Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Natural Resources
Title R657 - Wildlife Resources
Rule R657-5 - Taking Big Game
Section R657-5-8 - Rifles, Shotguns, Airguns, and Crossbows

Universal Citation: UT Admin Code R 657-5-8

Current through Bulletin 2024-18, September 15, 2024

(1) A rifle used to hunt big game must:

(a) fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets; and

(b) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must:

(a) be 20 gauge or larger;

(b) fire only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition; and

(c) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(3) An airgun used to hunt big game must:

(a) be pneumatically powered;

(b) be pressurized solely through a separate charging device; and

(c) may only fire a bolt or arrow:
(i) with a fixed or expandable broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest position; and

(ii) traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle; and

(d) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

(4) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a positive mechanical safety mechanism.

(b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must have:
(i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or

(ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position; and

(iii) no electronic function other than an illuminated nock.

(c) Unless otherwise authorized by the division through a certificate of registration, it is unlawful for any person to:
(i) hunt big game with a crossbow or airgun during a big game archery hunt;

(ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way; or

(iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow utilizing a bolt that has any chemical, explosive, or electronic device attached.

(5) A crossbow used to hunt big game may have a telescopic sight only during an any weapon hunt but no other attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Utah may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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