Big game baiting in Utah

Frequently asked questions

In 2021, the Utah Legislature passed a law that prohibits the baiting of big game for hunting purposes throughout Utah.

In the law, "bait" is defined as intentionally placing food or nutrient substances to manipulate the behavior of wildlife for the purpose of taking or attempting to take big game. With that said, there are some exceptions related to what qualifies as baiting.

The following questions and answers address those exceptions and provide some clarification on the law.

Can I bait big game for hunting purposes?

No. Big game baiting as defined in Utah Code 23A-11-203 refers to actively hunting big game using a baited area and is not allowed.

Can I feed big game to attract them for non-hunting purposes?

Yes. It is not illegal to use feed to attract big game for scouting, photography or as a hobby. The purpose of the law is to prohibit hunters from hunting or taking big game over bait. If your intent is to attract big game for non-hunting purposes (including summer scouting), then yes, the law allows you to do this.

While it is not illegal to feed wildlife in these instances — except for in certain cities that have enacted no-feeding ordinances — there are several reasons that it is highly discouraged, including public safety concerns, the spread of chronic wasting disease among deer, elk and moose, and potential harm to wildlife from introducing foods not in their diets, particularly during winter months.

When is an area no longer considered to be baited?

An area is no longer considered to be baited when a big game animal's behavior is no longer influenced by the bait. (If an animal keeps returning to the exact area where bait was removed right before hunting season, that area is still considered to be baited.)

Are salt and mineral blocks/supplements considered bait?

Yes, they are. The only exemption is if an agricultural producer placed the salt or mineral block in an area for agriculture purposes.

Can I hunt over salt blocks that were placed by agricultural producers for their animals?

Yes, you can, but only if the agricultural producer placed the salt blocks as part of their normal agricultural practices for the use of their animals.

What is the penalty for baiting big game?

Violations under the new baiting law may result in criminal charges ranging from a class B misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, and may also lead to the suspension of one's hunting privileges.

What should I do if I see someone hunting big game over bait?

You should report it immediately, using one of the following methods:

• Call the UTiP hotline at 800-662-3337
• Submit a tip through the UTDWR law enforcement app (available as a free download for iOS (Apple) and Android devices)
• Send a text to 847411

What is the most important thing to understand about this new law?

In a nutshell, baiting big game is illegal if your intentions are to lure an animal to an area to hunt or harvest it. Take some time to read and understand the law. If you have additional questions, please contact the closest DWR office.