House committee advances hunting and fishing bill that creates poaching mitigation fund and tightens pilot rules

Representative Shipp told the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Committee that HB 168 makes additional changes to last year’s hunting and fishing amendments, including the creation of an anti-poaching mitigation fund and updated guide and pilot rules.

"It establishes an anti poaching mitigation fund," Shipp said, adding that "this fund will be generated from restitution paid by individuals convicted of illegal take." She also described code changes removing a separate spotter designation and allowing up to three guides for certain limited-entry hunts. On aircraft use, Shipp said the bill would ban scouting flights within 48 hours of a hunt and impose penalties ranging from a class B misdemeanor for a first offense to a third-degree felony for repeated violations, and could include license suspensions.

Committee members asked for fiscal clarification. Representative Arthur asked about the bill’s fiscal note and whether the poaching fund represented new revenue. Major Chad Betchers of DNR law enforcement said the provision transfers an existing fund and that "it's a new fund, but it's not new money." Justin Shannon of the Division of Wildlife Resources said the sponsor convened stakeholders after last year’s bill and that the current version improves on the earlier effort.

Multiple stakeholders, including the Utah Sportsman's Caucus, testified in support. Matt Anderson said the poaching mitigation fund and provisions enabling prompt field-dressing and extra assistance to retrieve downed animals would help reduce spoilage and improve enforcement and safety.

Representative Koehler moved House Amendment 1; the committee adopted the amendment by voice vote. The committee then voted to pass HB 168 as amended out of committee by voice vote. The bill will advance to the full House for further consideration.