The Utah Wildlife Board convened for a scheduled meeting on June 11, 2026, to address various state wildlife management items. The session followed the release of meeting materials and agendas by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, which provided a platform for reviewing agency business and public meeting archives.
Public Access to Meeting Materials
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) made meeting materials and the official agenda available to the public through its official website prior to the June 11 session. For those unable to attend the live proceedings, the division maintained an archive of the video stream for public review following the conclusion of the meeting.
While the June 11 meeting focused on board business, the DWR has also been actively updating regulations for various species. In a recent update to the Black Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook, the division noted that as of January 2026, several guidebooks transitioned to a digital-only format. These digital editions are accessible through the DWR website and the Utah Hunting and Fishing mobile application.
Transition to Digital Guidebooks
The division consolidated information for hunters and trappers by combining the black bear, cougar, and furbearer guidebooks into a single resource in 2026. This combined guidebook outlines the laws and rules governing the hunting and pursuit of bears and cougars, as well as the regulations for trapping furbearers such as martens and bobcats.
Updated Hunting Season Dates
Recent revisions to the 2026 guidebook have introduced specific corrections regarding season dates and baiting prohibitions. On June 16, 20 26, the DWR updated the digital edition to clarify that summer pursuit seasons for black bears in units not designated as restricted will run from July 6–31, 2026. For early summer hunts on restricted pursuit units, the season is set for July 6–16, 2026.
New Baiting and Unit Regulations
The division also clarified statewide baiting restrictions in a May 29, 2026, update. The revised language specifies that baiting prior to the start of the season is prohibited throughout the state, a rule that explicitly includes the use of oils, scents, and lures. Additionally, the guidebook was amended in February 2026 to remove the Monroe unit (BR7257) from the fall limited-entry bear hunt table due to the biological impacts following a fire in 2025.
Cougar Harvest Reporting Requirements
For those engaged in cougar management, the DWR maintains strict harvest reporting requirements. Any harvested cougar must be checked in with DWR personnel within 48 hours. This process requires hunters to provide the exact GPS coordinates of the harvest, the specific cougar management unit, and the precise date and time of the kill. During this check-in, staff collect biological data and issue a permanent possession tag for the pelt or carcass.
