CASPER, Wyo. — Over 1,000 wild animals were illegally killed in Utah in 2020.
“In 2020, a total of 1,056 animals were killed illegally in the state,” the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) said on Monday. “In 2019, a total of 1,080 animals were taken. The total combined value of the wildlife illegally killed in 2020 was more than $379,000. In 2019, the total value was more than $406,500.”
While the number of animals illegally killed dropped in 2020, the Utah DWR says that citations increased from 499 in 2019 to 773 in 2020.
“The overall number of violations detected by DWR conservation officers last year (this includes citations for unlawful take and wanton destruction) was 4,760, compared to 3,525 violations in 2019,” the release states.
35 people had their hunting and fishing privileges suspended in Utah in 2020, down from 84 in 2019.
“Utah is a member state of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. License suspensions in Utah are recognized in all the other states in the U.S., except Hawaii,” the release adds.
Utah DWR Captain Wyatt Bubak added: “Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal for legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and everyday citizens to enjoy. Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah’s wildlife.”
People are encouraged to report suspicious activity.
“You can call the UTiP hotline — 1-800-662-DEER (3337) — which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or report the activity online on the DWR website,” the release states. “If you witness a possible violation, and you can’t remember the hotline number, do a quick internet search on your phone or look at your hunting or fishing license — the number is printed on it.”
Bubak said: “We need your help. Please keep your eyes and ears open and report suspicious activity to us. Working together, we can enforce wildlife laws and also keep those recreating outdoors safe.”
Utah DWR notes that not all violations are committed intentionally: “To learn about common illegal hunting mistakes, visit the DWR website.”
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
