R657-5-11. Archery Equipment

  (1) Archery equipment may be used during any big game hunt, except a muzzleloader hunt, provided:

  (a) the minimum bow pull is 30 pounds at the draw or the peak, whichever comes first;

  (b) arrowheads used have two or more sharp cutting edges that cannot pass through a 7/8 inch ring;

  (c) expanding arrowheads cannot pass through a 7/8 inch ring when expanded, and

  (d) arrows must be a minimum of 20 inches in length from the tip of the arrowhead to the tip of the nock.

  (2) The following equipment or devices may not be used to take big game:

  (a) a crossbow, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

  (b) arrows with chemically treated or explosive arrowheads;

  (c) a mechanical device for holding the bow at any increment of draw, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

  (d) a release aid that is not hand held or that supports the draw weight of the bow, except as provided in Subsection (5) and Rule R657-12;

  (e) a bow with a magnifying aiming device; or

  (f) an airgun, except as provided in Subsection (5).

  (3) Arrows carried in or on a vehicle where a person is riding must be in an arrow quiver or a closed case.

  (4)(a) A person who has obtained an archery permit for a big game hunt may:

  (i) only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

  (ii) not possess or be in control of a crossbow, draw-lock, rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader while in the field during an archery hunt.

  (b) "Field" for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found, but does not include a hunter's established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck.

  (c) The provisions of Subsection (a) do not apply to:

  (i) a person lawfully hunting upland game or waterfowl;

  (ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the archery hunt, provided the person is in compliance with the regulations of that hunt and possesses only the weapons authorized for that hunt;

  (iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock;

  (iv) a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife; or

  (v) a person possessing a crossbow or draw-lock under a certificate of registration issued pursuant to R657-12.

  (5) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use archery equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit, and may also use a crossbow, draw-lock, or airgun satisfying the minimum requirements of this rule.

  (6)(a) A person hunting an archery-only season on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt may:

  (i) only use archery equipment authorized in Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and

  (ii) not possess or be in control of a crossbow, draw-lock, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or airgun while in the field during the archery-only season.

  (b) "Field" for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found, but does not include a hunter's established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck.