SALT LAKE CITY — The 2024 General Legislative Session in Utah was marked by a flurry of activity in the realm of wildlife management. Several bills were passed and signed into law, focusing on various aspects of wildlife conservation and regulation. The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has compiled a list of key bills that it believes residents should be aware of.
One such bill is H.B. 222, also known as “Wildlife Hunting Amendments.” This law introduces changes to wildlife-related rules, specifically addressing the amount of “hunter orange” attire that hunters are required to wear during hunting seasons. Previously, individuals were mandated to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange while hunting big game species. The updated law now specifies that hunter orange must be visible on the exterior of the clothing. It also grants the DWR director the authority to mandate the use of hunter orange for individuals engaged in recreational activities in wildlife management areas during big game rifle hunts. Additionally, the law includes provisions regarding the utilization of byproducts from deer and other big game animals in dog food products.
Another important bill passed during the session is H.B. 382, titled “Wildlife Amendments.” This law introduces various changes related to wildlife, including restrictions on the collection of antlers or horns. It empowers the Utah Wildlife Board to establish seasons for recreational antler or horn gathering for both residents and nonresidents. The law also addresses regulations for the commercial gathering and sale of shed antlers, allowing the board to create license or permit requirements. Furthermore, it sets guidelines for taxidermists and butchers, stipulating that they must receive properly tagged carcasses of protected wildlife.
H.B. 2, also known as the “New Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations Act,” authorized a one-time appropriation of $8.5 million for the acquisition of private property in Morgan County. The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources intends to add this 2,600-acre parcel to its East Canyon Wildlife Management Area. This expansion aims to provide important habitat for big game animals and sage grouse. A portion of the acquired acreage will be managed as an extension of East Canyon State Park under the Utah State Parks authority. Furthermore, this law includes a $2 million increase in the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund, supporting conservation efforts and the protection of species at risk.
Lastly, H.B. 469, or the “Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Amendments,” approves the creation of a new division, the Division of Law Enforcement, within the Utah Department of Natural Resources. This division will encompass officers and rangers from various agencies, including the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, and Utah State Parks.
Overall, these bills reflect Utah’s ongoing efforts to enhance wildlife management strategies and conservation initiatives. By enacting these laws, the state aims to ensure the sustainability of its diverse ecosystems and promote responsible engagement with wildlife.