1. (1) A rifle used to hunt big game must:

   1. (a) fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets; and
   2. (b) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

2. (2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must:

   1. (a) be 20 gauge or larger;
   2. (b) fire only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition; and
   3. (c) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

3. (3) An airgun used to hunt big game must:

   1. (a) be pneumatically powered;
   2. (b) be pressurized solely through a separate charging device; and

   3. (c) may only fire a bolt or arrow:

      1. (i) with a fixed or expandable broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest position; and
      2. (ii) traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle; and
   4. (d) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

4. (4) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a positive mechanical safety mechanism.

   1. (b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must have:

      1. (i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or
      2. (ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position; and
      3. (iii) no electronic function other than an illuminated nock.

   2. (c) Unless otherwise authorized by the division through a certificate of registration, it is unlawful for any person to:

      1. (i) hunt big game with a crossbow or airgun during a big game archery hunt;
      2. (ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way; or
      3. (iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow utilizing a bolt that has any chemical, explosive, or electronic device attached.
5. (5) A crossbow used to hunt big game may have a telescopic sight only during an any weapon hunt but no other attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.

KEY: wildlife, game laws, big game seasons

Date of Last Change: October 22, 2025

Notice of Continuation: August 11, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-2-304; 23A-2-305; 23A-11-201; 23A-11-202