If you commit a wildlife violation, you could lose the privilege of hunting and fishing in Utah.
With our convenient Utah Hunting information on Utah’s waterfowl manage- The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can suspend the license of
and Fishing app, you can now download ment areas. To use the hunt planner, visit anyone who knowingly, intentionally or recklessly violates wildlife
your license to a smartphone or tablet. wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner. laws. Your license can be suspended for a wildlife violation if:
If a conservation officer asks to see • You are convicted.
Buy your license over the phone: You • You plead guilty or no contest.
your license, you can produce the digital
can now buy a Utah hunting or combination
copy, which is just as valid as a paper • You enter a plea in abeyance or
license over the telephone. Just call 1-800- diversion agreement.
license. 221-0659. The line is staffed 24 hours a day,
If you use the app, you will be able to seven days a week. In addition to the fee for Suspension proceedings are separate and indepen-
easily see when your license expires. the license, you’ll also be charged a $2 transac- dent from criminal prosecution. The Utah Division of
You can also enter and save your Wildlife Resources may suspend your license privileges
tion fee for each item you buy.
HIP number on the app, so it’s available whether or not the court considers suspension in your
when you need it. Youth hunting age: To be considered a criminal case. You will be notified of any action against
your privilege after criminal proceedings conclude. And
The app is available for both Apple youth for all waterfowl hunting, you must be
remember, if your license is suspended in Utah, you
and Android devices. You can download 17 years old or younger on July 31, 2018.
may not be permitted to hunt or fish in most other
it at wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp. states. (Visit wildlife.utah.gov/know-the-consequences.html to see a map of participating states.)
Please remember that licenses are Retrieving waterfowl: Before hunting in
an area, make sure you can retrieve the birds
different from permits. If you have a
you shoot. Because of mud or deep water, you Burning phragmites during the hunt: Protection from discrimination: The
permit for a specific hunt, you must carry This fall, as conditions permit, the Division
may need chest waders, a dog or a boat. Not Division receives federal financial assistance
it with you while hunting. will burn phragmites at a few waterfowl from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under
attempting to retrieve your waterfowl could
result in a citation. management areas. To stay up to date on any Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section
ern and Wasatch Front. You can see a map prescribed burns, visit twitter.com/UtahDWR. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II
of these areas on page 31 or online at Swan check-in and reporting: If you draw of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner. For season a 2018 swan permit, you are required to check Corrections: If errors are found in this guide- the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of
dates, see page 30. in your swan and submit a harvest report. For book after it is printed, the Division will correct the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S.
more information about this requirement, see them in the electronic copy that is posted Department of the Interior and its bureaus
Apply in a youth-only group for swan page 14. online. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
permits: Up to four youth may apply together view all of the Division’s guidebooks. color, national origin, age, disability or sex. If
for swan permits in a youth-only group. You Trial hunting program: This fall, people you believe that you have been discriminated
are considered a youth if you will be 17 years who haven’t hunted may be able to try it for Private lands: The Division cannot
against in any program, activity or facility, or
old or younger on July 31, 2018. For details on the first time without taking Hunter Education. guarantee access to any private land. Under
if you desire further information, please visit
applying as part of a youth-only group, see For details, see the box on page 9. certain circumstances, you must obtain writ-
www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.cfm.
page 13. ten permission from the landowner or the
Participate in the Waterfowl Slam: landowner’s authorized representative before Division funding: The Division is mostly
Online HIP registration process: Reg- The slam is a fun, voluntary program that hunting on private lands. For more informa- funded by the sale of hunting and fishing
istration in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest raises funds for waterfowl conservation. tion, please see Trespassing on pages 23–24. licenses and through federal aid made possible
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
Information Program (HIP) has never been Adults can join for $20, and youth can join by an excise tax on the sale of firearms and
easier. To register, visit wildlife.utah.gov/uthip. for $10. To learn more, visit page 7 or other hunting- and fishing-related equipment.
For more information, please see page 10. wildlife.utah.gov/slam.
You must have a HIP number issued between
March 11, 2018 and March 10, 2019 if you Off-highway vehicles: Off-highway vehicles
plan to hunt waterfowl during the 2018–2019 are not permitted on state waterfowl manage-
season. ment areas, except in areas that are posted
open to OHV use.

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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 KEY DATES AND FEES 2018–19 season dates Swan application dates

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Resident license fees Nonresident license fees Youth Waterfowl Sept. 22, 2018 Swan hunting application July 3, 2018
Hunt—Northern zone available online
(see page 32 for
License Fee License Fee details) Application deadline July 19, 2018
365-day hunting license $11 3-day small game license $32 Youth Waterfowl Sept. 29, 2018 Drawing results available Aug. 6, 2018
(age 13 and under) (any age) Hunt—Southern zone Remaining permits go on Aug. 16, 2018
365-day hunting license $16 365-day hunting license $25 (see page 32 for sale, if available
(ages 14–17) (age 17 and younger) details)
365-day hunting license $34 365-day hunting license $65 Swan Oct. 6–Dec. 9,
(ages 18–64) (age 18 and older) 2018
365-day hunting license $25 Multi-year hunting $64 per year, up Ducks, mergansers, Oct. 6, 2018–Jan.
(age 65 and older) license (up to five years) to five years coots and Wilson’s 19, 2019 Waterfowl Slam
for age 18 and older snipe—Northern zone
Multi-year hunting $33 per year, up program
license (age 18 and to five years 365-day combination* $29 Ducks, mergansers, Oct. 13, 2018–
older) license (age 17 and coots and Wilson’s Jan. 26, 2019
younger) snipe—Southern zone
365-day combination* $20
license (ages 14–17) 365-day combination* $85 Scaup—Northern zone Oct. 6–Dec. 30,
license (age 18 and 2018
365-day combination* $38 older)
license (ages 18–64) Scaup—Southern zone Nov. 2, 2018–Jan.
Multi-year combination* $84 per year, up 26, 2019 This year, the Division will continue
365-day combination* $29 license (age 18 and to five years
license (age 65 and Dark geese—Eastern Oct. 6, 2018–Jan. the Waterfowl Slam program in part-
older) Box Elder goose area 19, 2019
older) nership with multiple conservation
Multi-year combination* $37 per year, up * A combination license allows you to hunt or fish in Dark geese—Northern Oct. 6–18, 2018 organizations. Hunters who choose to
license (age 18 and to five years Utah and also allows you to fish with a second pole. goose area and Oct. 27, join the program can earn different sizes
older) 2018–Jan. 27, and colors of bands for harvesting drakes
Other fees 2019
* A combination license allows you to hunt or fish in of various species.
Utah and also allows you to fish with a second pole. Federal migratory bird hunting and $25 Dark geese—Southern Oct. 13, 2018– Last year, using Waterfowl Slam
conservation stamp (16 years of goose area Jan. 26, 2019 funding, we created two new ponds for
age and older). These are available
at U.S. post offices and some Dark geese—Wasatch Oct. 6–18, 2018 wildlife at Ogden Bay and Farmington
license-agent locations. Front goose area and Nov. 3, Bay.
2018–Feb. 3, We have many exciting ideas for
Swan permit $15† 2019
future projects. Please consider partici-
† You will be charged an additional $10 nonrefund- Light geese (see Oct. 25–Nov. 30, pating in Utah’s Waterfowl Slam Program
able application fee. page 30 for closure 2018 and Jan 1– in 2018 so we can make these projects
Mercury and ducks details) March 10, 2019
happen! To learn more about the slam,
Because of elevated mercury levels
visit wildlife.utah.gov/slam.
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
in three duck species—cinnamon
teal, northern shoveler and common
goldeneye—hunters should be care-
ful about how much they consume.
You can read the latest consump-
tion advisories for these species at
waterfowladvisories.utah.gov.

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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 BASIC REQUIREMENTS Approximately four to six weeks after you

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


complete the course, you will receive your blue Utah’s Trial Hunting
Obtaining the proper hunting license and registering for a Migratory Bird Harvest Informa-
card by mail. Program
tion Program (HIP) number are important steps to complete before hunting waterfowl You should also keep the following in Utah Admin. Rule R657-68
in Utah. Depending on your age, you may also need a federal migratory bird hunting and mind: Have you ever wanted to bring your
conservation stamp. This section provides information about each of these items and how • Hunters under the age of 16 must be spouse, child or friend along on a hunt
to obtain them. accompanied by an adult while hunting. and give them a chance to try hunting?
• All hunting regulations, including season Now, they can join you on your next duck
Are you old enough? Is hunter education dates and bag limits, will apply. or goose hunt.
Utah Code § 23-19-11
required? • Hunters who are planning to hunt out Utah’s Trial Hunting Program allows
In Utah, there are no age restrictions Utah Code § 23-19-11 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-23
of state should allow enough time for anyone over the age of 12 to try hunting
for waterfowl hunters. If you have passed a If you were born after Dec. 31, 1965, you
their hunter education card to arrive in for a few years—while accompanied by
Division-approved hunter education course, must provide proof that you’ve passed a hunter
the mail. a licensed hunter over the age of 21—
then you can hunt waterfowl in Utah, regard- education course approved by the Division before taking a Hunter Education course.
less of your age. before you can apply for or obtain a hunting New to Utah? The program applies to hunts for
You are considered to be a youth hunter license or a swan permit. If you become a Utah resident, and you’ve many different species, including ducks,
if you are 17 years old or younger on July 31, The only exception to this law is for indi- completed a hunter education course in geese and other waterfowl. To sign up for
2018. viduals who are participating in the Division’s another state, province or country, you must the program or to learn more about it,
Trial Hunting Program. You can find details obtain a Utah blue card before you can buy a visit wildlife.utah.gov/trial.
Adults must accompany
about the program on the next page or by resident hunting license. You can obtain a Utah
young hunters visiting wildlife.utah.gov/trial.
Utah Code § 23-20-20 blue card at any Division office by providing you’re hunting, and you cannot alter your
While hunting with any weapon, a person proof that you’ve completed a hunter educa- license, or transfer or lend it to another person.
Proof of hunter education
under 14 years old must be accompanied tion course approved by the Division. Keep in mind that you can also use the
You can prove that you’ve completed
by his or her parent, legal guardian or other hunter education by obtaining a hunter educa- Utah Hunting and Fishing app to legally
responsible person who is 21 years of age or Do you have a license? carry hunting or combination licenses on
tion card (called a “blue card” in Utah) or if you Utah Code § 23-19-1
older and who has been approved by the par- have a verified hunter education number on a phone or tablet for all the members of
Before you can hunt waterfowl in Utah
ent or guardian. file with the Division. The number is assigned your family. To download the app, visit
— and apply for or obtain a swan permit —
A person at least 14 years old and under 16 when you complete hunter education and your wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp.
you must possess a valid hunting license or
years old must be accompanied by a person 21 blue card is issued. combination license. Do you need a federal
years of age or older while hunting with any
Here’s the difference between the two
weapon. How to take hunter
licenses:
stamp?
The Division encourages adults to be education • A hunting license allows you to hunt
Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-3
familiar with hunter education guidelines or to To get started, you should visit In addition to your hunting license, if
small game, including waterfowl and you’re 16 years old or older, you must obtain a
complete the hunter education course before wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation. You’ll see
upland game. federal migratory bird hunting and conserva-
accompanying youth into the field. links to a complete list of traditional or online
• A combination license allows you to fish tion stamp. This stamp is commonly referred to
While in the field, the youth and the adult hunter education courses. Follow the instruc-
and hunt small game in Utah. When you as a duck stamp.
must remain close enough for the adult to see tions on the website to sign up for a course.
buy a combination license, you also get
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
and provide verbal assistance to the young If you need assistance, please contact your You can purchase a duck stamp from
a price break compared to buying your your local post office, some license agents or
hunter. Using electronic devices, such as local Division office or call 801-538-4727.
hunting and fishing licenses separately. by phone. The phone number is 1-800-782-
walkie-talkies or cell phones, does not meet When you complete the course, your in-
To purchase a license, visit wildlife.utah.gov 6724. You can also call this number to order
this requirement. structor will sign your course certificate, which
or call 1-800-221-0659. You can also visit a
will then become your hunting license. With a
license agent or any Division office.
valid hunting license, you can also apply for or
You must carry your license with you while
obtain permits in the Division’s hunt drawings.

