Panel approves education-and-donation pilot for select wildlife management areas after public pushback

Representative Schallenberger presented a first-substitute to HB 30 to address widespread public concern that some wildlife management areas (WMAs) would require hunting or fishing licenses for general recreation. The substitute focuses on education, voluntary donations and stewardship partnerships in select WMAs along the Wasatch Front, piloting measures such as two-minute QR-coded educational videos at trailheads and avenues for coordinated service projects with cities and user groups.

DWR staff emphasized that WMAs are purchased and managed primarily for wildlife and their habitats and said the education component and partnership offers a way to protect those values without alienating non-hunting users. Witnesses included representatives of the Sportsman’s Caucus, mountain biking groups and city officials who supported the educational approach and donation channels while urging protections so the division can still receive funds if a mandatory license is adopted later.

The committee adopted Substitute #1 and an amendment, then voted to pass the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation; the roll-call result was recorded as 8 to 1.