Proxy Hunting
79Ford
8/19/07 6:48pm
Can anyone she some light on Utah's laws on proxy hunting? My dad drew a deer tag this year and about two months ago we found out he has cancer. He had surgery to remove the cancerous tissue under his (shooting) arm and now is not going to be able to shoot his rifle. Hunting has always meant so much to him so even with all that is going on he still wants to get out there and hunt. My nephew, his grandson, is coming into town for the hunt and my dad wants him to be able to shoot his deer for him. Is there any way the fish and game will allow this to happen legally? (???)
I searched the fish and game website but could not find much on the subject. I hoped that someone in here would know, or be able to send me in the right direction. I dont even know if it's possible without him being blind, or having lost one or more limbs.
I searched the fish and game website but could not find much on the subject. I hoped that someone in here would know, or be able to send me in the right direction. I dont even know if it's possible without him being blind, or having lost one or more limbs.
2,962
However, I tend to agree with MM...I read the proclamation and it does state that party hunting (someone shooting an animal for someone else) is illegal (I believe it's illegal in just about every state)
With that being said, there ARE proxy hunting programs but I do not have a lot of info on it. I'll see what I can dig up for you.
I think the best thing you can do is give the game department a ring and see what they have to say.
Under the Americans with Disability act no disabled person can be denied opportunity because of disability. This is even if that opportunity has to be assigned by proxy. This is federal law and no state will challenge that especially since denial of the law would mean the state would be in jepardy of losing federal funding.
Like I said, make a phone call.
This is from the Utah administrative laws/regulations:
Rule R657-12. Hunting and Fishing Accommodations for People With Disabilities. As in effect on August 1, 2007 (Portion thereof..I didn't want to post the whole thing. The link to the entire law/regulation is below)
R657-12-5. Companion Hunting and Fishing.
(1) A person may take protected wildlife for a person who is blind, upper extremity disabled or quadriplegic provided the blind, upper extremity disabled or quadriplegic person:
(a) satisfies hunter education requirements as provided in Section 23-19-11 and Rule R657-23;
(b) possesses the appropriate license, permit and tag;
(c) obtains a Certificate of Registration from the division authorizing the companion to take protected wildlife for the blind, upper extremity disabled or quadriplegic person; and
(d) is accompanied by a companion who has satisfied the hunter education requirements provided in Section 23-19-11 and Rule R657-23.
(2) A person who is blind may obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Division by submitting a signed statement by a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist or physician verifying that the applicant is blind as defined in Section R657-12-2(2)(a).
(3)(a) A person who is upper extremity disabled or quadriplegic may obtain a Certificate of Registration from the division upon submitting evidence of the disability.
(b) The division shall accept the following as evidence of an applicant's disability:
(i) obvious physical disability demonstrating the applicant is quadriplegic or upper extremity disabled as defined in Section R657-12-2(2)(d); or
(ii) a signed statement by a licensed physician verifying that the applicant is quadriplegic or upper extremity disabled as defined in Section R657-12-2(2)(d).
(4) The hunting or fishing companion must be accompanied by the blind, upper extremity disabled or quadriplegic person at all times while hunting or fishing, at the time of take, and while transporting the protected wildlife.
The link to this law/regulation and all other disabled fishing/hunting regs is:
Also, the next link is to a advocacy group for disabled outdoors enthusiasts:
Lastly, here is a bit of info on the number of disabled certificates that Utah registered in 2002 (last study):
During 2002, the UDWR issued a total of 3,857 Certificates of Registration (CORs) to fishermen and hunters with disabilities (2,042 physically disabled and 1,257 mentally disabled fishermen; 330 for shooting from a vehicle; 200 for shooting with a crossbow; 28 for companion hunting).
A COR is a special document, similar to fishing or hunting licenses — but issued at no cost, which allows fishermen and hunters with disabilities, to participate in special programs and opportunities offered by the UDWR.
GOOD LUCK FORD! I HOPE THIS HELPS.
I fell 20 feet and broke my arm and dislocated my shoulder on labor day when I was 17. They had to do surgery and put a metal rod in the middle of the bone from my shoulder to my elbow. I spent 5 days in the hospital and the doc told me I would have my arm in a sling for 6 months. I figured my hunting season had come to an end. However, I just couldn't handle not being able to hunt and so I decided to start shooting lefty and I was able to go hunting in October. I can shot with either hand now. I shoot a bow lefty and either hand with muzzleloader/rifle..although I'm right handed.
I'm not sure if your dad could take the rifle recoil, because he has a different set of circumstances. However, he may want to consider trying to shoot with his good arm?
Sounds like one heck of fishing trip too!