Beginning Aug. 1, hunters under the age of 12 can buy a license to hunt small game in Utah. They must first complete the state's hunter education course, however.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. recently signed a bill from the 2006 Utah legislative session that removes the minimum age to hunt small game and wild turkey in Utah.
"We're excited about this change," said Lenny Rees, hunter education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "It gives young people a chance to get outdoors with their parents and experience the joy of hunting at an earlier age."
Before the bill was introduced to state legislators, Rees surveyed the 11 western states. He learned that Utah and Montana had the most restrictive regulations regarding when people can begin hunting.
"Eight of the states do not have a minimum age requirement, and Idaho allows young people to start hunting small game at the age of 10," he said
After young hunters have obtained their license, they can't hunt unless they're accompanied by their parent or a person 21 years of age or older who has been approved by their parent to take them hunting.