UT HB0168

Creates the Poaching Mitigation Fund to receive restitution money and investigation reimbursements, with funds used by the Division of Law Enforcement for anti-poaching programs, wildlife crime detection equipment, and law enforcement training

Removes "spotter" as a registration category and modifies guide/outfitter definitions so that guides must be employed or affiliated with an outfitter, and outfitters can now be entities rather than only individuals

Requires violators of wildlife laws to reimburse the Division of Law Enforcement for operational investigation expenses, including costs for covert activities and acquiring contraband or services used in commercial poaching ventures

Establishes criminal penalties for aircraft pilots who knowingly operate aircraft resulting in illegal wildlife taking: class B misdemeanor for first offense, class A for second, and third degree felony for subsequent violations

Adjusts guide/outfitter limits to allow up to three registered individuals for big game once-in-a-lifetime or limited entry hunts (previously limited to moose, bison, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat specifically), with effective date of May 6, 2026