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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 HOW TO OBTAIN A 2018 SWAN PERMIT

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22
Utah is one of the few places in the country where you have the opportunity to hunt swans.
This section provides information about applying for a swan permit or preference point
in 2018. You will also find information about what to do if you obtain a permit and harvest
a swan.
Apply for a swan and trumpeter swans in flight. Both are legal
permit to take, but the Division discourages you from
Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22 shooting trumpeter swans.
To hunt swan in Utah, you must draw a After you’ve taken the course, you don’t
permit in the hunt drawing. You can apply for have to take it again as long as you follow the
the drawing online at wildlife.utah.gov from mandatory harvest reporting rules listed on
July 3–19, 2018. page 14.
Starting this year, you must have a valid
Utah hunting or combination license before Key dates
Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22
you can apply for or obtain a swan permit. You
Please note the following dates if you want
must also have a valid hunting or combination
to apply for a 2018 swan permit or preference
license in order to hunt any waterfowl species.
point.
If your hunting license expires before the wa-
additional duck stamps. Duck stamps are not are valid from March 11, 2018 through March terfowl season ends, you’ll have to buy a new July 3: Apply online for a permit or
available at Division offices. 10, 2019. license to hunt the remainder of the season. preference point
After you buy your stamp, you must Don’t forget: You may also apply for Starting July 3, you may apply online for
validate it by signing your name in ink across A mobile-friendly process greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane and a swan permit or preference point. Both resi-
the face of the stamp. You must also carry your To obtain a Utah HIP number, just visit sharp-tailed grouse permits when you apply dents and nonresidents may apply. Groups of
stamp with you while you’re hunting (most wildlife.utah.gov/uthip from any computer, for a swan permit. For details on applying for up to four adults or four youth may also apply.
hunters place their stamp on the back of their smartphone or tablet and complete a few brief grouse and crane permits, see pages 10–13 For more information, please see Applying as a
hunting license). questions. of the 2018–19 Utah Upland Game and Turkey group on page 12.
If you’re 15 years of age or younger, you You will need to provide information about Guidebook. When you submit your application for
do not need a federal duck stamp to hunt wa- any migratory game bird hunts you partici- If you don’t want to apply for a permit this either a swan permit or a preference point, you
terfowl, but if you turn 16 during the season, pated in during the 2017–2018 season. year, but you want a better chance of drawing will be charged a $10 nonrefundable applica-
you must buy a stamp to hunt the remainder When you complete the registration one next year, you can apply for a preference tion fee. A permit fee is charged only if you are
of the season. process, your new HIP number will appear point instead. successful in drawing a permit. The fee for a
on the screen. You can also choose to have it swan permit is $15.
Do you have a HIP emailed to you. Complete the orientation If you purchase your hunting or combina-
number? If you need help while registering for a HIP course tion license while applying for a swan permit,
50 CFR 20.20 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-33 number, please call 801-538-4700 from Mon.– Before you can apply for either a swan you’ll also be charged a license fee.
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
In addition to your license (and your duck Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. permit or a preference point, you must first You can use American Express, Discover,
stamp, if required), you must obtain a Migra- Once you’ve obtained your HIP number, complete a one-time swan hunting orienta- MasterCard and VISA credit or debit cards as
tory Game Bird Harvest Information Program you must write the number in the space tion course. The course is available online at payment, and they must be valid through Sep-
(HIP) registration number every season. provided on your current hunting license. wildlife.utah.gov/SwanCourse and takes about tember 2018. You can also use a pre-paid credit
The number you obtained last season is You can also enter and save your HIP num- 30 minutes to complete. card. Please keep in mind that the Division is
not valid for this season. ber on the Utah Hunting and Fishing app. The The swan orientation course provides not responsible for any bank charges incurred
HIP numbers for the 2018–2019 season app is available at wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp. information about swans, including informa- for the use of credit or debit cards.
tion that will help you identify tundra swans
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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 To change the credit or debit card associ- If you draw a permit, you’ll likely receive A preference point is awarded for each You will not lose your preference points if

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


ated with your application, call 1-800-221- your permit in the mail in August. unsuccessful swan application. you obtain a swan permit that remains avail-
0659 or visit utah-hunt.com. An individual who does not want to hunt able after the hunt drawing is over.
August 16: Remaining permits avail- swan in the current year may apply for a pref-
July 19: Deadline for permit and able erence point only by selecting the appropriate How your preference
preference point applications If any permits remain after the hunt hunt choice code (SWN) on the application and points work in the
Your application for a swan permit or drawing, they will be available on a first-come, paying the $10 application fee. drawing
preference point must be submitted online no first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on If you are eligible for a swan permit, you In the drawing, swan applications are
later than 11 p.m. MDT on July 19, 2018. If you Aug. 16, 2018. You can purchase remaining are eligible to apply for a preference point. You sorted into groups by the number of prefer-
need help with your online application, please permits at wildlife.utah.gov and from license cannot, however, apply for both a permit and a ence points—a 4-preference-point group, a
call any Division office before 5 p.m. MDT on agents and Division offices. preference point in the same season. 3-preference-point group and so on—from
July 19, 2018. A Division employee will be A preference point will not be issued if you highest to lowest. Within each group of prefer-
available to help you. Applying as a group are successful in drawing a swan permit. ence points, the applications are then sorted
Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22
from lowest to highest draw numbers. Permits
July 19: Deadline to resubmit or Instead of applying as an individual hunter,
are awarded in order, based on the hunt choice
withdraw an application you and your friends and family can apply to- Swan permits for
selected.
Did you make a mistake in your online gether as a group. Up to four hunters—includ- youth Preference points are averaged and
permit application? Simply withdraw your ing a mix of residents and nonresidents—can Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22
Fifteen percent of this year’s swan rounded down when two or more applicants
original online application and submit a new, apply together for swan permits.
hunting permits are reserved for hunters apply as a group. For example, if hunter A
correct application before 11 p.m. MDT on July And don’t forget: up to four youth can
who will be 17 years of age or younger with three preference points and hunter B
19, 2018. apply together in a youth-only group.
on July 31, 2018. with zero preference points apply as a group,
In order to withdraw your application, Important: If you’re a youth and you
If you meet this age requirement, the preference points are averaged (1.5)
you must have the confirmation number from want an opportunity to draw one of the
you can participate in the youth drawing and rounded down to one. This process will
your original application. You must also have permits reserved for youth, do not apply in a
for swan permits. You have two options: determine in which group of preference points
your customer ID and your date of birth. For group with an adult. Up to four youth hunt-
You can either submit an application your application will be considered. Hunters
each new application you submit, you will be ers can apply together for a swan hunt. For
as an individual youth hunter or as a with one preference point will be considered
charged a $10 nonrefundable application fee. more details about swan-hunting opportuni-
member of a youth-only group. only after all groups or individuals with two or
If you need help with your online applica- ties for youth, see the information box on page
Up to four youth hunters can more preference points and before all groups
tion, please call any Division office before 5 Utah’s Youth Waterfowl Hunts on page 32.
apply to hunt together in a youth-only or individuals with zero preference points.
p.m. MDT on July 19, 2018. When you apply, all fees for all applicants
If you decide not to hunt swan, you can in your group must be charged to one credit group. This allows youth to hunt swans
with siblings, friends, cousins and other
Surrendering your
withdraw your online permit application until or debit card. If your group is successful in the
11 p.m. MDT on July 19, 2018. drawing, all of the applicants in your group youth. permit
When you apply in a youth-only You may surrender your swan permit
Please remember that any fees you who have valid applications will receive a
group for the swan hunt, all hunters before the season opens in order to reinstate
submitted with your application are not permit.
must meet the age requirement for the your preference points, including a preference
refundable.
Preference points application to be processed as a youth- point for the current year (just as if you had not
August 6: Drawing results available Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-9 only application. drawn a permit). To learn more about surren-
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
You’ll be notified of the drawing results by Preference points ensure that applicants If you’re successful in drawing dering a permit, visit wildlife.utah.gov/refund.
email on or before Aug. 6, 2018. You can also who are unsuccessful—or those who choose permits, please remember that all
learn your drawing results online or by calling to apply only for a preference point—will hunters under the age of 16 must be
Permit refunds
Utah Code § 23-19-38 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-42
1-800-221-0659. have a better chance of obtaining a swan accompanied in the field by a parent, The Division rarely issues refunds for
In order to protect your privacy—and permit in next year’s hunt drawing. legal guardian or responsible person 21 licenses or permits, but there are some excep-
to comply with governmental records access If this is your first time applying for a swan years of age or older. For details on this tions. To see if you’re eligible for a refund, visit
laws—you may obtain access to only your preference point or permit, you must complete requirement, see page 8. wildlife.utah.gov/refund.
own drawing results. the swan orientation course.
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Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 AFTER YOUR SWAN HUNT FIELD REGULATIONS

