The 2022 legislative session passed several bills that hunters will want to know about. The Division of Wildlife Resources shares that HB142 allows hunters to now donate game meat to local food banks and other non-profit charitable organizations as long as certain requirements are met, including being harvested legally from an animal in good health that is field-dressed immediately and processed by a custom meat processor as soon as possible after harvest. SB205 directs the DWR to implement new regulations for hunting with air rifles to be reported to lawmakers by November 2024. HB62 amends the laws involving big game, including clarifying the actions that a landowner and the DWR can take when wildlife damage crops, fences, or equipment. Specifically, it outlines when big game animals that are causing damage can be killed. It also sets limitations on compensating hunting guides and outfitters during hunts in Utah.
