RAC expands private‑land bull tags and adds late‑archery elk opportunity on several units

The Northeast RAC approved two key elk‑related changes for 2026: an increase in private‑land only bull elk permits in the Uinta Basin and an addition of five late‑archery tags per unit for certain late‑season archery elk hunts.

Dallen Christiansen, wildlife manager for the region, described a private‑land only bull tag pilot in the Uinta Basin that offered 500 permits in its first year and achieved about a 60% harvest success. That pilot was designed to provide agricultural producers a tool to reduce conflicts from elk using private cropland. Based on favorable feedback and demand from private landowners, staff recommended increasing the permit pool to 750 this year to make permits available throughout the season for landowners who need to address depredation events.

On late‑season archery opportunity, RAC members debated whether an increase that benefits archery hunters unfairly favors one weapon group. Supporters said the late archery hunts are difficult and that adding five archery tags per unit increases hunter opportunity without dramatically increasing overall harvest; opponents said rifle and muzzleloader hunters shoulder a larger share of harvest. The RAC approved the bull elk permit recommendations as presented with the added five tags per unit for the late archery season. The motion passed by voice vote with at least one recorded opposed vote.

Staff said the private‑land bull tags and associated private cow tags have, in early returns, helped reduce depredation calls in some areas; they will continue to monitor sell‑out timing, hunter behavior and depredation reports.

The RAC also discussed other elk management issues, including age‑structure objectives, unit‑level flights and the effects of past fires on elk distribution.