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-22 While hunting waterfowl in Utah, there are several requirements you must keep in mind
If you receive a swan permit in 2018, be sure to meet the following requirements by Jan. 8, to protect yourself and the resource. Please be familiar with the requirements for carrying
2019. and using shotguns, the different types of hunting methods you may use and what you’re
Tag your swan Mandatory reporting required to do with any waterfowl you harvest.
Utah Code § 23-20-30 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-5 Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-6
After you’ve taken a swan, you must tag If you obtain a swan permit, you must
Firearms, crossbows than three shells—to hunt light geese during
the February/March season. For season dates,
the swan before you move the carcass from or complete and submit a swan harvest survey and archery tackle see page 30.
leave the site of the kill. by Jan. 8, 2019. Important: Reporting is Several rules apply to the types of shot-
To tag a swan, completely detach the tag required, even if you did not hunt or harvest guns, crossbows and archery tackle that may Nontoxic shot and use of
from your swan permit and completely remove a swan. You can complete the harvest survey be used to take waterfowl in Utah. firearms, crossbows and
the notches that correspond with the month online or by calling 1-800-221-0659. Weapon requirements archery tackle
and day the swan was taken. Then attach the If you do harvest a swan, a Division 50 CFR 20.21 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-7 50 CFR 20.21(j) and Utah Admin. Rules R657-9-8 and R657-9-9
tag to the carcass so the tag remains securely biologist will complete your harvest survey as You may take migratory game birds with A shotgun loaded with nontoxic shot is the
fastened and visible. part of the post-harvest examination that is any of the following: only firearm you may discharge while hunting
Your swan tag also includes a notch that required of all successful swan hunters. • A shotgun no larger than 10 gauge waterfowl or coot in any area of the state. (To
indicates the sex of the bird, but you do not To report your swan harvest, simply bring • A crossbow learn what nontoxic shot is, please see page
need to remove this notch; you only need to the tagged swan or its head to a Division office, • Archery equipment, including a draw 55 of this guide.) In addition, nontoxic shot
remove the notches that indicate when the or the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge office, lock is the only ammunition you may have in your
bird was taken. within three days of harvest. A Division or During most Utah waterfowl hunts, the possession while on federal refuges, the Scott
You may not remove more than one notch Refuge employee will help you complete your shotgun you use cannot be capable of holding M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, the Utah Lake
indicating the month or day the swan was swan harvest survey. more than three shells (one in the chamber Wetland Preserve and the following waterfowl
taken, or tag more than one swan using the It’s important to comply with the require- and two in the magazine). management areas:
same tag. Also, you may not hunt or pursue ments listed above. If you miss the Jan. 8 Many shotguns can hold more than two • Box Elder County—Harold S. Crane,
swans after any of the notches have been deadline, you will be ineligible to apply for a shells in the magazine, but making these Locomotive Springs, Public Shooting
removed from the tag or the tag has been 2019 swan permit unless you: guns legal for waterfowl hunting is easy. An in- Grounds and Salt Creek
detached from your permit. • Get the head of your harvested swan expensive item, called a "shotgun plug," comes • Daggett County—Brown’s Park
examined at a Division office with most shotguns or you can purchase one at • Davis County—Farmington Bay, Howard
Get your swan • Complete and submit a late harvest most sporting goods stores. Slough and Ogden Bay
examined survey And don’t forget: you may use an un- • Emery County—Desert Lake
Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-6 • Pay a $50 late fee plugged shotgun—capable of holding more • Juab County—Mills Meadow
You must bring the tagged swan or its • Complete the swan orientation course
head to a Division office—or the Bear River again
Migratory Bird Refuge office—within three If you did not harvest a swan, you would
Are you allowed to of registration from the Division does not
possess a weapon? authorize the holder to legally possess or
days of harvesting the swan. A staff person will only be required to complete the last three
Utah Code §§ 76-10-503 and 76-10-512 use a firearm, muzzleloader or any other
examine the swan’s head and complete your items before applying for your 2019 swan
It is illegal under Utah Code §§ 76-10- dangerous weapon while hunting if they
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
swan harvest survey for you. This visit provides permit.
503 and 76-10-512 to possess or use a are otherwise restricted from possessing
biologists with valuable information about
firearm, muzzleloader or any other danger- these weapons under Utah Code.
swans in Utah.
ous weapon if you have been charged or To determine whether you are allowed
convicted of certain offenses. to possess a weapon, please review the
The purchase or possession of any Utah Code sections listed above or contact
hunting license, permit, tag or certificate the law enforcement agency that oversees
your case.

14 15
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 • Millard County—Clear Lake and Topaz • The firearm is a handgun.

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Slough • You are 18 years of age or older. Make sure you’re in • If you don’t have four regular-sized
• Sanpete County—Manti Meadows A pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun is range decoys, use four pieces of cardboard
• Tooele County—Blue Lake and Timpie considered to be loaded when there is an In the marsh, you should only shoot at cut 21 inches long by 4 inches high
Springs unexpended cartridge, shell or projectile in the birds that are within range. If you try to hit (the size of a medium-sized duck).
• Uintah County—Stewart Lake firing position. a bird that’s too far away, there’s a much • After placing your targets, go back
• Utah County—Powell Slough Pistols and revolvers are also considered greater chance the bird will be wounded or to your starting point, bring your
• Wayne County—Bicknell Bottoms to be loaded when an unexpended cartridge, hard to find. unloaded shotgun to your shoulder
• Weber County—Ogden Bay and Harold shell or projectile is in a position whereby the So, how do you know if you’re in range? and aim it at the target that’s 20 yards
S. Crane manual operation of any mechanism once Before this year’s waterfowl season opens, away. Notice how big your barrel
You may not discharge a firearm, crossbow would cause the unexpended cartridge, shell you can improve your ability to judge looks in relation to the size of the
or archery tackle on any of the areas listed or projectile to be fired. distance accurately with the following target. Then aim at the targets that
above at any time of the year, except during A muzzleloading firearm is considered exercise: are 30, 40 and 50 yards away.
the open waterfowl hunting seasons or as loaded when it is capped or primed and has a • Find an area that’s at least 50 yards Practice this process enough, and you’ll
authorized by the Division. powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or long and place four regular-sized duck know how birds should look when you view
The ammunition restrictions in this section cylinders. decoys 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards from them over your barrel at different distances
do not apply to concealed firearm permit hold- The firearm restrictions in this section do your starting point. in the marsh.
ers, provided the person is not utilizing the not apply to concealed firearm permit hold-
concealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife. ers, provided the person is not utilizing the • At railroad equipment or facilities, In addition to the rules above, the Great
concealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife. including any sign or signal Salt Lake Marina and posted areas adjacent to
Loaded firearms in a • Within Utah state park camp or picnic the marina are closed to hunting.
vehicle Areas where you can’t sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps Waterfowl hunting, including the retrieval
Utah Code §§§§ 76-10-502, 76-10-504, 76-10-505 and discharge a firearm or developed beaches of downed birds, is also prohibited on all of
76-10-523 Utah Code § 76-10-508
You may not carry a loaded firearm in or on • Without written permission from the Antelope Island except for the following areas:
You may not discharge a dangerous weapon or
a vehicle unless you meet all of the following owner or property manager, within 600 • 100 yards beyond the existing shoreline
firearm under any of the following circum-
conditions: feet of: from the Fielding Garr Ranch, proceeding
stances:
• You own the vehicle or have permission • A house, dwelling or any other around the north end of the island and
• From a vehicle
from the vehicle’s owner. building then south to Elephant Head; and
• From, upon or across any highway
• Any structure in which a domestic • below the upland vegetation line of the
• At power lines or signs
animal is kept or fed, including a island from the Fielding Garr Ranch,
barn, poultry yard, corral, feeding proceeding around the south end of the
pen or stockyard island and then north to Elephant Head.
UTAH State parks
Utah Code § 76-10-508 and Utah Admin. Rule R651-614-4
Hunting is also prohibited within 600 feet
of the north or south side of the Antelope
Island causeway.
Hunting any wildlife is prohibited within
the boundaries of all state park areas, except
those designated open to hunting by the Utah
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
Division of State Parks and Recreation in Utah
Admin. Rule R651-614-4.
For information about discharging a
dangerous weapon or firearm in a state park,
see Areas where you can’t discharge a firearm
in the previous section or review Utah Code §
76-10-508.

