A statement has been jointly issued from Park City Municipal, Summit County, and the state Division of Wildlife Resources to clarify the hunting restrictions that exist in the Round Valley area.
The press release issued on January 24th said there has been some frustration heard from community members since a licensed hunter harvested a cow elk and perhaps accidentally shot another in the open space of Round Valley.
The statement said that the DWR, through the Utah Wildlife Board, has the primary authority to manage protected wildlife and regulate hunting in the state. The DWR has not closed any part of Summit County to hunters with the appropriate licenses and permits, and within the allowed seasons.
Nevertheless, there are several prohibitions or restrictions on hunting and firearm use within open space held by Park City or Summit County. The statement said these violations are a Class B Misdemeanor. That is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1000 fine.
In particular, members of the public can be cited under Utah Code for Criminal Trespass if they are found hunting on open space that has posted or noticed restrictions, put in place by Park City, Summit County or the Snyderville Recreation District.
Even if a person is hunting in compliance with state laws, they can still be subject to the criminal trespass statute, according to the statement.
Summit County Code also prohibits hunting access on its open space property, unless there are special facilities set aside.
In addition, DWR Code prohibits hunting and fishing on privately owned land that’s been properly posted, unless the landowner gives permission.
Utah Code prohibits discharging a firearm from a vehicle, from a highway or within 600 feet of a house or structure without the owner’s permission. The Code of Park City Municipal also prohibits discharging a firearm in city limits, except for an authorized activity like a gun club shooting range or police target range.
The statement said that a person can hike across city or county open space to access an adjacent property that’s open to hunting.
But an individual may not have a firearm with ammunition in the chamber or magazine. If they have a muzzleloader, it may not be charged. Or an archer may not have an arrow “Nocked” in the bow.
