Quietly resigning in what many believed was a grasp for more free time and the ability to pursue other interests last fall, Utah wildlife commissioner Wade Heaton’s motives are suddenly under question.
In addition to information gathered by a local reporter, Utah’s DWR also has released a 62-page report that explicitly names Heaton as a suspect in the state’s investigation into alleged illegal activity. The report alleges that Heaton, along with others, participated in illegal baiting operations on Heaton Ranch in Kane County where he operates Color Country Outfitters.
Heaton’s letter of resignation was delivered within a week of the scathing report being delivered, which has now been turned over to the Utah County Attorney’s Office for screening.
According to reports, Heaton Ranch is located on the Alton Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit, which is part of a program that allows landowners to receive vouchers for big game permits that can be sold. These permits are typically bundled with guiding services for astronomical prices like the one auctioned off by Heaton’s Color Country Outfitters in 2018 for $90,000.
The tradeoff is that the CWMU must work alongside the state to manage the wildlife on their property and allow a small number of public tag holders to hunt there. It was these public tag holders that seem to have put a wrench in things, at least for the allegations against Heaton.
Having been named alongside six others, the DWR is now investigating unlawful big game baiting, unlawful taking/possession of protected wildlife and what they are referring to as “a pattern of unlawful activity” on the CWMU. One of the public hunters named in the report, stated that they inquired with the outfitter’s staff about a number of salt licks and water troughs they noticed on the ranch. The employee deferred all questions to Heaton, stating that the DWR was already aware of the placements.
“As far we were concerned, Mr. Heaton is the division,” the hunter said.
While the DWR’s report did not specify what kind of bait was used, it doesn’t negate the fact that baiting has been illegal in Utah since 2021. That said, the regulations do make certain exceptions for salt licks and other mineral blocks utilized for “normal agricultural purposes,” which could serve to complicate the case.As of this publication, no charges have been filed against Heaton or any of the other defendants. With an on-going investigation, the allegations against Heaton could not only mean big fines, but would risk losing the CWMU on his property. These arrangements are subject to additional hunting regulations and can be revoked if in violation these rules or any other section of Utah’s Wildlife Code.
