§ 23A-5-307 — Use of a computer or other device to remotely hunt wildlife prohibited -- Trail cameras -- Criminal penalty.

(1) As used in this section, "trail camera" means a device that is not held or manually operated by a person and is capable of capturing images, video, or location data of wildlife using heat or motion to trigger the device.
(2) A person may not use a computer or other device to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a firearm or other weapon for hunting an animal.
(3) A person who violates Subsection (2) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(4) (4)(a) A trail camera using internal data storage and not capable of transmitting data is permitted for use on private lands for the purposes of taking protected wildlife.
(4)(b) A trail camera may not be used to take wildlife on public land during the period beginning on July 31 and ending on December 31.
(4)(c) A trail camera is prohibited on public land during the period beginning on July 31 and ending on December 31, except for use by:
(4)(c)(i) the division for monitoring or research;
(4)(c)(ii) a land management agency in the course of the land management agency's regular duties;
(4)(c)(iii) any of the following conducting research in conjunction with the division:
(4)(c)(iii)(A) a non-governmental organization;
(4)(c)(iii)(B) an educational institution; or
(4)(c)(iii)(C) other person;
(4)(c)(iv) monitoring active agricultural operations including the take of a bear or cougar that is causing livestock depredation; or
(4)(c)(v) a municipality participating in a program addressing urban deer.
(5) (5)(a) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the Wildlife Board may make rules regulating the use of trail cameras.
(5)(b) A person who violates rules made by the Wildlife Board under this Subsection (5) is subject to the penalty provided in Section 23A-5-301.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 347, 2024 General Session