- The Utah Wildlife Board has removed length restrictions on arrows and bolts for airgun, archery, and crossbow hunting to provide hunters with more flexibility and opportunities.
- Prohibition of scopes stronger than 1× power on muzzleloaders for all muzzleloader hunts aims to balance technological advancements with the preservation of traditional hunting methods.
- Mandatory harvest reporting for general-season buck deer and bull elk hunts will be required starting in 2024 to provide wildlife managers with comprehensive harvest data and better insights into Utah’s big game hunts.
The Utah Wildlife Board has approved significant changes to weapon technology use and mandatory harvest reporting for general-season deer and elk hunts, effective 2024. The changes were proposed as part of an ongoing effort to improve the management of wildlife populations and ensure responsible and ethical hunting practices.
One of the major changes approved by the board is the expansion of weapon technology use for general-season deer and elk hunts. Starting in 2024, hunters will be allowed to use some electronic devices, such as range-finding scopes and electronically controlled bows, during their hunts. This decision comes as a response to advancements in hunting technology and a desire to modernize hunting regulations while still maintaining fair chase principles.
In addition to changes in weapon technology use, the board also approved mandatory harvest reporting for general-season deer and elk hunts. Starting in 2024, all hunters who participate in these hunts will be required to report their harvest within 48 hours of taking an animal. This new reporting requirement will provide wildlife managers with critical data to better understand harvest success rates and population dynamics, ultimately improving the management of deer and elk herds in the state.
These changes were made after careful consideration and input from the public, wildlife managers, and other stakeholders. The Utah Wildlife Board believes that these changes will not only improve the hunting experience for sportsmen and women but also contribute to more effective and sustainable wildlife management practices.
Hunters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and reporting requirements as they prepare for their upcoming hunts in 2024. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will provide further details and guidance on implementing these changes in the months leading up to the new regulations taking effect.