Can I Hunt On My Own Land?

Yes, you can, but the same laws and regulations that apply to public land apply to your private land as well. This means you cannot hunt without a tag, out of season, and without the proper certifications. Hunters need to follow these requirements even when hunting on private property to avoid legal issues and promote ethical hunting practices. We’ll talk about getting a hunting license, the differences between tag and license, hunting on private land, and hunting out of season.

Getting a Hunting License

To hunt on your own land legally in Utah, you need a valid hunting license. But first, you need to complete your Hunter Safety Certification. In Utah, all hunters must complete a hunter safety course. This certification is a one-time requirement where hunters learn the principles of safe and responsible hunting. For more information, visit the Utah Hunter Education Program. 

Next, you can apply for a hunting license online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or in person at a local vendor or retail store. Hunting licenses in Utah expire annually or every four years, depending on the type of license you obtain, and must be renewed.

Or you can opt for a Mentoring license. Some states, including Utah, allow new hunters to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult mentor. The mentor must have completed the hunter safety certification and be over 18 years old. The mentor license can be valid for up to three years, allowing the mentee to gain practical experience.

Difference Between Tag and License

A hunting license and a tag serve similar purposes but are distinct items. A hunting license serves as a general authorization for hunting activities, while tags are specific to individual animals and are issued per person. You can hunt without a tag as long as you are hunting non-state-regulated animals, such as sparrows, but you cannot hunt without a license. Tags are required for regulated game species, meaning any game the state monitors and controls to maintain healthy populations.

In Utah, obtaining a hunting tag typically involves entering a drawing, where you pay to put your name in for a chance to get a tag. The state uses a point system for these limited entry hunts, increasing your odds with each unsuccessful application. While many tags are distributed this way, some are available over the counter without the need for a drawing. Licenses are available to everyone at a cost. It is recommended that anyone interested in hunting obtain a hunting license, as you will eventually need it even if you first get a mentor's license. You can learn more about these on the Utah DWR website.

Requirements for Hunting on Your Own Land

Even when hunting on your own land, the animals are not considered your personal property. You must adhere to the same regulations as public land hunting, which includes obtaining the necessary licenses and tags or permits. You must still hunt specific game within their designated season. The difference between hunting on public property and your own land is that you can obtain landowner permits that come with a number of tags. You may sell these or keep them to yourself. The other distinguisher is that the public is not allowed on your land, so you essentially have all the hunting to yourself within your land, making for a more private hunting experience.

Landowner Permits

If you own a large tract of land, you may qualify for landowner permits, which allow you to hunt on your private property. The application process involves wildlife officials from the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) counting the deer on your property, determining the number of excess deer, and then issuing a corresponding number of tags, in order to keep a healthy ecosystem These permits are typically free, because the DWR recognizes the landowner's role in providing a habitat for the wildlife. Landowner permits must be applied for annually and are generally restricted for use on the property for which they were issued. Additionally, some landowner permits may extend certain hunting seasons. The amount of land required to qualify for a permit varies by state; for example, Utah requires a minimum of 640 acres. This system allows landowners to actively participate in wildlife management and conservation while enjoying the benefits of regulated hunting on their land.

Hunting Out of Season and Without a Tag

Most states in the US do not allow landowners to hunt off-season. Hunting out of season can disrupt migration patterns, leading to mass deaths and depleting the population of deer and other animals. Ignoring these regulations could result in no game for anyone to hunt in the future. Following these rules guarantees time for breeding, which is crucial for the survival of the species. 

There are certain situations where you may hunt out of season or without a tag. For example, during severe winters, animals might damage crops and property on ranches trying to get food. In such cases, you can contact the DWR for assistance. They might use helicopters to scare away the animals, issue a considerable number of tags to you, or come in and shoot the deer themselves, offering the meat to the needy. The only other scenario in which you would hunt out of season and without a tag is hunting on a ranch like BroadMouth Canyon Ranch, where the game is part of the property. These types of hunting preserves or game ranches often operate under different regulations because they manage their own wildlife populations within enclosed or semi-enclosed areas. The ranches typically have special permits that allow for year-round hunting of certain species. Hunters pay for the privilege of hunting on these private properties, which often provide guided hunts and accommodations. This system allows for a controlled hunting environment, often focusing on exotic or non-native species that are not regulated by state wildlife agencies. However, even in these scenarios, hunters are usually required to have a valid hunting license and follow the ranch rules and guidelines.

Hunting on private property or your own land in Utah requires a complete understanding of your respective state’s regulations to protect the wildlife population and hunters' rights. By obtaining the proper licenses and permits and following the state guidelines, you should be able to hunt on your private property and any public lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt on other private property, and try to be an ethical hunter.