During the 2021 legislative session, the Utah legislature passed bill HB295. HB295 instructed the Utah DWR to change the trail camera rule within the state. Likewise, it banned placing “bait” in front of trail cameras during the hunting season. As a result, the DWR conducted two surveys to get hunters’ opinions on the use of trail cameras. The result of these surveys showed that the majority of Utah’s hunters oppose the use of transmitting trail cameras. These types of cameras can send images and video footage in real-time. However, most hunters approve of the use of traditional trail cameras. With these types of cameras, a person must be in the field to retrieve the images.
Banning Transmitting Trail Cameras for Hunting
As a result, the DWR is now proposing a new rule that does not allow transmitting cameras to harvest or to aid in the harvest of big game between July 31st and Jan. 31st. The DWR is also purposing another rule, this rule would prohibit the sale or purchase of trail camera footage or data that will aid in the harvest of any big game animals. This new rule would not apply to private landowners monitoring their land for trespassing or Urban Deer Program officials. However, transmitting trail cameras on private property could not be used to help in the harvest of big game.
Another rule that is being suggested is the banning of night-vision devices, thermal imaging devices, infrared-imaged devices, and other electronic devices that enhance the visible and non-visible light spectrum. This rule would start 48 hours before any big game hunt opens in an area and would remain in place until 48 hours after the big game hunt ends in the area. These technologies have become cheaper and increasingly popular in recent years. Because of this popularity DWR agents have started to see them being used for hunting.
There are several other rule changes that the DWR is suggesting. If you would like to read more about these changes click here. Likewise, if you’d like to stay up to date on Utah hunting news you can check out our page by clicking here.
