Hunting in Utah is more than a pastime; it’s a breathtaking experience that unfolds jaw-dropping scenery, diverse wildlife, and the thrill of trophy-quality hunts.
But hold your horses! It’s not all a walk in the park. Securing hunting tags for these big and trophy game species in Utah can be as elusive as the creatures themselves, with limited numbers available each year. So, how do you navigate this wilderness of regulations and opportunities?
Worry not; you’ve found the perfect guide. This article will serve as your reliable compass, helping you navigate all the important aspects of hunting in Utah. We’ll cover everything from permits and tags to the best hunting spots, as well as regulations specific to each species and tips on preparing for your hunt. Rest assured, we have all the information you need.
So, sit back and get your pen and paper because this guide will be loaded with everything you’ll need for great hunting in Utah. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
Utah Hunting Seasons
In the majestic landscapes of Utah, hunting seasons unfold with challenging and unique opportunities for hunters to connect with nature and test their hunting skills. Thanks to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), these seasons are regulated to ensure the sustainability of wildlife while promoting exciting outdoor experiences for hunters.
Here’s the rundown of the state’s hunting seasons:
| Deer Hunting | General Season: Late October Archery: Late August to mid-September Archery-Extended: Mid-September to late November Muzzleloader: Late September to early October |
| Elk Hunting | General Season: Early to late October Archery: Late August to late September Muzzleloader: Early to mid-November |
| Moose Hunting | Early September to mid-November |
| Bison Hunting | Early August to late January |
| Wild Turkey Hunting | Fall Season: Early October to late February Spring Season: Throughout May |
| Upland Bird Hunting | Pheasant: Late September to mid-February Grouse: Late September to mid-October Quail: Early November to late December Pigeon: Early to mid-September Crow: Throughout September; Early December to late February |
| Small Game Hunting | Rabbit: Early September to late February Kit & Gray Fox: Mid-September to early March Red Fox: Year-Round |
Popular Hunts in Utah
In the state’s wide and majestic hunting spaces, hunting enthusiasts are in for many possibilities and adventures. From its diverse landscape and thriving wildlife population, the state offers a variety of popular hunts.
Here are the popular and most-sought hunting opportunities in the wilderness of Utah:
Elk Hunting
Elk hunting in Utah is the stuff for legends. Imagine being in the heart of Utah Wilderness, and the crisp morning air is filled with the haunting call of an elk – well, that means you’re in for a thrilling elk hunting adventure!
What makes Utah’s elk hunting so famous? Two words: quantity and quality. The state’s diverse habitats support a thriving population of these magnificent creatures. In fact, Utah boasts one of the largest elk herds in the nation, so you really have a good chance of encountering their quarry.
But it’s not just the numbers that make Utah a premier destination for elk hunting—it’s also the size of the animals. Utah is renowned for its trophy bull elk. And these aren’t your average elks; we’re talking about majestic animals with sprawling, multi-point antlers that make for an impressive sight.
Elk Hunting Regulations
In Utah, elk hunting is regulated to balance opportunities for hunters with the conservation of elk populations. The state’s DWR handles two types of permits: the general season and limited-entry permits.
- General Season Permits: Anyone can grab one! They’re usually for hunting young, ‘spike’ bull elk. They are limited in number and region-specific, though.
- Limited-Entry Permits: These are for the big boys—the mature, antlered bull elk. They’re harder to get as they’re given out through a lottery system. They also have region and season restrictions.
Mule Deer Hunting
Like any state, mule deer is renowned for being graceful and beautiful. And in Utah, there’s something magical about seeing a mule deer bounding effortlessly across the terrain.
Utah is renowned for its mule deer hunting, thanks to a robust population and impressively antlered bucks. And the real charm lies in the quest—you’re not just hunting; you’re immersing yourself in the rugged splendor of Utah’s wilderness.
Mule Deer Hunting Regulations
Like the twists and turns of Utah’s topography, mule deer hunting in Utah is also regulated through the two major types of hunting permits; the general and limited permits.
Once you get your hunting permit, always remember that you’re only allowed to harvest one buck per year – and yes, regardless of your permit.
Moose Hunting
In Utah, these humongous species are surely a sight to behold in the wilderness. And their sheer size and the bull’s magnificent palmate antler drive their popularity among hunters.
Moose in Utah is a testament to the state’s diverse wildlife and robust conservation efforts. Whether you’re watching a moose serenely grazing in the wetlands or witnessing the impressive sight of a bull during the rut, the experience is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Sounds exciting, right? But remember that moose hunting is quite a privilege due to its strictly regulated and limited population. So if you want to hunt these magnificent creatures, you must call your luck and join the lottery.
Moose Hunting Regulations
To honor the conservation effort of the state for moose, you must understand the two types of permits when hunting moose.
- Once-in-a-lifetime Permits: These are exactly what they sound like. If you’re lucky enough to draw one of these permits, you’ll get to hunt a moose—just once in your lifetime. Note that these are only awarded through a lottery system.