16 17
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 Hunters with Also, you may not use any of the crafts

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


listed above, or any type of motor-driven land, Did it get wet? 2. Then, generously spray all of
disabilities water or air transportation (including a drone), Decontaminate it! it—especially the felt soles of wad-
Utah Admin. Rule R657-12
to concentrate, drive, rally or stir up migratory When you hunt waterfowl, your boat, ers—with Formula 409 (a popular
Utah provides special hunting accom-
birds. apparel and gear inevitably get wet or household cleaner). This treatment
modations for people with disabilities. Among
muddy. will kill any whirling disease spores.
those accommodations are special-use blinds
Airboats and personal And everything from your waders and 3. After you return home, thoroughly
for disabled or wheelchair-bound hunters.
For more information, call your local Divi-
watercraft decoys to your portable blinds and boat clean and dry all of your gear before
Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-11
motors will provide good hiding places for using it again.
sion office or visit wildlife.utah.gov/disabled. Air-thrust or air-propelled boats and per- microscopic invasive species or whirling If you’re using a boat to hunt waterfowl,
sonal watercraft are not allowed in designated you need to follow the clean, drain and dry
Hunting methods parts of the following areas for the purposes of
disease spores.
Several rules apply to the methods that If you’re on foot, you need to complete self-decontamination process described at
waterfowl hunting: the following steps before you leave a hunt- stdofthesea.com.
you may use to hunt waterfowl in Utah.
• Box Elder County: Box Elder Lake, Bear ing area and walk into another waterbody. If you don’t have time to allow your boat
Use of boats, and airborne River, that part of Harold S. Crane within 1. Rinse all the mud and other debris to dry thoroughly, you can get it profession-
and land vehicles one-half mile of all dikes and levees, off of your waders, boots and wetted ally decontaminated. Visit stdofthesea.com
50 CFR 20.21(e), Utah Code § 23-20-3 and Utah Admin. Rule Locomotive Springs, Public Shooting gear or equipment. to find the nearest location and schedule a
R657-9-10 Grounds and Salt Creek, and that part decontamination.
You may use a boat or motorized aquatic of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
vehicle to hunt waterfowl if you obey the north of the "D" line dike, and outside
Restrictions on Motorized vehicle travel on state water-
following rules: Units 1, 3, 4 and 5 as posted. fowl management areas is restricted to county
• Migratory game birds may not be taken • Daggett County: Brown’s Park
motorized boats
Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-12 roads, improved roads and parking areas.
from any motorboat, or craft that has a • Davis County: Howard Slough, Ogden Bay Portions of four WMAs have been set Off-highway vehicles are not permitted on
motor attached to it, unless the motor and Farmington Bay within diked units aside for hunters who enjoy walking or state waterfowl management areas, except in
has been completely shut off and the or as posted. paddling nonmotorized boats into the marsh. areas that are marked or posted open to their
motorboat or craft has stopped moving. • Emery County: Desert Lake Motorized boats, which are boats with a use.
• Migratory game birds may not be taken • Millard County: Clear Lake and Topaz motor of any kind, including a gas engine Off-highway vehicles are not permitted on
from a sailboat unless the boat’s sails are Slough or an electric motor, are not allowed in the the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
furled and the boat has stopped moving. • Tooele County: Timpie Springs following areas:
You may use any of these crafts under • Uintah County: Stewart Lake • Clear Lake: The entire WMA Waterfowl blinds on
power to retrieve dead or crippled birds, but • Utah County: Powell Slough • Farmington Bay: South Crystal Unit waterfowl management
you may not shoot crippled birds from a craft if • Wayne County: Bicknell Bottoms • Harold S. Crane: Rainbow Pond Unit areas
its motor is still running. • Weber County: Ogden Bay within diked and the main East Pond Unit Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-34
units or as posted, and the portion of the • Public Shooting Grounds: Widgeon Unit You can construct and use waterfowl blinds
Harold S. Crane Waterfowl Management on Division waterfowl management areas
No drones allowed Area that falls within Weber County Motorized vehicle (WMAs) as long as you obey the following
Utah Code § 23-20-3
Although drones are growing in
The term "personal watercraft" means a access on waterfowl rules:
motorboat that meets the following condi- management areas • Waterfowl blinds may not be left
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
popularity, it is illegal to use them while
tions: Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-12 unattended overnight unless they’re
scouting or hunting protected wildlife in
• It is less than 16 feet in length. A motorized vehicle is a vehicle that is constructed entirely of non-woody,
Utah. For details on all the restrictions
• It is propelled by a water jet pump. self-propelled or possesses the ability to be vegetative materials that naturally occur
that apply to airborne vehicles and devic-
• It is designed to be operated by a person self-propelled. This does not include vehicles where the blind is located.
es, please see Use of boats, and airborne
sitting, standing or kneeling on the ves- moved solely by human power, motorized • Live or dead-standing trees and shrubs
and land vehicles on this page. wheelchairs, an electric personal assisted
sel, rather than sitting or standing inside on WMAs may not be cut or damaged
the vessel. mobility device or an electric assisted bicycle.

18 19
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 unless the Division gives express, written dike separating the WMA’s freshwater Sinkbox

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


permission to do so. impoundments from the Great Salt Lake. 50 CFR 20.21(c) and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-13 Hunting-dog field
• Soil or rock, above or below the water’s • Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management You cannot take migratory game birds trials and training
surface, may not be excavated on a WMA Area—west of Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3. from any type of low-floating device that al- Utah Admin. Rule R657-46
unless the Division gives express, written • Harold S. Crane Waterfowl Management lows you to be concealed beneath the surface Many of today’s hunting dog field
permission to do so. Area—one half mile north and west of of the water. Called "sinkboxes," these devices trialers and trainers want to use game
• Rock and soil material may not be trans- the exterior dike separating the WMA’s float on the water, but they float barely above birds (waterfowl or upland game) in
ported to a WMA to construct a blind. freshwater impoundments from the the water’s surface. You may not hunt from their dog-related pursuits.
• Waterfowl blinds may not be constructed Willard Spur. sinkboxes. You may, however, hunt from other To use live game birds in dog field
or used in any area or manner that types of boxes, blinds or culverts that are trials and training, you must follow
obstructs vehicle or pedestrian travel on Unattended blinds attached to the bottom of the body of water certain rules and regulations. Those rules
dikes. In addition to the rules above, two other where you are hunting. are available at any Division office or at
Waterfowl blinds that are constructed or important rules apply to waterfowl blinds on wildlife.utah.gov/rules.
maintained on WMAs in violation of the rules WMAs and other state lands that are open to Using dogs to hunt
above may be removed or destroyed by the public hunting: Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-28
• Any person may use any unoccupied, Dogs may be used to locate and retrieve • Pahvant
Division without notice.
permanent waterfowl blind. Waterfowl waterfowl during open hunting seasons. • Public Shooting Grounds
The restrictions above do not apply to the
blinds on state lands are open on a first- Although dogs are generally allowed on • Redmond Marsh
following WMA areas:
come, first-served basis to everyone, not state wildlife and waterfowl management • Richfield
• Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management
just to the person who built the blind. areas (WMAs), they are prohibited on many • Roosevelt
Area—west and north of the Doug
• You cannot leave waterfowl blinds or WMAs from March 10 to August 31 or as • Salt Creek
Miller Unit, Turpin Unit and Unit 1.
decoys unattended overnight to reserve posted by the Division. Here’s a complete list of • Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve
• Howard Slough Waterfowl Management
a spot. WMAs and other Division-managed lands that • Stewart Lake
Area—west and south of the exterior
are seasonally closed to dogs: • Timpie Springs
• Annabella • Topaz Slough
Boating laws and rules use a white light. • Bear River (Trenton Property Parcel) • Utah Lake Wetland Preserve
It isn’t hard to have a safe waterfowl • Let someone know where you are • Bicknell Bottoms • Vernal
hunt. If your plans include a motorboat, going and when you expect to return, • Blue Lake • Willard Bay
please remember these laws and rules to along with your boat and vehicle • Browns Park
• Bud Phelps Live decoys
ensure your safe return home: license number. Remember to stick to 50 CFR 20.21(f) and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-14
• Everyone on your boat or vessel must your plan! • Clear Lake
You may not use live birds as decoys. Also,
have a properly fitted, U.S. Coast • All motorboats must carry a Type B, • Desert Lake
you may not take migratory game birds from
Guard-approved life jacket. Youth who U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extin- • Farmington Bay
an area where tame or captive live ducks or
are 12 and younger must wear a life guisher, unless exempt. • Harold S. Crane
geese are present. The only exception is if the
jacket at all times. • In addition to the equipment above, • Hatt’s Ranch
tame or captive live ducks or geese are—
• Vessels longer than 16 feet must have airboats operating on Great Salt Lake • Howard Slough
and have been—confined for at least 10
a throwable personal flotation device and adjacent Waterfowl Management • Huntington
consecutive days before you take the migratory
• James Walter Fitzgerald
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
immediately available. Areas (WMAs) must have a compass game birds. The area of confinement must
• All motorboats, including those with and either a flare, strobe light or other • Kevin Conway
substantially reduce the sound of the tame or
electric motors, must be registered and visual distress signal. • Locomotive Springs
captive birds’ calls. It must also totally conceal
properly numbered. For additional boating safety informa- • Manti Meadows
the birds from the sight of wild migratory
• All motorboats must display appropri- tion, visit boating.utah.gov or call 801-538- • Mills Meadow
waterfowl.
ate navigation lights from sunset to 2628. • Montes Creek
sunrise. Manually propelled boats may • Nephi
• Ogden Bay

20 21
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 Amplified bird calls harvest manipulation (for example, a In addition to the rules above, the Division • Ogden Bay WMA—Within 600 feet of

