Utah Admin. Code 657-5-8

Current through Bulletin 2024-18, September 15, 2024

Section R657-5-8 - Rifles, Shotguns, Airguns, and Crossbows

(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.

Utah Admin. Code R657-5-8

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-5, effective 2/7/2018

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2019-5, effective 2/7/2019

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-14, effective 7/11/2023

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-04, effective 2/7/2024