As hunting and fishing enthusiasts gear up for another season in Utah’s great outdoors, the Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers want to remind participants of some essential regulations to keep their trips legal and trouble-free. Whether you’re heading out on a deer hunt or a relaxing day of fishing, avoiding common mistakes can help you stay within the law and preserve wildlife for future generations.

Know the rules and regulations before heading out

Every year, conservation officers encounter hunters and anglers who unintentionally break the law due to a lack of preparation. “A common mistake we see is people hunting without valid permits or fishing with expired licenses,” says DWR Lieutenant Casey Mickelsen. The solution? Take the time to double-check that your licenses and permits are up to date before you head into the field.

In Utah, anyone planning to hunt must complete a hunter education course or participate in the Trial Hunting Program to obtain a license. Certain species also require additional permits, which come with specific rules about where and when you can hunt. Familiarizing yourself with the regulations in the state’s guidebooks and carefully reviewing your permit details can save you from costly errors. “We’ve seen cases where hunters don’t even look at their permit until after they’ve harvested an animal, only to realize they hunted in the wrong season or unit, resulting in citations and confiscation of the wildlife,” Mickelsen notes.

For fishing, it’s equally important to be aware of limits and regulations. Each waterbody in Utah may have different catch limits, species restrictions, and rules on whether bait is allowed. Knowing these details will ensure you have a fun, legal fishing experience.

Don’t trespass — get permission

Hunters should be mindful of property boundaries, especially when hunting near private land. Trespassing, whether intentional or not, is a serious violation that can lead to fines and a class B misdemeanor. “A common scenario we see is when a deer shot on public land runs onto private property and dies,” Mickelsen says. If that happens, hunters need to contact the landowner for permission to retrieve the animal, or call DWR law enforcement for assistance.

Obtaining written permission from private landowners ahead of time can prevent these issues. If you’re hunting on private land, respect the property by leaving gates as you found them and not altering fences. These small gestures go a long way in maintaining good relationships between landowners and hunters.

Identify your target before shooting

One of the most common mistakes hunters make is misidentifying the animal they’re hunting. Shooting the wrong species or gender can result in fines and other penalties. “You need to be absolutely sure of your target before taking the shot,” Mickelsen advises. “Don’t shoot if you’re unsure, and always be aware of what lies beyond your target.”

This cautious approach is critical to preventing accidents, like mistaking a cow moose for an elk or shooting a doe when you’re permitted to take a buck. Conservation officers also stress that animals don’t always drop immediately after being shot. “We’ve seen hunters take multiple shots because they thought they missed, only to find they killed multiple animals instead of just one,” Mickelsen says.

Properly tag your harvested game

Once you’ve successfully harvested an animal, make sure to follow Utah’s tagging requirements. Hunters must detach the tag from their permit, notch the date and sex of the animal, and attach the tag to the carcass before moving it. Failure to do so is another common violation officers encounter.

The tagging process helps the DWR track wildlife populations and ensure sustainable hunting practices. Improper tagging can lead to fines, the confiscation of your game, or even the suspension of your hunting license.

License suspensions for violations

DWR officers handle a wide variety of violations, ranging from innocent mistakes to deliberate illegal activity. Depending on the nature of the offense, hunters or anglers may face fines or have their licenses suspended. “If you make a mistake, we encourage you to contact our law enforcement team right away,” Mickelsen says. “Self-reporting can reduce the severity of the punishment.”

License suspensions are typically reserved for serious or intentional violations. For example, a class B misdemeanor can result in a three-year suspension, while a felony can lead to a seven-year suspension. Those who commit wildlife crimes involving trophy animals or already have suspended licenses could face even longer penalties.

Between 2017 and 2024, Utah has seen an average of around 60 license suspensions per year. These suspensions are recognized in nearly every U.S. state through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning a violation in Utah could prevent you from hunting or fishing in other states.

Be a responsible outdoor enthusiast

In addition to following the rules, the DWR encourages hunters and anglers to be mindful stewards of Utah’s wild spaces. This includes driving only on designated roads and trails, properly disposing of trash and shell casings, and respecting other outdoor users. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, it’s vital to leave the land as pristine as you found it.

Hunting and fishing in Utah are beloved pastimes that come with great responsibility. By understanding and following these regulations, you can enjoy a safe, legal, and ethical experience while helping to preserve wildlife for generations to come. As Lt. Mickelsen puts it, “These laws exist to benefit both wildlife and the public. We just want everyone to comply so we don’t have to issue suspensions, but sometimes that’s the best way to deter people from committing wildlife crimes.”

Stay informed, respect the land, and enjoy a successful season!

For more information on hunting and fishing laws in Utah, visit the DWR website or download the Utah Hunting and Fishing app, which includes maps, guidebooks, and electronic storage for licenses.