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SALT LAKE CITY — The number of animals illegally killed in Utah dropped about 18% between 2022 and 2023, but the number of people cited for violations rose, according to new data released by Utah wildlife managers on Wednesday.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reports that there were 1,056 wild animals killed in 2023. Fish accounted for 485 of the animals, only nearly half of the cases, while another 305 big game species animals were killed. This includes 150 elk, 133 deer, 11 bison, seven bears and four moose.
Fifty-four of the combined deer and elk were trophy animals. The remaining 266 animals killed were either waterfowl, small game species or other species protected by the state, the agency noted.
In all, 4,567 citations were issued for violations in 2023, up 12% from the previous year.
"Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal for legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and everyday residents to enjoy. Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah's wildlife," said DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge in a statement.
There were 1,283 wild animals illegally killed in Utah the year before, including 334 big game animals. Overall, the combined value of the animals killed rose from $609,000 in 2022 to $619,000 in 2023 because of the number of trophy animals killed.
That's because poaching a trophy animal in Utah can result in steeper fines and penalties, including a felony conviction. The restitution fee for a trophy deer or elk is $8,000, while the overall trophy animal fee ranges from $2,000 for pronghorn to $30,000 for bighorn sheep, as outlined in state code.
People convicted of poaching can also have hunting and fishing privileges suspended in Utah and every other U.S. state aside from Hawaii under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Forty-six people had their hunting or fishing privileges suspended in Utah for violations last year.
Meanwhile, Utah wildlife officials took the time Wednesday to promote ways people can report wildlife violations. They urge anyone who sees any "illegal or suspicious" wildlife activities to call 1-800-662-3337 or text information to 847411, or report it either online or through the division's law enforcement app.
More than 1,600 tips were submitted last year.
"Our officers can't be everywhere at once, so we need your help. Please keep your eyes and ears open and report any suspicious wildlife-related activity to us," Bettridge said. "Working together, we can enforce wildlife laws to maintain healthy populations, and to also keep those recreating outdoors safe."
