Hunters as young as 12 can hunt big game in Utah this fall

It’s hard to believe, but the start of Utah’s general archery buck deer hunt is less than two months away.

As the season approaches, the Division of Wildlife Resources has good news for youngsters who would like to hunt buck deer, or any wildlife species in Utah this fall: the minimum age to hunt big game has been lowered to 12 years of age. And hunters of any age can hunt small game.

One requirement hasn’t changed, though: young hunters must pass the DWR’s Hunter Education course before they can hunt. A list of Hunter Education classes is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation
or by calling the nearest DWR office.

After completing the Hunter Education course, hunters will receive a free hunting license. The hunting license allows the holder to hunt small game and also allows them to buy a big game hunting permit.

“We’re excited about this change. It will give young people a chance to connect with nature by getting outdoors and hunting with their parents at an earlier age,” says Lenny Rees, hunter education coordinator for the DWR.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.