Officials remind hunters about consequences of residence fraud when applying for big game permits
Apr 5, 2025, 7:00 AM
A pronghorn antelope grazes on federal lands in Skull Valley on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. (Brice Tucker/Deseret News)
(Brice Tucker/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Officials with the Utah Division of Natural Resources are reminding the public of fraudulent resident applications for big game permits.
In a recent Instagram post, DNR Law Enforcement said they’ve noted an increase in residency fraud related to big game permits.
The post defined residency fraud as a non-Utah resident using a Utah resident’s address to get resident big game permits.
According to the DNR, a recent case involved two California residents who had used a family member’s Utah address to illegally obtain a Utah resident big game permit. Valid permits allow the hunting of animals such as deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bison.
Bison roam during the 36th annual Bison Roundup, held at Antelope Island State Park, southwest of Syracuse, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Isaac Hale/Deseret News)
“Since the permits were obtained fraudulently, the permits were never valid permits and, subsequently, any animals harvested using these permits were illegal. These two non-residents stole several opportunities from Utah residents who should have drawn these tags,” wrote the DNR.
One case of fraudulent big game permits
Since they illegally obtained them, the big game permits were never valid. Therefore, the animals they killed and harvested were taken illegally.
Both of the participants in that case were convicted of felony wanton destruction of protected wildlife. According to the DNR, they were required to pay over $16,000 in fines.
They could also face hunting license suspensions.
According to Utah Code 23A, wanton destruction of protected wildlife includes capturing, injuring or destroying protected animals, intentionally leaving a carcass, killing an animal at night or hunting without the appropriate license or permit.
Depending on the case, a defendant could face third-degree felony or misdemeanor charges.
Since 2022, DNR law enforcement has worked on 90 fraud cases, according to the post. Those with details regarding natural resources crimes, such as residence fraud, are encouraged to report it through the Division of Wildlife Resources’ Law Enforcement app, or by calling (800) 662-3337, or by texting 847411.
“As you apply for big game permits during the application process, remember to accurately declare your residency each and every time you apply for or purchase a license or permit,” wrote the DNR.
Related: DWR says deer, elk and fish among wildlife most commonly poached in Utah
