LAST EDITED ON Aug-10-09 AT 03:21PM (MST)[p]This is a big issue with Utah state law, because you have DWR *RULES* that directly conflict with Utah laws.
In Utah, assuming you can legally own them (you're not a felon, etc.) firearms are ALWAYS legal in your domicile/house, and Utah law explicitly expands that to mean a tent, camp trailer, etc. They are also legal in/on your vehicle (including four wheelers, bikes, etc.). And open carrying a firearm is perfectly legal in Utah as long as the firearm is unloaded (empty chamber/full magazine for autos or no bullet under the hammer OR in the next cylinder for revolvers). If you have a permit, you can open carry a fully loaded firearm.
But you also have the DWR *RULE* that says you can't carry a firearm or have one even in your vehicle or camp while hunting unless you have a permit.
So which law takes priority? I'd argue that the laws clearly take precedence - in fact, the DWR legally can't make ANY firearms rules according to state law (check Utah's Uniform Firearms laws), but they do anyway. But considering the knowledge most DWR folks have on gun laws, I'd be very careful if you don't have a permit.
As a California (or any other state) resident, you can get a Utah permit. It takes several months, but the Utah permit is the best one to get because it is the most widely recognized in the country.