Wildlife Board enforces new hunting and fishing license law in Utah counties

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is set to implement a new law requiring individuals to hold a valid hunting, fishing, or combination license to access certain wildlife management areas (WMAs). This decision, made during the DWR Regional Advisory Council meeting on May 14, 2025, aims to clarify the scope of the wildlife board's authority and establish exemptions under the new legislation.

The law, which took effect on May 7, 2025, limits the wildlife board's ability to grant exemptions based solely on whether individuals are engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing. Instead, the board can only define specific exemptions and educational programs related to the license requirement. The counties affected by this law include Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, and Utah, with Washington County recently reclassified as a class 3 county, which may impact its inclusion in future regulations.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the potential impact on nonconsumptive users, such as bird watchers and hikers, who may be deterred by the new licensing requirement. Some members suggested that the legislation could have been crafted more inclusively to accommodate various recreational activities without excluding certain groups.

DWR representatives emphasized the importance of hunting and fishing licenses as a funding source for wildlife management, noting that these funds are crucial for land acquisition and management efforts. They also highlighted ongoing educational initiatives to inform the public about which areas require licenses and the purpose of WMAs.

Enforcement of the new law will initially focus on education, with verbal warnings issued before any citations are considered. The DWR plans to enhance signage at WMAs to clarify access requirements and promote understanding among visitors.

As the DWR moves forward with implementing this law, the agency remains committed to balancing wildlife management needs with public access and education, ensuring that all users can enjoy Utah's natural resources responsibly.