Breaking News:

DWR provides archery safety reminders ahead of fall hunt

Aug 3, 2023, 3:30 PM

An archery target with arrows sticking out. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has provided so...

Shooting on an archery range can increase the chance you take a deer or elk when Utah's general archery hunts starts Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (Mike Christiensen/Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

(Mike Christiensen/Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has provided some archery safety reminders for the upcoming fall hunting season. 

“We want to reiterate to people that hunting is a great pass time, it’s kind of a tradition here in the state, and it’s something we want to see continue for generations (so) that families can get outside and enjoy this unique recreational activity together,” said Faith Heaton-Jolley, a spokesperson for the Utah DWR. 

The general-season buck deer archery hunt, general spike, and any-bull elk archery hunts are approaching. They are the first big game hunts of the season, and they begin Saturday, August 19. 

Archery hunting doesn’t involve firearms, but it does present some unique risks, said the DWR. The division is reminding hunters to take proper preparation and safety measures. 

“(We want to make) sure that people are keeping in mind to have those good ethics and hunt responsibly, know the laws before they go out, make sure they’re doing their research, (and) that they’re prepared so they can have a great and safe hunt,” said Heaton Jolley.

Archery safety 

Hunters should never take a shot that is beyond the range they are comfortable shooting. Before they release the arrow, hunters should be sure of their target, and what is behind it. 

The DWR said to never shoot where there is a road in the background. “You want to be able to identify the animal, know exactly what species … what it is that you’re shooting at, and then you want to know there is some kind of backdrop behind that animal as well, just in the event that you happen to miss and you don’t hit your target,” said Heaton Jolley. 

The division takes violations that can affect public safety very seriously. If hunters are caught violating them, they could receive misdemeanor charges, and if someone is injured, they could face a felony. 

Hunters should be aware of their tree stand’s weight rating. They should ensure that it will support them and their equipment. 

Factoring in the weight of equipment can ensure the stability of a tree stand, said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hunter Education Program Manager RaLynne Takeda. Unstable tree stands can create a greater risk of falls. 

Hunters should wear a fall arrest system when they are climbing. They should remain attached to the harness until they are back on the ground. 

Equipment should not be carried while climbing. The DWR says it should be transported up a tree using a haul line after the hunter has finished their ascent. 

The DWR reminded hunters that it is illegal to build a tree stand on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. In these areas, portable stands must be used. 

Ethics and preparation

Hunters can take the DWR’s bowhunter education class online or in a classroom. While it is not required, it is a helpful resource for hunters of all skill levels. 

The online course teaches bowhunting safety, ethics, and hunting methods, among other topics. 

It is important that hunting ethics are followed. Good hunting ethics include respecting the landscape, not trespassing, and practicing fair chase, said Heaton Jolley. 

Practicing fair chase means that a hunter is giving an animal a fair opportunity to escape. “(Make sure) they’re not pinned in a corner by a fence (then shot,)” said Heaton Jolley. 

A new requirement for 2023

A new requirement this year is that if hunters harvest an animal, they must harvest the meat from the front quarters above the knee, hind quarters above the hocks, along the backbone, and the loins and tenderloins. 

Adequate harvesting is part of good hunting ethics. “You use all the parts of the animal that you harvest so you’re not being wasteful,” Heaton Jolley said.   

Hunters should know the regulations before they begin. They can obtain a free copy of the 2023 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook at any DWR office or on the DWR website. 

Related reading: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

FILE - Handcuffs in a jail cell. A Liberty Wells man was arrested for allegedly striking a woman wi...

Alton Barnhart

Liberty Wells man arrested for hitting woman with his car, police say

A Liberty Wells man was arrested on Friday for allegedly hitting a woman with his car after arguing with her over a parking spot.

2 hours ago

Westbound I-80 Green River Tunnel after fire was put out from a crash on Friday....

Kennedy Camarena

Scene being cleared, tunnel structure is holding after Wyoming’s Green River Tunnel crash

Wyoming Department of Transportation says the westbound Green River Tunnel structure is holding after a crash in the tunnel on Friday.

2 hours ago

According to the Utah Department of Transportation, all southbound lanes of Bangerter Highway were ...

Alton Barnhart

Bangerter Highway reopened after weather-related crash, UDOT confirmed

Bangerter Highway closed on Saturday morning due to a weather-related crash over a snowy weekend.

4 hours ago

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by ...

DANIEL WOODRUFF, KSL TV

Raise taxes on the rich? Utah lawmakers say no

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by a Utah Senate committee this week.

6 hours ago

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause ...

Britt Johnson

Recent warmer temperatures could lead to high flooding potential

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause some flooding.

17 hours ago

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law...

Becky Bruce

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law, despite protests

Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB267, also known as the union bill, which would ban collective bargaining agreements for government employees.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

DWR provides archery safety reminders ahead of fall hunt