Deer Hunting Season Kicks Off With Increased Patrols In Utah

As several hunting seasons continue across Utah, the state’s most popular event — the general-season rifle deer hunt — kicks off Oct. 18. With thousands of hunters expected to take part, Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers are ramping up patrols to protect wildlife and ensure hunters are following the law.

While wildlife violations can occur throughout the year, there is typically an increase during the fall hunting season. Currently, about 50 natural resources officers patrol the entire state, covering vast areas of public and private land. Because they can’t be everywhere at once, officials are urging hunters and the public to help by reporting suspicious activity.

Hunters Responsible To Know The Rules And Regulations

“Hunters need to take responsibility for knowing the laws, having a current hunting or combination license, and also knowing what species and areas their permits allow them to hunt before they go out into the field,” said DNR Lt. Casey Mickelsen in a press release. “We are requesting the public’s help in gathering information about wildlife violations. With the information you share, we can enforce wildlife laws, which help with wildlife conservation and maintaining healthy populations and also keep our recreating public safe.”

One of the most important details to provide when reporting a possible violation is a license plate number. Mickelsen explained that a license plate helps officers quickly identify and locate individuals for investigation. If a plate number can’t be obtained, descriptions of vehicles, people involved, and GPS coordinates are also valuable.

There are four main ways to report illegal wildlife activities: text officers at 847411, call the Utah Turn-in-a-Poacher (UTiP) hotline at 800-662-3337, use the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, or report online through the DNR or DWR websites. Mickelsen emphasized that the UTiP hotline, which operates 24/7, is the fastest and most effective reporting method.

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If a violation must be reported urgently and the UTiP number is unavailable, residents can also contact local police dispatch or, as a last resort, call 911. Mickelsen reminded hunters not to confront individuals suspected of violations. “We don’t want anyone to be put in harm’s way or to be in a situation that makes them uncomfortable,” he said. “Report what you saw, and let us contact them.”

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Officials also stress that the UTiP hotline should only be used to report wildlife crimes. For general hunting or fishing information, hunters should contact their nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office.