Is It Legal to Trap and Kill Raccoons in Utah [Latest Guide]

Raccoons live inside the city limits of most of Utah’s towns and cities. Raccoons are most likely the most destructive of all the wild creatures that have adjusted to city life. But is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in Utah?

In this article, we will read about a few Utah laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in Utah.

Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in Utah?

Trapping raccoons in Utah is legal, but the Utah Code prohibits the importation, distribution, relocation, holding in custody, or possession of live raccoons, except for situations when the State Veterinarian’s office at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Wildlife permits it.

A permit allowing the applicant to keep raccoons in live captivity for research, education, zoos, circuses, or other purposes approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food may be issued by the department following the submission of a request for registration with the department using forms provided by the department.

Every raccoon must have a separate permit from the department, and each key is only suitable for the particular raccoon for which it was initially granted.

Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in Utah?

In Utah, raccoons are not protected. They can be taken without a license for hunting or trapping. Without permission, it is against Utah state law to possess a live raccoon. Raccoon hunting, harvesting, or trapping is not required to have a furbearer license.

Night-time hunting is not permitted unless the county has a law that permits it. To discover out, get in touch with the sheriff. Utah laws are environment-friendly and do not allow animals to be killed unnecessarily. Still, some animals have considered permitting hunting because of the benefits offered to animals.

Also, hunting is allowed when wild raccoons become harmful to human life. If a raccoon harms crops or domesticated animals on a property, the owner, members of their immediate family, workers, or tenants may shoot or trap the animal.

Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in Utah

A person who has been granted permission to keep a live raccoon or coyote is not allowed to lend, assign, sell, lease, give, or otherwise transfer the permission or any rights it confers. The permit of another person may not be used or attempted to be used by anyone.

Any cable devices used to catch a furbearer, coyote, or raccoon must have a breakaway lock device that will release when a force higher than 300 lbs. is applied to the loop, except for that set-in water or with a loop size less than 3 inches in diameter. 

If the applicant is subject to an administrative or court order halting any hunting, or trapping; (ii) has violated any provision of Title 23 of the Utah Code, or guidelines or handbooks of the Wildlife Board; or (iii) has failed to pay the $10 one-time license fee, the division may refuse to issue a trap registration license.

Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in Utah

Shooting a raccoon is entirely legal, but you risk getting a ticket to use a gun outside the municipal limits. In Utah, it is against the law to use a firearm to kill any animal within a city. But in rural places, shooting a troublesome raccoon can work to stop additional harm.

It is prohibited to take furbearers by shooting them or using dogs to help you do it a one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after dusk.

It is also stated in the laws of Utah that killing animals unnecessarily is brutal and unethical. It should be discouraged among people. However, if raccoons are harming you, killing them becomes necessary, and the wildlife authorities are there to help you.

How Can You Trap Raccoons in Utah?

The easiest technique to catch troublesome raccoons in urban areas is by using:

• Cage-type live traps are at least 10 inches wide by 12 inches high by 32 inches long and made of sturdy materials.
• Fish, sardines, meat, or fruit can all be used as bait for the traps. Given that raccoons will dig up all the vegetation and anything else within reach once captured, the trap should be set up on a piece of plywood or another hard surface.
• In remote regions, conibear traps may help manage raccoon problems. For raccoons, a No. 112 to 2 coil-spring surprise is advised. Conibear traps typically result in the immediate death of the caught animal. 
• Leghold or conibear trapping is problematic and should not be tried without the proper training. If the trap is set up improperly, there is considerable potential for stray cats, dogs, or other creatures to get ensnared and hurt.

How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in Utah?

Raccoon and opossum hunting is permitted, but only at night. This can be done by

• Guns with a 22-caliber rimfire round (excluding. 22-magnums) or one-shot weapons. It is allowed to use 410-gauge shotguns with shots no more significant than size 6.
• Treed raccoons can be killed with a. 22-caliber rifle. Headshots are encouraged.
•  If an animal is seen in a brutally killed manner, you must pay a fine. 0.22 caliber gunshots are permissible if the user has a license.
• By following the above-stated methods, you can hunt and shoot raccoons on your own. However, it is always better to have official permission or involve them so they can do their work independently.  

Wrapping it up

Trapping and killing raccoons are permissible in Utah. You might be able to get a local humane organization, private pest management company, or animal shelter to get rid of the raccoon for you.

Physically moving a raccoon to a new site is a noble option. However, it still risks the animal attempting to return to its original spot or succumbing to physiological stress. It is advisable to get rid of raccoons professionally to minimize contamination. You can always report the authorities and have them come over to look at your raccoon problem. 

References

• Cornell Law School