DWR Crackdown: 104 Illegally Killed Animals Uncovered In Utah

As Utah’s popular general-season rifle deer hunt kicks off on Oct. 19, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) conservation officers are ramping up efforts to ensure hunting laws are followed.

The officers have been busy patrolling the state during early fall hunting seasons, which began on Aug. 1 and run through Sept. 9. Their work is vital in protecting Utah’s wildlife populations and promoting responsible hunting practices.

During these early hunts, conservation officers have conducted thousands of inspections, contacting nearly 9,900 individuals and reviewing 3,600 hunting and fishing licenses. Unfortunately, these inspections uncovered 104 illegally killed animals, including nine deer, six elk, two moose, one bear, one pronghorn, and 60 fish. Additionally, 25 other protected wildlife species were discovered to have been illegally taken.

In response to these violations, 849 citations were issued, and investigations are ongoing for additional wildlife-related offenses. DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge emphasized the importance of hunters being informed and responsible. "Hunters need to take responsibility for knowing the law, having a current hunting or combination license, and knowing what species and areas their permits allow them to hunt before they go out into the field," Bettridge said in a news release.

The public plays a significant role in helping conservation officers combat illegal hunting. From Aug. 1 to Sept. 9, the DWR received 201 tips from concerned citizens, which are instrumental in investigating poaching cases. With only 53 officers patrolling the entire state, Bettridge noted that the public’s help is essential. “We need your help. Please keep your eyes and ears open and report suspicious wildlife activity to us,” he said. “With the information you share, we can enforce wildlife laws, which help with wildlife conservation and maintaining healthy populations.”

If you witness someone potentially breaking wildlife laws, obtaining the license plate number is crucial for conservation officers. This allows them to track down individuals and begin their investigation. Other helpful details include the type and color of the vehicle, the number of people involved, and a description of what occurred. GPS coordinates are also valuable for directing officers to the location.

However, it’s important not to confront individuals suspected of committing violations. Bettridge advised observing from a safe distance and reporting the information through the appropriate channels. The quickest way to report wildlife crimes is by calling the Utah Turn-in-a-Poacher (UTiP) hotline at 1-800-662-3337, which operates 24/7. Other reporting methods include texting officers at 847411, using the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, or reporting online through the DWR website.

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With the fall hunting season in full swing, DWR officers remain vigilant, working to ensure that Utah’s wildlife is protected and that hunters follow the law.