House backs bill lowering the age limit on hunting

Despite protests from some GOP hunters that it might become more difficult to obtain deer hunting licenses, the House endorsed a bill by Rep. Curtis Oda, R-Clearfield, that would lower the age limit for those hunting big game from 14 to 12.

HB329 and its cousin bill HB328, which eliminates all age restrictions for small-game hunting, bring Utah more in line with other Western states' age restrictions.

"We're obviously way behind in what is an acceptable (age) standard in the West," said Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem.

Others weren't as concerned with neighboring states and were more concerned about being able to deer hunt during the season.

"I think maybe we ought to leave it at 14, then everybody who wants to get a deer permit can get one," Ogden Republican Joe Murray.

The bills now go to the Senate.