Two western states look to expand equipment available to hunters in the future. Idaho has updated and expanded laws around archery equipment while Utah will likely join the ranks of states that allow hunting with pneumatic rifles.
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation allowing the use of lighted nocks and mechanical broadheads for archery seasons. Bill Sponsor State Rep. Brandon Mitchell noted that Idaho was the last state to permit these useful tools for finding arrows and making effective kills.
In Utah, the legislature sent a bill to Gov. Spencer Cox that would permit the use of air rifles that generate at least 2,000 pounds per square inch to be used for hunting. Senate Bill 205 allows the Utah Wildlife Board and the Division of Wildlife Resources to determine which species may be hunted with air rifles. Gov. Cox’s signature would allow Utah to join most other states that also allow air rifles for hunting.
“It is important to distinguish that these air rifles are significantly more powerful than their average run of the mill BB guns. Pneumatic air rifles generate at least 2,000 pounds per square inch of force and are being used for hunting in a majority of states,” said Dillon Barto, manager of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