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


50 CFDR 20.21 (g) and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-15 farmer working his land after the harvest has established portions of the WMAs as rest the headquarters area
During most of Utah’s waterfowl season, is over) or normal soil stabilization areas for wildlife. These areas are closed to the • Gunnison Bend Reservoir—Below the
you may not use recorded or electronically practice (for example, a farmer planting public, and trespass of any kind is prohibited. high-water mark of the reservoir and
amplified bird calls or sounds, or recorded or a cover crop to protect the soil during the The following locations are designated as rest its inflow, upstream to the Southerland
electronically amplified imitations of bird calls winter); areas: Bridge (Millard County)
or sounds. You may, however, use electronically • From a blind or other place of con- • Clear Lake WMA—the area known as • Within the boundaries of all Utah State
amplified calls or sounds during the spring cealment camouflaged with natural Spring Lake Parks, except those designated open by
hunts for light geese in all four goose areas vegetation; • Desert Lake WMA—the area known as appropriate signage (see Utah Adminis-
after Feb. 4, 2018. See page 30 for season • From a blind or other place of conceal- Desert Lake trative Rule R651-614-4)
dates. ment camouflaged with vegetation • Farmington Bay WMA—the area that • Within 1/3 of a mile of the Great Salt
from agricultural crops, as long as such lies in the northwest quarter of Unit 1 Lake Marina
Baiting camouflaging does not result in the • Ogden Bay WMA—the area known as • All property within the boundary of the
50 CFR 20.21 (i) and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-16
exposing, depositing, distributing or North Bachman Salt Lake International Airport
Baiting is an illegal activity that involves
scattering of grain or other feed; or • Public Shooting Grounds WMA—the • All property within the boundaries of
the spreading of shelled, shucked or unshucked
• Standing or flooded standing agricul- area that lies above and adjacent to the federal migratory bird refuges, unless
grain, feed or salt to lure, attract or entice birds
tural crops where grain is inadvertently Hull Lake Diversion Dike, known as Duck hunting waterfowl is specifically autho-
to an area for the purposes of hunting them.
scattered solely as a result of a hunter Lake rized by the federal government
You may not hunt waterfowl, snipe or coots
entering or exiting a hunting area, plac- • Salt Creek WMA—the area known as
by baiting, and you may not hunt in an area Trespassing
ing decoys or retrieving downed birds. Rest Lake
where you reasonably should have known that Utah Code §§ 23-20-14 and 23-20-3.5
You can obtain maps of the rest areas
the area is or has been baited. Falconry While taking wildlife or engaging in
by visiting Division offices or by visiting
An area is considered to be baited for Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-32 wildlife-related activities, you may not—
wildlife.utah.gov.
10 days after the bait has been completely If you are interested in hunting waterfowl without permission—enter or remain on
removed from the area. or coots with a falcon, you must obtain a No-shooting areas privately owned land that is:
You may not take waterfowl or coots on or hunting or combination license, a HIP number, Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-30 • Cultivated
over lands or areas where grain or other feed a federal migratory game bird stamp and a The Division has designated certain • Properly posted
has been distributed or scattered as the result falconry certificate of registration (COR).
The portions of the state as no-shooting areas. In • Fenced or enclosed in a manner designed
of the manipulation of an agricultural crop or areas open and the bag and possession limits these areas, the discharge of weapons for the to exclude intruders
other feed on the land where grown. However, for falconry are listed on page 31. purpose of hunting is prohibited. No-shooting In addition, you may not:
you may take snipe on or over these areas. Legal falconry hours for waterfowl hunting areas remain open to the public for other • Enter or remain on private land when
Nothing in this guidebook prohibits you are 30 minutes before official sunrise until lawful activities. directed not to do so by the owner or a
from harvesting waterfowl or coots on land official sunset. The following locations are designated as person acting for the owner.
with residual crops or feed left as a result of no-shooting areas: • Obstruct any entrance or exit to private
normal agricultural practices. Rest areas • Antelope Island causeway—Within 600 property.
You also may take waterfowl, snipe and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-30
feet of the north and south sides of the “Cultivated land” is land that is readily
coots on or over the following lands or areas, Unless you have prior permission from
center line of the causeway identifiable as land whose soil is loosened or
as long as these areas have not been baited: the Division, you may access and use state
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
• Brown’s Park WMA—Within 600 feet of broken up for the raising of crops, land used
• Standing crops or flooded standing crops waterfowl management areas (WMAs) only
all structures for the raising of crops, or a pasture that is
(including aquatics); standing, flooded during the hunting season or for other activi-
• Farmington Bay WMA—Within 600 feet artificially irrigated.
or manipulated natural vegetation; ties for which the WMAs have been posted
of the headquarters, within 600 feet of “Permission” means written authorization
flooded harvested croplands; or lands or open. While you’re on a WMA, you may not
dikes and roads accessible by motorized from the owner or person in charge to enter
areas where seeds or grains have been participate in activities that are prohibited on
vehicles, and within the area designated upon private land that is cultivated or properly
scattered solely as the result of a normal the WMA.
as the Learning Center posted. Permission must include all of the
agricultural planting, harvesting, post- following details:
22 23
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 • The signature of the owner or person in Waste of migratory game

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


charge birds Avian diseases in Utah handle or eat sick or dead birds.
• The name of the person being given 50 CFR 20.25, Utah Code § 23-20-8 and Utah Admin. Rule Avian cholera and avian botulism are • Keep your game birds cool, clean and
permission R657-9-19 diseases that primarily affect wild bird pop- dry.
• The appropriate dates You may not waste any migratory game ulations. Neither disease typically affects • Wear rubber or disposable latex
• A general description of the land birds or permit them to be wasted or spoiled. humans. Low pathogenic avian influenza is gloves while handling and cleaning
“Properly posted” means that signs (Waste means to abandon migratory game also common in wild waterfowl and usually your birds.
prohibiting trespass—or bright yellow, bright birds or to allow them to spoil or be used in does not cause disease in wild birds. • After cleaning the birds, wash your
orange or fluorescent paint—are clearly a manner not normally associated with their Highly pathogenic avian influenza is hands with soap and water, and
displayed at all corners, on fishing streams beneficial use. For example, using the meat as extremely rare in waterfowl in Utah and, to thoroughly clean and disinfect all
crossing property lines, and on roads, gates fertilizer or for trapping bait is not considered a date, strains infectious to humans have not knives, equipment, boots and surfaces
and rights-of-way entering the land. Or, they beneficial use.) been detected in North America. that may have touched the birds with
are displayed in a manner that is visible to a In addition, you may not kill or cripple By taking some simple precautions, you a 10-percent bleach solution.
person in the area. any migratory game bird without making a can greatly reduce your risk of contracting • All birds should be cooked thoroughly
You may not post private property you reasonable effort to immediately retrieve it. any wildlife disease: (internal temperature should reach
do not own or legally control or land that is Any migratory game bird that you wound must • Do not harvest any bird that appears 165° F).
open to the public as provided by Utah Code be immediately killed and included in your sick, and do not pick up diseased or • Do not eat, drink or smoke while
§ 23-21-4. In addition, it is unlawful to take bag limit. dead birds. handling your birds.
protected wildlife or its parts while trespassing • Do not handle or eat sick birds. For more information about avian dis-
in violation of Utah Code § 23-20-14.
Termination of possession • Do not allow dogs or other pets to eases, please visit wildlife.utah.gov/diseases.
50 CFR 20.39 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-20
You are guilty of a class B misdemeanor Birds that you have taken are no longer
if you violate any provision described in this in your possession once you’ve delivered
section. Your license, tag or permit privileges Giving birds to someone That’s the maximum number of ducks
the birds to another person as a gift, or once else you can have in your possession in Utah.
may also be suspended. you’ve taken the birds to a migratory bird 50 CFR 20.40, Utah Code § 23-20-9 and Utah Admin. Rule You’ll have to eat some of those ducks
preservation facility (i.e., a facility where before you can go hunting and take
Possession and birds are taken to be cleaned and prepared for
R657-9-22
You can give the waterfowl you’ve taken more.
transportation consumption) or to a post office or common to another person, but please remember the
Once you’ve taken a migratory game bird, carrier and consigned them for transport to a following: Custody of another
several rules apply to the use of the game person other than yourself. • If you give birds to someone at any person’s birds
you’ve taken. location, you must tag the birds. The 50 CFR 20.37 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-23
Tagging requirement tag must include your address and Utah You may not receive or have in your
During closed season 50 CFR 20.36 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-21 custody migratory game birds that belong to
50 CFR 20.32 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-17 hunting license number, the total num-
If you leave your birds in the custody of an- another person unless the birds have been
You may not possess any freshly killed ber and species of birds you’re donating,
other person for picking, cleaning, processing, tagged in the manner described in Tagging
migratory game birds when the hunting the date the birds were killed and the
shipping, transporting or storing, including requirement on page 24.
season is closed. date the birds were donated. You must
temporary storage, or at a location to have
also sign the tag.
Live birds taxidermy services performed, you must tag
• If you accept birds from another hunter,
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
50 CFR 20.38 and Utah Admin. Rules R657-4, R657-9-18 the birds. You must sign the tag, and it must
those birds become part of your posses-
You may not possess or transport live include your address and Utah hunting license
sion limit. For example, if you have 15
migratory game birds. You must immediately number, the total number and species of birds
ducks at home in your freezer, and you
kill any migratory game bird you wound and taken and the date the birds were killed.
accept 6 ducks from another hunter, you
include it in your bag limit. If you’re transporting migratory game birds
now have 21 ducks in your possession.
A hunting license does not give you au- that you’ve taken, the birds are not considered
thority to possess live migratory game birds. to be in storage or temporary storage, and you
don’t need to have a tag on them at that time.
24 25
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 Species identification In addition, migratory bird preservation

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


requirement facilities may not destroy any records they are
50 CFR 20.43 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-24 required to maintain under this section for a
You may not transport migratory game period of one year following the last entry on
birds within the United States unless the head record.
or one fully feathered wing remains attached Record keeping as required by this section
to each bird while you’re transporting them to is not necessary at hunting clubs that do not
your home or to a migratory bird preservation fully process migratory birds by removing their
facility (i.e., a facility where birds are taken to head and wings.
be cleaned and prepared for consumption). No migratory bird preservation facility may
prevent any person authorized to enforce this
Marking package or part from entering their facilities at all reason-
container able hours and inspecting the records and the
50 CFR 20.44 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-25 

premises where bird-processing operations are
You may not transport migratory game being carried out.
birds, by the Postal Service or a common
carrier, unless all of the following items are Importation
clearly marked on the outside of the package For information regarding the importation expect to encounter conservation officers and • Hunters may not enter closed areas to
or container: of migratory game birds you’ve harvested in biologists checking hunters in the marsh and retrieve birds. Therefore, allow enough
• Your name and address another country, please see 50 CFR 20.61 and at checkpoints. room between the closed area boundary
• The name and address of the recipient 20.62, and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-27 at If you’re contacted by a conservation and where you’re hunting to retrieve your
• The number and the species of the birds wildlife.utah.gov/rules. officer, you must provide the officer with the birds.
contained in the package items he or she requests, including any licenses • Camping is not permitted on the refuges.
A Utah shipping permit must accompany Bag limits and permits required for hunting, any devices • Prohibited activities include wood cutting
50 CFR 20.11 and 20.24 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-29
each migratory game bird package that is used to participate in hunting and any birds and gathering, littering, disturbing or
Federal bag and possession limits apply
shipped within or from Utah. Shipping permits you’ve taken. These contacts allow the Division removing plants or natural objects, and re-
to migratory game bird hunting, regardless
are available from the Division. to collect valuable information about Utah’s moving artifacts of antiquity. Shell casings
of the number of states or provinces you may
waterfowl populations. and ammunition boxes are litter. Failure to
Migratory bird have hunted in during your trip. For example, if
you hunt ducks in two states, the total number make a reasonable effort to retrieve litter
preservation facilities Special regulations could result in a citation.
50 CFR 20.82 and 20.83 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-26 of ducks you take in one day cannot exceed a
No migratory bird preservation facility (see single federal bag and possession limit. (For for national wildlife Maps of all three refuges are available online
definition on page 54) shall receive or have example, if the federal bag limit is 7 ducks, and refuges at wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl.
in custody any migratory game bird unless ac- you take 5 ducks in one state and then travel to Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-30 The following is specific information and
curate records are maintained that can identify another state and hunt the same day, you can More than 500 refuges across the nation regulations for each of the federal refuges in
who each bird was received from and can show take only 2 ducks in the second state.) and the U.S. territories are included in the U.S. Utah:
all of the following information: Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife
Bear River
• The number of each species Checkpoints and Refuge System. Three of those refuges—Bear
50 CFR 32.64
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
• The location where they were taken officer contacts River, Fish Springs and Ouray—are located
• The refuge will be open for the youth
• The date the birds were received Utah Code §§ 23-20-25 and 77-23-104 in Utah, and the following regulations apply
waterfowl hunt on Sept. 22, 2018.
• The name and address of the person To help the Division fulfill its responsibility to all.
• A map of the refuge is available online at
from whom the birds were received as trustee and custodian of Utah’s wildlife, • Current state and federal regulations
wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl.
• The date the birds were disposed of Division conservation officers and biolo- apply for season dates, shooting hours,
• Hunters may not shoot or hunt within
• The name and address of the person to gists monitor the taking and possession of and bag and possession limits.
100 yards of refuge roads open to vehicle
whom the birds were delivered waterfowl and the required permits, firearms • Hunters may possess and use only ap-
traffic.
and equipment used for hunting. You should proved nontoxic shot while in the field.
26 27
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 • Hunters may not enter the hunting units Fish Springs

