Hunters in the State of Utah may need to be aware three new bills were passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Cox, which may change the way hunters conduct their hunts this next year.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) explained the changes made to hunting by the legislature. HB-142 (Donation of Wild Game Meat) allows hunters to donate the meat to local food banks or other nonprofit charitable organizations. Previously hunters could donate wild game meat to people in need.
The law specifies that all of the meat that is donated must be harvested legally by a licensed hunter can only be donated, not sold. The harvested animals must be in good health, field-dressed immediately after they are killed, and processed as soon as possible after the harvest.
Road-kill animals are not allowed to be donated. HB-142 also allows individuals to donate money to an account, managed by the DWR, to cover meat processing costs. Interested donors can contact the DWR and specify that the donation be directed to this fund.
SB-205 (Air Rifle Hunting Amendments) allows the Utah Wildlife Board to decide the wildlife species that can be hunted with an air rifle in Utah and clarifies what type of air rifle can be used. Air rifles should be pressurized at a minimum of 2,000 PSI from an external high-compression source, such as a hand pump, scuba tank or compressor.
HB-62 (Big Game Amendments) amends and clarifies what rights a landowner and the DWR have when wildlife causes damage to crops, livestock forage, fences, or irrigation equipment. It clarifies the circumstances where a landowner may kill big game animals that cause damage and lays out the compensation available for damages.
This law also limits how much a person (including hunting guides and outfitters) can be compensated for locating big game animals during the hunts. A hunter can only use one guide or outfitter, and the guide or outfitter can only use one compensated person to locate big game animals on public land.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: This buck will be ready to harvest in just a few short years. Courtesy Utah DWR.
Read more about hunting restrictions in Trail Cams Restricted in Utah.