DWR provides hunting season tips, reminders ahead of 2024 Utah deer and elk hunts

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resouces has provided tips and reminders to hunters ahead of the 2024 deer and elk hunts. The first hunt kicks off on August 17. 

Firstly, the DWR said to research the area you plan to use before you leave. The Utah Hunt Planner displays areas that are open to hunting and those that prohibit it.

It also includes notes from biologists who have worked in the areas. 

According to Dax Mangus, the big game coordinator for the DWR, hunters who plan ahead are usually more successful. 

“Spend time scouting, and if you haven’t, consider planning multiple hunting trips during the hunting season. Treat your early hunting dates in the season as hunting and scouting, and try to cover lots of ground to locate animals,” said Mangus. 

Secondly, the DWR said you should practice with your equipment. Establishing familiarity before you head out can save time during the hunt. 

Just like planning ahead, developing the necessary skills to hit your target can help you succeed. 

“Making responsible and ethical shots is an important part of using our wildlife resources wisely,” said Mangus.

You shouldn’t only familiarize yourself with your gun or bow, but also the scope or binoculars that you plan to use. 

Safety first! 

The DWR said that it is important to ensure you are hunting away from roads. 

“Elk are smart and know how to avoid hunting pressure. They avoid roads, so especially when you are hunting elk, get off the road,” Mangus said. “Get out and do some hiking and scouting to find where the animals are.”

Additionally, avoid firing toward any roads, as you can risk injuring drivers who are passing through. 

Before you head out, pack a first-aid kit and plenty of water. 

The DWR said that Utah’s mountain weather can change fast. Pack adequate food and clothing. 

Additionally, Mangus said that hunters should always go with a partner. Make sure someone who isn’t going with you knows where you’re headed and when you expect to return. 

Do not rely on cell phones either. Some backcountry areas do not have cellular service. 

The National Park Service recommended taking a personal locator beacon in case of an emergency. Hunting radios that don’t use cellular service are also recommended. 

If you are hunting in hot temperatures, make sure you have a way to keep harvested meat cool. Get it out of the heat as soon as possible so that it does not spoil. 

The DWR said an iced cooler can be used to transport the meat. 

“Dry ice can be used to cool the meat quickly and keep it cool for a prolonged period,” Mangus said. “You want to keep the meat as cool as possible until you can get it processed and into your freezer.” 

Hunting season reminders 

Finally, the DWR provided some reminders about rule changes for this year’s hunting season. 

Hunters are now required to report harvests of general-season buck deer and bull elk. Permit holders need to submit their report within 30 days of their hunt. 

Failure to submit a report will lead to disqualification from next season’s hunts, per the press release. 

There was a change in scope technology rules. The Utah Wildlife Board approved a rule prohibiting scopes that are stronger than 1x on any muzzleloader. 

According to Hunter-ed, muzzleloaders are guns that are loaded through the front end of the barrel. 

Additionally, there were updates to night-vision device rules. According to the DWR, the possession and use of night-vision equipment to locate or hunt big game is illegal between July 31 and December 31. 

Visit the Utah DWR website for more hunting season information. 

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