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


(scout) prior to the opening day. 50 CFR 32.64
• Hunters may not use pits or permanent • The refuge will be open for the youth
blinds. The building of a temporary blind waterfowl hunt on Sept. 29, 2018.
made of natural material is permitted, • A map of the refuge is available online at
but is not allowed prior to the opening wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl.
day. • The refuge allows the hunting of ducks,
• Airboats are only permitted in Unit 9 and geese and coots in designated areas.
Block C of the refuge. • All waterfowl hunters must register
• Off-highway vehicles are not permitted individually at the visitor information
on the refuge. station before entering the open hunting
• Hunters may enter the refuge two hours area and before exiting the refuge.
before legal sunrise and must exit the • Hunters may only possess firearms
refuge by two hours after legal sunset. legally used to hunt waterfowl unless
• The refuge prohibits leaving decoys, the firearm is cased or dismantled.
boats, vehicles and other personal • Hunters may construct nonpermanent
property on the refuge overnight. blinds, but must remove all blinds
• Hunters may only park in designated constructed out of materials other than
parking areas. vegetation at the end of the hunting day. Ouray according to refuge regulations (50 CFR
• Persons possessing, transporting, or car- • The refuge provides a Special Blind 50 CFR 32.64 27.42 and 50 CFR 32.64).
Snipe and swan
rying firearms on the refuge must com- Area for use by the disabled. The refuge • The refuge will be open for the youth hunting are not allowed on the refuge.
ply with all provisions of state and local prohibits trespass for any reason by any waterfowl hunt on Sept. 22, 2018. • The use of pits and permanent blinds
law. Firearms may only be discharged individual not registered to utilize the • A map of the refuge is available online at is not allowed. The building of a tem-
according to refuge regulations (50 CFR area. wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl. porary blind made of natural material
27.42 and 50 CFR 32.64). • The refuge allows the use of small • Leota Bottom is the only refuge area is permitted, but is not allowed prior to
• Hunters may possess only 10 shells while boats, 15 feet or less, but does not allow open to duck, goose and coot hunting. opening day.
hunting on or within 50 feet from the gasoline motors and air boats. • Access into Leota Bottom is limited to • All hunters entering, using or occupying
center of the dikes on Units 1A and 2C. • Hunters may enter the refuge two hours foot, bike, canoe, rowboat or electric the refuge for waterfowl hunting must
• Archery hunting is not allowed on the before sunrise, and must exit the refuge motorized boats. Gas-powered boats are abide by all terms and conditions listed
refuge. by 1½ hours after sunset. Hunters may not permitted. on the refuge website.
• Predator and snipe hunting are not not leave decoys, boats, vehicles and • Persons possessing, transporting, or car- • For more information call the refuge
allowed on the refuge. other personal property on the refuge rying firearms on the refuge must com- manager at 435-545-2522 or visit
• Commercial guiding and outfitter activi- overnight. ply with all provisions of state and local go.usa.gov/chxWP.
ties are not allowed on the refuge. • All hunters entering, using or occupying law. Firearms may only be discharged
• All hunters entering, using or occupying the refuge for waterfowl hunting must
the refuge for waterfowl hunting must abide by all terms and conditions listed
abide by all terms and conditions listed on the refuge website.
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
on the refuge website. For more information, call the ref-
For more information call the ref- uge manager at 435-693-3122 or visit
uge manager at 435-723-5887 or visit go.usa.gov/chxWk.
go.usa.gov/chxDH.

28 29
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 SEASON DATES AND BAG AND Bag and possession limits for Wilson's

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Goose areas snipe, ducks, mergansers, geese,
POSSESSION LIMITS For maps and boundary descrip- coots and scaup: The daily bag limit for
Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-29 tions of the four goose areas, visit falconers is 3 birds. The possession limit is 9
wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner. (singly or in combination).
Ducks, mergansers, Bag and possession limits: All bag and Goose areas

coots and scaup possession limits are listed below: Important: The only falconers who may hunt
• Ducks, mergansers and scaup—The during the Youth Waterfowl Hunts are those
Northern zone dates: Sept. 22, 2018 (for daily bag limit is 7 birds (except no more who are 17 years old or younger on July 31,
Youth Waterfowl Hunt) and Oct. 6, 2018– than 2 canvasbacks, no more than 2 2018.
Jan. 19, 2019 throughout the Northern zone female mallards, no more than 2 pintails,
(except for scaup, which you can hunt Oct. no more than 2 redheads, no more Rails
6–Dec. 30, 2018). For a list of counties in than 2 wood ducks and no more than
the Northern zone, see page 55. No open season.
3 scaup). The possession limit is three
Southern zone dates: Sept. 29, 2018 (for times the daily bag limit.
• Coots—25 daily or 75 in possession
Swan (holders of swan
Youth Waterfowl Hunt) and Oct. 13, 2018–
Jan. 26, 2019 throughout the Southern zone
permits only)
(except for scaup, which you can hunt Nov. Geese Application dates: Use hunt number
2, 2018–Jan. 26, 2019). For a list of counties TS1000 to apply for a swan permit from July
Dark geese season dates Eastern Box Elder goose area
Eastern Box Elder goose area
in the Southern zone, see page 56. Northern goose area 3–19, 2018.
Eastern Box Elder goose area: Sept. 22, 2018 Northern goose area
Southern goose area
Wasatch Front goose area Hunt dates: Oct. 6–Dec. 9, 2018, unless the
(for Youth Waterfowl Hunt) and Oct. 6, Southern goose area Division’s monitoring program indicates
Duck zones 2018–Jan. 19, 2019
Wasatch goose area that 10 trumpeter swans have been taken.
For maps and boundary descriptions
Northern goose area: Sept. 22, 2018 (for Youth If 10 or more trumpeter swans are taken,
of the Northern and Southern duck zones
Waterfowl Hunt) and Oct. 6–18, 2018 and the season will be closed earlier than Dec. 9.
visit wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner. of the dark goose hunt within their respec-
Duck zones Oct. 27, 2018–Jan. 27, 2019 If this occurs, the Division will take steps to
tive goose areas. Maps of Utah’s WMAs and
Southern goose area: Sept. 29, 2017 (for Youth notify all permit holders.
national wildlife refuges are available at
Waterfowl Hunt), Oct. 13, 2018–Jan. 26, wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl. Millard County Bag and possession limit: The holder of a
2019 will be closed to light goose hunting from swan permit may take and possess only one
Wasatch Front goose area: Sept. 22, 2018 (for Feb. 15–28, 2019. swan during the 2018 season.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt), Oct. 6–18, 2018 Goose area boundaries: See the goose area Swan hunting boundary: See a detailed
and Nov. 3, 2018–Feb. 3, 2019 map above. map of the swan hunt boundary online at
wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner.
Light geese season dates Bag and possession limits: Dark geese
(cackling, Canada, white-fronted, Falconry: All permit requirements, season
Statewide: Oct. 25–Nov. 30, 2018 and Jan.
brant)—4 per day, 12 in possession; Light dates and other swan regulations apply.
1–March 10, 2019
geese (snow, blue, Ross’)—20 per day, 60
Notes: The Bear River, Fish Springs and Ouray in possession. Wilson’s snipe
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
national wildlife refuges and the Brown’s Northern zone dates: Oct. 6, 2018–Jan.
Northern zone
Northern zone
Southern zone Park, Desert Lake, Farmington Bay, Harold S. Falconry 19, 2019
Southern zone Crane, Howard Slough, Locomotive Springs,
Dates: The season dates that apply to Southern zone dates: Oct. 13, 2018–Jan.
Ogden Bay, Public Shooting Grounds and
traditional waterfowl hunters also apply to 26, 2019
Salt Creek waterfowl management areas
falconers. (Refer to the dates listed on page
(WMAs) will be closed to light goose hunt- Bag and possession limits: The daily bag
7 for Wilson's snipe, ducks, mergansers,
ing for the season, starting on the last day limit is 8, and the possession limit is 24.
geese, coots and scaup.)
30 31
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 UTAH’S YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTS SHOOTING HOURS

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-29 Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-31

This year, Utah will again hold two Youth Important: If you plan to hunt Utah’s Shooting hours for all waterfowl, snipe and Time zone map
Waterfowl Hunts. The first one will be on Sept. national wildlife refuges during the Youth coots begin 30 minutes before official sunrise.
+5 min -0- -5 min -10 min
22, 2018 in the state’s Northern zone, and the Waterfowl Hunts, keep in mind that Bear River Shooting hours end at official sunset. These
second one will be on Sept. 29, 2018 in the and Ouray are in the Northern zone (Sept. 22) rules apply statewide, even on opening day. BOX ELDER
CACHE
RICH

state’s Southern zone. and Fish Springs is in the Southern zone (Sept. Please remember that there is not a later start WEBER
MORGAN

29). For details, see pages 27-29. time for Utah’s urban counties on the day of DAVIS

Age requirements
SUMMIT DAGGETT

The bag limits for the Youth Waterfowl the waterfowl opener. SALT LAKE

Anyone who is 17 years old or younger on


TOOELE WASATCH

Hunt are as follows: Note: Remember to subtract 30 minutes DUCHESNE

July 31, 2018 may participate in the hunts. You


UTAH UINTAH

• Ducks, mergansers and scaup: 7 birds from the time of official sunrise to determine
must also have a Utah hunting, combination (except no more than 2 canvasbacks, no when you can start shooting.
JUAB
CARBON

or three-day nonresident small-game license, more than 2 hen mallards, no more than Official sunrise and sunset times are differ-
SANPETE

and a HIP registration number. If you are 16


MILLARD
EMERY GRAND

2 pintails, no more than 2 redheads, no ent, depending on the day and your location. SEVIER

years old or older, you must have a current fed- more than 2 wood ducks and no more Please consult the time zone map on this page BEAVER

eral migratory bird hunting and conservation


PIUTE WAYNE

than 3 scaup). to learn the differences.


stamp, also called a duck stamp. For details on • Coots: 25 birds You must also follow one other shooting-
IRON GARFIELD

meeting these requirements, see page 9.


