Advisory council debates ban on snares for cougar harvest on public land after HB 469; stakeholders urge targeted approach

The division presented a post‑HB 469 review that found snares accounted for about seven cougar captures per year over three years (roughly 1.2% of cougar harvest), and recommended the wildlife board prohibit snare 'sets' for sports harvest on public land while preserving their use on private land and for producers protecting livestock.

Chad Wilson (division) summarized the recommendation: "we decided to recommend that we not allow sets on public" for sports harvest, noting the method has low utilization by sportsmen and a perceived risk to the public and dogs. Staff clarified lethal methods would still be available for livestock protection via producers and agents and that other trapping methods (footholds, body-gripping devices for other furbearers) were not the focus of this recommendation.

At the public comment podium, multiple stakeholders pressed for a different approach. Chris Snell of the Utah Trappers Association urged a unit‑specific approach and said trapping methods can be humane and effective; Tanner Carlson (Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife) called a statewide ban "unacceptable" and asked the division to develop guidance that keeps snares available where appropriate. Houndsmen speakers described lost dogs and urged collaboration to reduce conflicts; they also proposed training or certification for cougar trapping.

Advisory council members voiced concern about dog losses and public safety, asked for verification of the reported take and incident numbers, and discussed options including stronger coordination with land managers, targeted unit‑based rules, pilot programs with relaxing‑lock snares, or training courses. Several council members signaled a preference to table a final recommendation and convene further stakeholder work before a statewide ban is advanced.

Why it matters: the proposal directly affects which trapping methods are lawful on public lands and has generated vigorous comment from trappers, houndsmen, producers and recreationists. Council members asked the division to verify incident and take numbers and to pursue broader stakeholder engagement before forwarding a formal recommendation to the wildlife board.