Utah Wildlife Officials Introduce New E-Tagging Rules for Hunters

In a pivotal meeting held on July 30, 2025, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) introduced significant changes to hunting regulations, particularly focusing on the implementation of electronic tagging (e-tagging) for harvested animals. The meeting, attended by members of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC), aimed to clarify the new rules and address concerns from the hunting community.

Under the new regulations, hunters will have the option to use either traditional physical tags or the newly introduced electronic tags. This dual approach allows for flexibility, as hunters can choose the method that best suits their needs. However, the process for e-tagging requires hunters to electronically notch their digital permits via the Utah Hunt Fish app, which will collect essential data such as the date of the harvest and location. This information will be crucial for wildlife management and law enforcement purposes.

One of the most notable changes is the removal of the requirement for hunters to keep the physical tag attached to the largest portion of the meat until it is entirely consumed. This adjustment, made in collaboration with law enforcement, aims to simplify the tagging process while still ensuring compliance with regulations.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the requirement for hunters to take four photos of their harvested deer when using e-tagging. These images, which include views of the front, back, and sides of the animal, are intended to provide additional data for wildlife biologists and assist law enforcement in verifying compliance. Some council members expressed apprehension about the practicality of this requirement, especially for species that may not have easily distinguishable features.

Public feedback on the proposed changes was mixed. While some attendees supported the introduction of e-tagging, others expressed a preference for maintaining physical tags, citing concerns about technology reliability and the potential for losing access to digital permits in remote areas. Adam Dennison from the Utah chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers acknowledged the value of e-tagging but emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the requirement to submit the harvest code once back in service.

As the DWR moves forward with these changes, the emphasis remains on balancing innovation with the traditions of hunting. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further educate the public about the new regulations and ensure that all hunters are well-informed as they prepare for the upcoming season.