SAN JUAN

• Dark geese (cackling, Canada, white- hour rule: You may not take wildlife or
Falconers may not participate in this hunt
WASHINGTON KANE

fronted and brant): 4 birds discharge any firearm, crossbow or archery


unless they meet the age requirements. tackle on state-owned lands adjacent to the
Adults must accompany youth hunters. Closed for youth hunt Great Salt Lake, on Division-controlled water-
Please see page 8 of this guide for more Youth may not hunt the following species fowl management areas or on federal refuges
information about the requirements adults during the youth hunt: between official sunset and 30 minutes before Maps available online
must meet to accompany a youth in the field. • Swan official sunrise. Looking for maps and boundary
• Any light geese (snow, blue and Ross’) descriptions for Utah’s duck-, goose- and
Shooting hours and bag • Wilson’s snipe swan-hunting areas? You’ll find them
limits online at wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner.
The shooting hours for the Youth Water- Maps of Utah’s Waterfowl Manage-
fowl Hunt are from 30 minutes before sunrise
until sunset. This means that on Sept. 22,
Did you harvest a ment Areas and national wildlife refuges
banded bird? are available at wildlife.utah.gov/maps.
youth in the Northern zone can hunt from 6:45
a.m. until 7:24 p.m. On Sept. 29, youth in the If you harvested a banded bird, we
Southern zone can hunt from 6:52 a.m. until encourage you to voluntarily report it at
7:13 p.m. www.reportband.gov.
When you submit a report, you will
receive information about when and
where the bird was originally banded.
Likewise, the person who banded the
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
bird will be notified about the harvest
and where it occurred.
By participating in this program,
you’re helping researchers understand
more about waterfowl populations and
their migration patterns.

32 33
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 October 2018 November 2018 December 2018 January 2019

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


Date Sunrise Sunset Species Date Sunrise Sunset Species Date Sunrise Sunset Species Date Sunrise Sunset Species
A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M.
1 7:24 7:09 1 7:58 6:24 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 1 7:32 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 1 7:52 5:11 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

2 7:25 7:08 2 7:59 6:22 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖ ✛ ❚√ 2 7:33 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 2 7:52 5:11 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

3 7:26 7:06 3 8:00 6:21 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 3 7:34 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 3 7:52 5:12 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

4 7:27 7:04 4 7:02 5:20 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 4 7:35 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 4 7:52 5:13 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

5 7:28 7:03 5 7:03 5:19 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 5 7:36 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 5 7:52 5:14 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

6 7:29 7:01 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 6 7:04 5:18 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 6 7:37 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 6 7:52 5:15 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

7 7:30 7:00 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 7 7:05 5:17 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 7 7:38 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 7 7:52 5:16 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

8 7:31 6:58 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 8 7:06 5:16 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 8 7:39 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 8 7:52 5:17 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

9 7:32 6:56 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 9 7:07 5:15 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 9 7:40 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 9 7:51 5:18 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

10 7:33 6:55 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 10 7:09 5:14 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 10 7:41 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 10 7:51 5:19 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

11 7:35 6:53 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 11 7:10 5:13 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 11 7:42 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 11 7:51 5:20 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

12 7:36 6:52 ❉ ◗ ❖✪ ❚ 12 7:11 5:12 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 12 7:42 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 12 7:51 5:21 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

13 7:37 6:50 ❉✖ ◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 13 7:12 5:11 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 13 7:43 5:00 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 13 7:50 5:22 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

14 7:38 6:49 ❉✖ ◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 14 7:13 5:10 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 14 7:44 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 14 7:50 5:23 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

15 7:39 6:47 ❉✖ ◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 15 7:15 5:09 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 15 7:45 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 15 7:50 5:25 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

16 7:40 6:45 ❉✖ ◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 16 7:16 5:08 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 16 7:45 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 16 7:49 5:26 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

17 7:41 6:44 ❉✖ ◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 17 7:17 5:08 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 17 7:46 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 17 7:49 5:27 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

18 7:42 6:42 ❉✖◗ ❖✪✛ ❚ 18 7:18 5:07 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 18 7:47 5:02 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 18 7:48 5:28 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

19 7:43 6:41 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 19 7:19 5:06 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 19 7:47 5:02 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 19 7:48 5:29 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √

20 7:44 6:40 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 20 7:20 5:06 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 20 7:48 5:03 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 20 7:47 5:30 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

21 7:45 6:38 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 21 7:21 5:05 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 21 7:48 5:03 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 21 7:46 5:32 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

22 7:47 6:37 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 22 7:23 5:04 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 22 7:49 5:04 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 22 7:46 5:33 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

23 7:48 6:35 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 23 7:24 5:04 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 23 7:49 5:04 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 23 7:45 5:34 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

24 7:49 6:34 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚ 24 7:25 5:03 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 24 7:50 5:05 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 24 7:44 5:35 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

25 7:50 6:33 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚√ 25 7:26 5:03 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 25 7:50 5:05 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 25 7:44 5:36 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

26 7:51 6:31 ❉✖◗ ✛ ❚√ 26 7:27 5:02 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 26 7:50 5:06 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 26 7:43 5:38 ✖ ♦❖✪✛ √

27 7:52 6:30 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 27 7:28 5:02 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 27 7:51 5:07 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 27 7:42 5:39 ❖✪ √
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
28 7:53 6:29 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 28 7:29 5:02 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 28 7:51 5:07 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 28 7:41 5:40 ✪ √

29 7:55 6:27 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 29 7:30 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 29 7:51 5:08 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 29 7:40 5:41 ✪ √

30 7:56 6:26 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 30 7:31 5:01 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ √ 30 7:51 5:09 ❉ ✖ ◗ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 30 7:40 5:42 ✪ √

31 7:57 6:25 ❉✖◗ ❖ ✛ ❚√ 31 7:52 5:10 ❉✖ ♦❖✪✛ ❚ 31 7:39 5:44 ✪ √

❉ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Northern zone ❖ Dark geese in the Northern goose area ❉ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Northern zone ❖ Dark geese in the Northern goose area
✖ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Southern zone ✪ Dark geese in the Wasatch Front goose area ✖ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Southern zone ✪ Dark geese in the Wasatch Front goose area
◗ Scaup–Northern zone ✛ Dark geese in the Southern goose area ◗ Scaup–Northern zone ✛ Dark geese in the Southern goose area
♦ Scaup–Southern zone ❚ Dark geese in the Eastern Box Elder goose area ♦ Scaup–Southern zone ❚ Dark geese in the Eastern Box Elder goose area
√ Light geese √ Light geese
34 35
Identification
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 February 2019 March 2019
Date Sunrise Sunset Species Date Sunrise Sunset Species
A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M.
1 7:38 5:45 ✪ √ 1 7:02 6:19 √
Mallard
2 7:37 5:46 ✪ √ 2 7:00 6:20 √
Drake has a solid green head and a short tail. Hen is mottled brown.
3 7:36 5:47 ✪ √ 3 6:59 6:21 √
Length: 24 inches | Weight: 2¾ pounds
4 7:35 5:49 √ 4 6:57 6:22 √
5 7:34 5:50 √ 5 6:55 6:23 √
6 7:32 5:51 √ 6 6:54 6:24 √ Eclipse drake
7 7:31 5:52 √ 7 6:52 6:25 √
8 7:30 5:54 √ 8 6:51 6:26 √
9 7:29 5:55 √ 9 6:49 6:28 √
10 7:28 5:56 √ 10 7:48 7:29 √
11 7:27 5:57 √ All hunts end March 10 Hen
12 7:25 5:59 √

13 7:24 6:00 √
Orange bill
14 7:23 6:01 √

15 7:22 6:02 √

16 7:20 6:03 √

17 7:19 6:05 √ Fall plumage drake


18 7:18 6:06 √

19 7:16 6:07 √

20 7:15 6:08 √

21 7:13 6:09 √
Yellow to olive bill Orange feet
22 7:12 6:10 √

23 7:11 6:12 √

24 7:09 6:13 √

25 7:08 6:14 √

26 7:06 6:15 √

27 7:05 6:16 √
wildlife.utah.gov

28 7:03 6:17 √

Colored symbols represent species that may be hunted on the dates listed.
❉ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Northern zone ❖ Dark geese in the Northern goose area
✖ Ducks, mergansers, coots and Wilson's snipe–Southern zone ✪ Dark geese in the Wasatch Front goose area
◗ Scaup–Northern zone ✛ Dark geese in the Southern goose area
♦ Scaup–Southern zone ❚ Dark geese in the Eastern Box Elder goose area
√ Light geese Hen Drake

36
Identification
Gadwall Pintail
Often mistaken for a mallard. Quicker and more agile than the mallard. Distinguished by long, pointed tail. Length: 26 inches | Weight: 1¾ pounds
Length: 21 inches | Weight: 2 pounds
Eclipse drake

Eclipse drake
Hen

Hen

Orange bill
Yellow feet

Fall plumage drake

Drake
Bluish-black bill

Hen Drake
Drake Hen
Identification
Wigeon Shovelers
The white belly and forewing are very showy in the air. Drakes have a distinctive Often called spoon bill and mistaken for a mallard.
whistle. Length: 21 inches | Weight: 1¾ pounds Length: 19 ½ inches | Weight: 1½ pounds

