DWR Gives Tips Before Heading Out On Utah Hunting Or Fishing Expedition

There's a palpable feeling in the air this time of year. Yes, we feel the temperatures begin to edge downward (though not so much the last few days). We look up and see the changing colors on the mountains. But, for many of us in southern Utah, we know that the time of the hunt is here, or the best time to go to that cherished fall fishing hole.

But, before you head out for a hunting or fishing trip, it's crucial to understand the laws and guidelines to avoid violations and ensure a safe experience. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) urges hunters and anglers to familiarize themselves with current regulations and acquire the necessary licenses and permits.

Preparation is key, just like you wouldn’t fly a plane without training, you shouldn’t hunt or fish without knowing the laws. One common mistake is failing to have the appropriate permit or fishing on an expired license. Hunters must complete hunter education or participate in Utah’s Trial Hunting Program to obtain a license, and specific wildlife species require additional permits. It’s important to check your permit carefully to ensure you're in the right season and unit and are hunting the correct species. Each year, many hunters fail to review their permits until after they’ve harvested an animal, only to find they’ve violated regulations, which often results in citations.

For fishing, having a current license and understanding the regulations for the specific waterbody is essential. Rules like species-specific catch limits and bait allowances are outlined in the guidebook, and not adhering to them can lead to penalties. These laws exist to maintain healthy wildlife populations in accordance with management plans, and failure to comply can compromise these efforts.

Hunting on private property requires written permission from landowners, and trespassing without consent can result in fines and legal consequences. If you wound or kill an animal that crosses onto private land, contact the landowner or DWR for assistance in recovering it; otherwise, you risk trespassing.

Misidentifying your target is another common mistake. Ensure that you know exactly what you're shooting at and what's behind it to avoid accidentally harvesting the wrong animal or creating dangerous situations. After a successful hunt, you must properly tag your harvested animal before leaving the area.

In cases where laws are violated, intentional offenders may face license suspensions, with lengths varying based on the severity of the offense. Self-reporting mistakes to DWR can often reduce penalties. In Utah, wildlife law enforcement aims to encourage compliance for the benefit of both the wildlife and the public.

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Lastly, ethical practices in the field—like respecting land boundaries, cleaning up after yourself, and following designated trails—contribute to responsible recreation. Following these guidelines helps preserve Utah’s natural landscapes for everyone to enjoy.