Hunter-landowner relations
Source: wildlife.utah.gov
Published: Sep. 15, 2006
Private landowners are hosts to many species of wildlife. Food, water and shelter found on private land provide ideal habitat for non-game birds and animals as well as the small game and big game sought after by hunters.
While hunters have traditionally had good relationships with most landowners in Utah, conflicts can and do occur.
Landowner attitudes toward hunting on their land vary from those who provide sanctuary from all hunting to those who grant permission to hunters that ask.
Regardless of a landowner's policy about hunting, sportsmen must always respect landowner rights. Ethical sportsmen always: obtain written permission before entering private land, leave gates the way they find them, avoid disturbing livestock or crops, clean up after themselves and thank the landowners afterward.
Lending a farmer a hand before or after season is also a great way to show your gratitude and ensure access in the future. Unfortunately, there are a few unethical hunters that fail to respect landowner wishes. This often results with more land closed to public hunting.
Trespassing is not only unethical and damaging to sportsman — landowner relations, it's a crime. Utah law requires written permission from the landowner before entering land that is cultivated, irrigated or posted with bright colored paint or signs.
Every year there are hunters caught and prosecuted for this serious crime. Anyone caught trespassing while engaged in wildlife related activities can expect to loose license privileges for that activity, in addition to fines. Repeat offenders may have their licenses suspended for five years.
There is no exception for retrieving game shot on adjacent land either. Hunters are discouraged from hunting on small parcels where game may cross onto other properties where they have not obtained permission to hunt.
While most landowners who deny hunting access will allow retrieval of wounded game, they have the right to refuse.
Hunters policing their own ranks and showing respect for landowner rights is the best way to ensure maximum access to private land in the future.
Anyone witnessing a trespass or other illegal hunting activity is encouraged to report it by calling the the Help Stop Poaching Hotline: 1-800-662-deer(3337) or *deer(3337) on cell phones.
- Sergeant Dan Barnhurst, Utah Division of Wildlife
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