Eclipse drake Eclipse drake

Hen
Hen

Drake

Drake

Drake Hen Hen Drake


Identification
Redhead Canvasback
Often confused with the canvasback, the redhead has a grayer back and a more One of the largest and fastest ducks. The wedge-shaped bill gives this duck a
rounded head. Length: 20 inches | Weight: 2½ pounds unique profile. The drake has a whitish back. Length: 22 inches | Weight: 3 pounds

Eclipse drake

Hen

Hen

Eclipse drake

Drake

Drake

Hen Drake
Drake Hen
Identification
Scaup Ring-necked duck
The scaup has a blue bill and a white band along the back of the wing. Both sexes have a pale, whitish ring around the tip of their bill. In flight, wings and
Length: 17 inches | Weight: 17/8 pounds back appear darker than on the scaup. Length: 17 inches | Weight: 2½ pounds

Eclipse Drake
Eclipse drake

Hen Hen

Lesser Scaup Drake

Greater Scaup Drake


Drake

Lesser Greater

Hen Hen
Hen Drake

Drake Drake
Identification
Blue-Winged Teal Ruddy duck
Drakes have a white crescent behind their bill and both sexes have blue A small diving duck with a broad bill and small wings.
wing coverts. Length: 16 inches | Weight: 1½ pounds Length: 16 inches | Weight: 1½ pounds
Eclipse Drake

Winter Drake
Cinnamon Teal
Hen
Drakes are dark red with a yellow eye. Males and females look very simi-
lar early in the year. Length: 15 inches | Weight: 1 pound.
Eclipse Drake

Summer Drake

Green-Winged Teal
The smallest of the teal species. Both sexes have green on their wings.
Length: 14 inches | Weight: 1 pound.
Eclipse Drake

Sexes similar
Identification
Common Goldeneye Bufflehead
Drakes have a white spot behind the bill. Immature drakes look similar A small duck with white patches on the wings and head.
to hens. Length: 20 inches | Weight: 2½ pounds Length: 15 inches | Weight: 1½ pounds

Barrow's Drake

Hen
Common Drake

Eclipse Drake

Common Eclipse Drake Drake

Hen both species

Common Barrow's

Hen Drake
Drake Hen Drake Hen
Identification
Snow goose Swan
Adult Tundra Swan
Length: 55-60 inches | Weight: 12-16 pounds

Black wing tips Lesser Snow Goose

White wing tips

Blue Phase Lesser Snow Goose Eye is distinct


Black wing tips from bill
Irregular yellow spot
in front of the eyes

Dark abdomen
Adult Trumpeter Swan
Length: 65-70 inches | Weight: 20-25 pounds
Ross' Goose Eye appears to be
part of the bill
Short bill
No yellow spot in
front of the eyes
Wart-like bumps
on base of bill

Snow goose illustrations by Ben Sutter Swan illustrations by Ben Sutter


Identification
Pelican Wilson's snipe
Not legal to shoot. The snipe usually flushes singly or in pairs and has a rust-colored patch on the
back. The dowitcher, which flushes in flocks, has white feathers.
Black wing tips

Dowitcher
Not legal to shoot.

Large yellow bill

Pelican illustrations by Ben Sutter All illustrations USFWS/Bob Hines (except where otherwise noted)
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 DEFINITIONS Migratory game birds means those migra- Normal agricultural operation means

Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019


CFR 20.11, Utah Code § 23-13-2 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-9-2 tory birds included in the terms of conventions a normal agricultural planting, harvesting,
between the United States and any foreign post-harvest manipulation or agricultural
Bait means shelled, shucked or unshucked making a permanent home. To create a new country for the protection of migratory birds, practice that is conducted in accordance with
corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed domicile, an individual shall abandon the for which open seasons are prescribed in this official recommendations of State Extension
that lures, attracts or entices migratory game old domicile and be able to prove that a new part and belong to the following families: Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service
birds. domicile has been established. • Anatidae (ducks, mergansers, swans and of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Baited area means the direct or indirect Light geese means the following species: geese, including brant)
• Columbidae (doves and pigeons) Normal agricultural planting, harvest-
placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, snow, blue and Ross’. ing or post-harvest manipulation means
or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that • Corvidae (American crow)
• Gruidae (cranes) a planting or harvesting undertaken for the
could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory Live decoys means tame or captive ducks,
purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or
game birds to, on, or over any areas where geese or other live birds. • Rallidae (rails, coots and gallinules)
manipulation after such harvest and removal
hunters are attempting to take them. • Scolopacidae (woodcock and snipe)
Manipulation means the alteration of of grain that is conducted in accordance with
natural vegetation or agricultural crops by Motorized vehicle means a vehicle that is official recommendations of State Extension
Baiting means the direct or indirect placing,
activities that include but are not limited to self-propelled or possesses the ability to be Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service
exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering
mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, self-propelled. This does not include vehicles of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as
a lure or attraction for migratory gam birds trampling, flattening, burning or herbicide moved solely by human power, motorized
Normal soil stabilization practice means
to, on or over any areas where hunters are treatments. The term “manipulation” does not wheelchairs, an electric personal assisted
a planting for agricultural soil erosion control
attempting to take them. include the distributing or scattering of grain, mobility device or an electric assisted bicycle.
or post-mining land reclamation conducted in
seed or other feed after removal from storage
Natural vegetation means any non- accordance with official recommendations of
CFR means the Code of Federal Regulations. on the field where grown.
agricultural, native or naturalized plant species State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative
Closed season means the days on which Migratory bird preservation facility that grows at a site in response to planting or Extension Service of the U.S. Department of
migratory game birds shall not be taken. means any of the following organizations or from existing seeds or other propagules. The Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control.
people: term “natural vegetation” does not include Northern zone includes all of Box Elder,
Daily bag limit means the maximum • Any person who—at their residence or planted millet. However, planted millet that Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan,
number of migratory game birds of a single place of business, and for hire or other grows on its own in subsequent years after Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch
species, or combination (aggregate) of species, consideration—receives, possesses the year of planting is considered natural and Weber counties, and the portion of Tooele
permitted to be taken by one person in any or has in custody any migratory game vegetation.
one day during the open season in any one County that is north of I-80.
birds belonging to another person for
specified geographic area for which a daily bag Nonresident means a person who does not Off-highway vehicle means any motor
purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing,
limit is prescribed. qualify as a resident. vehicle designed for or capable of travel over
processing, storage or shipment.
Dark geese means the following species: • Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility unimproved terrain.
Nontoxic shot means soft iron, steel,
cackling, Canada, white-fronted and brant. or locker plant that for hire or other copper-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, Open season means the days on which
consideration receives, possesses or has zinc-plated steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron,
Division means the Utah Division of Wildlife migratory game birds may lawfully be taken.
in custody any migratory game birds be- tungsten-polymer, tungsten-matrix, tin and
Resources. Each period prescribed as an open season shall
longing to another person for purposes any other shot types approved by the U.S. Fish be construed to include the first and last days
wildlife.utah.gov

wildlife.utah.gov
of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, and Wildlife Service. Lead, nickel-plated lead, thereof.
Domicile means the place where an individ-
storage or shipment. copper-plated lead, copper and lead/copper
ual has a fixed permanent home and principal
• Any hunting club that in the normal alloy shot have not been approved. Permanent waterfowl blind means
establishment. It is also the place to which the
individual, if absent, intends to return; and course of operations receives, possesses any waterfowl blind that is left unattended.
in which the individual, and the individual’s or has in custody any migratory game overnight and that is not a portable structure
family voluntarily reside, not for a special or birds belonging to another person for capable of immediate relocation.
temporary purpose, but with the intention of purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing,
processing, storage or shipment. Possession means actual or constructive
possession.
54 55
Utah Waterfowl Guidebook • 2018–2019 Possession limit means the maximum num- An individual DOES NOT qualify as a
ber of migratory game birds of a single species resident if he or she is an absentee landowner
or a combination of species permitted to be paying property tax on land in Utah.
possessed by any one person when lawfully
taken in the United States in any one specified Sinkbox means any type of low floating
geographic area for which a possession limit is device, having a depression, affording the
prescribed. hunter a means of concealment beneath the
surface of the water.
Resident means a person who has a
domicile (fixed permanent home and principal Spoiled means impairment of the flesh of
establishment) in Utah for six consecutive wildlife which renders it unfit for human
months immediately preceding the purchase consumption.
of a license or permit, AND DOES NOT claim Southern zone includes all of Beaver,
residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab,
any other state or country. Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier,
An individual retains Utah residency if he Washington and Wayne counties and the por-
or she leaves Utah to serve in the armed forces tion of Tooele County that is south of I-80.
of the United States, or for religious or educa-
tional purposes, and does NOT claim residency Tag means a card, label or other identification
for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other device used for attachment to the carcass of
state or country. any protected wildlife.
Members of the armed forces of the United
States and dependents are residents as of Take means to hunt, pursue, harass, catch,
the date the member reports for duty under capture, angle, seine, trap or kill any protected
assigned orders in Utah, if: wildlife or to attempt any of these actions.
• The member is NOT on temporary duty Transport means to ship, export, import or
in Utah and does NOT claim residency for receive or deliver for shipment.
hunting, fishing or trapping in any other
state or country. Waste means to abandon protected wildlife
• The member presents a copy of his or her or to allow protected wildlife to spoil or to be
assignment orders to a Division office to used in a manner not normally associated with
verify the member’s qualification as a its beneficial use.
resident.
Waterfowl means ducks, including mergan-
A nonresident attending an institution of
sers, geese, brant and swans.
higher learning in Utah as a full-time student
may qualify as a resident if the student has Waterfowl blind means any manufactured
been present in Utah for 60 consecutive days place of concealment, including boats, rafts,
immediately preceding the purchase of the tents, excavated pits, or similar structure,
wildlife.utah.gov

license or permit and does NOT claim residency which has been designed to partially or
for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other completely conceal a person while hunting
state or country. waterfowl.
A Utah resident license or permit is invalid
if a resident license for hunting, fishing or trap- Youth means a person who will be 17 years of
ping is purchased in any other state or country. age or younger on July 31.

56

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