Utah’s wildlife is in grave danger, and the numbers are shocking. In little over a month, more than 100 animals were illegally killed in the state, including deer, elk, moose, and even protected species like the pronghorn¹. This wave of poaching isn’t just a statistic—it’s a direct threat to the future of our state’s ecosystems, recreational hunting, and natural heritage.

Poaching has always been an issue, but the recent surge before the fall hunting season has raised alarm among wildlife officials. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has already issued nearly 850 citations for wildlife violations², yet the problem continues to worsen. With only 53 conservation officers patrolling Utah’s vast wilderness, they simply cannot cover enough ground. The illegal killing of wildlife is going unchecked, and without immediate intervention, we risk losing more of the animals that are vital to Utah’s environment.

Why This Matters

Poaching isn’t just a crime against wildlife; it’s a crime against all of us. When poachers kill animals illegally, they disrupt natural ecosystems, deplete wildlife populations, and tarnish the reputation of responsible hunters. This is about more than a few isolated incidents—these illegal killings threaten the balance of nature in Utah, a state known for its rich biodiversity and outdoor recreation.

Deer, elk, and other game are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems. When poachers target these animals, the damage ripples across the entire food chain. The illegal hunting of over 60 fish and 25 other protected species further compounds the issue³. The consequences of unchecked poaching could take years to repair, leaving our wildlife vulnerable to even greater losses in the future.

Utah’s wildlife laws are designed to protect our animals, but they are only as effective as their enforcement. Right now, our conservation officers are outnumbered and outpaced. While the DWR has received more than 200 public tips in recent weeks, there simply aren’t enough officers to follow up on every lead⁴. Poaching is out of control, and unless we act now, the problem will continue to grow.

We Need Stronger Action Now

The penalties for poaching in Utah can be severe, with fines reaching up to $45,000 for illegally killing trophy animals like bighorn sheep⁵. However, these penalties are not enough to deter poachers who believe they can evade the law. To stop this, we need a stronger force of conservation officers in the field, equipped with the resources to investigate and prosecute poaching crimes.

In addition to hiring more officers, we must push for increased penalties for poaching convictions. Harsher fines, longer license suspensions, and tougher restitution requirements will help send a clear message that Utah will not tolerate the illegal killing of its wildlife. This isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about ensuring that our children and future generations will be able to experience the wildlife and natural beauty that make Utah unique.

What You Can Do

We cannot sit back and watch as poachers steal Utah’s wildlife from us. It’s time to demand immediate action. By signing this petition, you are joining a growing number of Utahns who care about protecting our wildlife and ensuring that conservation officers have the resources they need to stop poachers in their tracks. Together, we can hold poachers accountable and preserve our natural heritage.

Help us protect Utah’s wildlife before it’s too late. Sign the petition now and make your voice heard.

More on this issue:

1. Carter Williams, KSL (10 September 2024), "1. KSL, Over 100 Utah Animals Illegally Killed Over Past Month."
2. Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio (10 September 2024), "More Than 100 Animals Poached in Utah Since Aug. 1."
3. Derick Fox, ABC4 (10 September 2024), "Over 100 Wildlife Illegally Poached in One Month."
4. Michael Martin, Fox13 Now (10 September 2024), "4. Fox13 Now, 104 Animals Illegally Killed in Utah Since August."
5. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (29 August 2024), "Know the Consequences."