Utah’s new wildlife bills bolster outdoor safety and conservation, make changes to hunter orange

A notable change comes with HB222, the Wildlife Hunting Amendments. This law revises the requirements for hunter orange clothing during certain hunting seasons. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Where the law previously mandated hunters to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange, it now specifies that the hunter orange must be worn externally in the form of a hat, shirt, jacket, coat, vest or sweater

SALT LAKE CITY — The 2024 General Session of the Utah State Legislature saw a flurry of activity as lawmakers passed significant legislation related to wildlife management before the March 21 deadline.

Gov. Spencer Cox has signed several bills into law, each aimed at updating and refining the state’s approach to wildlife conservation and recreational activities.

Key Legislative Changes

Hunter orange update: A notable change comes with HB222, the Wildlife Hunting Amendments. This law revises the requirements for hunter orange clothing during certain hunting seasons. Where the law previously mandated hunters to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange, it now specifies that the hunter orange must be worn externally in the form of a hat, shirt, jacket, coat, vest or sweater.

Additionally, the director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is authorized to require hikers, campers, and other recreational users to wear hunter orange in wildlife management areas during big game rifle hunts. The law also addresses the use of big game byproducts in dog food production. This legislation takes effect on May 1.

Wildlife amendments: HB382 introduces measures concerning new development, antler or horn gathering, taxidermy and butcher requirements, and several other aspects of wildlife management. The law imposes restrictions on new developments that infringe on wildlife habitats, limiting those from qualifying for damage or nuisance claims against the state.

The law also outlines the DWR’s role in managing shed antler gathering, with a proposed restitution value of $30 per pound. Changes are slated for public discussion next month, with potential implementation by 2025.

Wildlife carcass handling by butchers and taxidermists will have stricter requirements and clarifies laws on trespassing, wildlife law enforcement, and electronic payment fees for DWR transactions. This law is effective from July 1.

Fiscal and conservation efforts: The New Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations Act (HB2) earmarks $8.5 million for land acquisition in Morgan County, enhancing habitat for big game animals and sage grouse. Additionally, it boosts the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund with a $2 million increase to support conservation efforts.

Lastly, HB469 establishes a new division, the Utah Division of Law Enforcement, within the Utah Department of Natural Resources to comprise of officers and rangers from law enforcement efforts across various divisions, effective January 1, 2025.

To learn more about these changes, visit the DWR website.