- Antlerless Permits: These permits allow for hunting female Moose or young, antlerless males. They’re also distributed via a lottery system and help maintain a balanced and healthy moose population.
Bison Hunting
The state of Utah is one of the few places where you can hunt free-roaming bison, a testament to its successful conservation programs. And thanks to it, Utah hunters can experience hunting these awe-inspiring game species.
These magnificent creatures roam the windswept plains of Antelope Island and the breathtaking landscapes of the Henry Mountains.
However, note that bison hunting in the state is a rare and precious opportunity that is regulated carefully to ensure the thriving population of these species.
Bison Hunting Regulations
Like moose hunting, the state regulates the bison hunting permits through a lottery. And the hunting permits are typically once-in-a-lifetime and antlerless permits.
- Once-in-a-lifetime Permits: These are like your golden tickets—super rare and exciting! You get one shot in your life to hunt a bison if you snag one of these through the lottery.
- Antlerless Permits: These permits let you hunt female bison or young ones without horns. They’re also given out via a lottery system and play a big part in keeping our bison numbers balanced and healthy.
Utah’s Prime Hunting Locations
Between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin, Utah offers diverse landscapes, from towering mountains and verdant forests to sprawling deserts and serene wetlands. The wide range of habitats that supports various game species makes Utah a top-notch hunting destination.
Antelope Island State Park
Located in the southeastern portion of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island is a unique hunting destination known for its free-roaming bison herds. The island’s diverse terrain—from rocky cliffs and bare, craggy hills to grassy plains—offers an unparalleled hunting experience.
Hunters must draw a once-in-a-lifetime permit to hunt bison here. The hunting season is typically scheduled in the fall and is highly regulated to ensure the sustainability of the herd.
It’s not just about bison, though; you may also get to see mule deer and various birds while exploring the island’s wild beauty.
Henry Mountains
Located in the southern region of the state, the Henry Mountains harbor a unique, huntable, and free-roaming bison herd. But it’s not just about bison here; the mountains are home to thriving mule deer and elk populations, making it a popular attraction for hunters.
Hunting in this region requires drawing a permit through the state’s lottery system. The regulations are designed to ensure a healthy population of animals, providing opportunities for future generations of hunters to experience the thrill of the hunt in this stunning mountain landscape.
Wasatch Mountains
From the Idaho border to central Utah, the Wasatch Mountains are playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. With a tapestry of thick forests, open meadows, and snow-capped peaks, hunting here is like stepping into an epic adventure movie.
But really, what makes it a prime hunting location? Well, apart from the breathtaking scenery (seriously, every turn is a postcard-worthy view), it’s teeming with wildlife. The mountains are home to a hearty population of elk and mule deer.
As for hunting regulations, the state manages the area with general season and limited-entry permits. This ensures that everyone gets a fair shot and, most importantly, keeps the wildlife populations healthy and thriving.
Utah Hunting Regulations
Utah boasts a stunning landscape and diverse wildlife, providing ample opportunities for any hunter. However, to maintain the ecosystem and promote sustainable hunting practices, the state has established a comprehensive system of regulations.
Hunting License
First things first, you’re gonna need a hunting license. Think of it as your passport to the hunting world. There are different types to choose from depending on your residency status and preferences.
| License | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Combination License (Hunting and Fishing) | $38.00 | $85.00 |
| Basic Hunting | $34.00 | $65.00 |
| Multi-Year Hunting (Up-to five years) | First Year: $33.00 $30.00 each additional year | First Year: $64.00 $60.00 each additional year |
| Youth Hunting | Hunting Only: $11.00 Combination: $5.00 | Hunting Only: $11.00 Combination: $5.00 |
| Senior Combination (Hunting and Fishing) | $29.00 | N/A |
Hunting Permits and Tags
You’ll need a specific permit or tag depending on what and where you’re hunting. Yes, this is on top of your valid hunting license.
Remember, some are available over the counter, while others are awarded lottery-style. Adds a bit of suspense, right?
| Deer Permit | $40.00 | $268.00 |
| Deer Permit–Youth | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Elk Permit | Any Bull: $50.00 Spike Only: $50.00 | Any Bull: $393.00 Spike Only: $293.00 |
| Bison Permit | $413.00 | $1,513.00 |
| Moose Permit | $413.00 | $1,513.00 |
| Upland Game & Turkey Permit | $29.00 | $149.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25.00 | $25.00 |
Hunter Education
Before exploring the wilderness, there’s an important rite of passage to complete – the hunter-education course. Well, it’s a bit like “Hunting 101.”
Hunter education is designed to help folks understand the ins and outs of hunting, safety, ethics, and the responsibilities of being a hunter. So, if you were born after December 31, 1965, you must complete this course before you can get a hunting license in Utah.
Conclusion
Embarking on the adventure when hunting in Utah promises an unforgettable experience. The state brims with the beauty of diverse wildlife and stunning landscape, making the hunting experience unparallel.
Do you want to explore your options for your next hunting destination? Our hunt-by-state guide is a one-stop destination if you want to learn the hunting opportunities across the United States.