Keep in mind that Utah’s hunting laws change yearly, so double-check the current guidebook before your hunt. And don’t forget proper gear from Hunting Locator’s store—Utah’s weather can turn nasty fast.
Here’s what we’re covering in this ultimate Utah hunting guide:
- Season dates and bag limits for every species (big game through small game)
- Real costs after the September 2025 fee increases
- Where to actually hunt: public access, guides, and private land options
Whether you’re checking dates for your annual deer hunt or planning your first Utah adventure, everything you need is right here.
Quick Overview: Season Dates, Utah Hunting Licenses, and Regulations
Utah makes you jump through hoops: you need both a hunting license AND species-specific permits or tags. Most big game permits come through the drawing system, with applications due March-April and results posted by mid-May. Born after December 31, 1965? You’ll need hunter education first. The hunter education certificate costs $12.
Check out our Utah hunting resources page for the full picture on Utah’s hunting opportunities.
Sticker Shock Alert: Non-resident fees went up big time September 1, 2025. Drawing applications now cost non-residents $21 each—up $5. Plus non-resident annual licenses jumped from $120 to $144.
| License/Permit Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Deer Tag | $40.00 | ~$599 (general season) |
| Limited Entry Deer | $65.00 | ~$1,070 (LE) / ~$2,330 (Premium LE Multi-Season) |
| General Elk | $65.00 | Varies by hunt type |
| Limited Entry Elk | $215.00 | ~$800+ |
| Pronghorn | $55.00 | Contact DWR |
| Turkey | $30.00 | Contact DWR |
| Bison | Contact DWR | ~$4,840 |
| Bighorn Sheep (Ram) | Contact DWR | ~$3,988 |
| Mountain Goat | Contact DWR | ~$3,488 |
Utah hunting runs August through March depending on what you’re after. Dates change by unit for most hunts—always verify your specific unit in the current DWR guidebook.
| Species | Season Type | Start Date | End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery (Limited Entry) | Aug 16, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | 1 buck |
| Deer | General Any-Weapon | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | 1 buck |
| Deer | Extended Either-Sex (Various Units) | Sep 12, 2026 | Nov 30 | Varies by unit |
| Deer | Muzzleloader (Limited Entry) | Varies by unit | Varies by unit | 1 buck |
| Elk | Archery (Limited Entry) | Aug 16, 2026 | Sep 12 | 1 elk |
| Elk | General Any-Bull | Varies by unit | Varies by unit | 1 bull |
| Elk | General Spike Bull | Varies by unit | Varies by unit | 1 spike bull |
| Elk | Any Legal Weapon (Bull) | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | 1 bull |
| Elk | Any Legal Weapon (Cow) | Varies by unit | Jan 13, 2027 | 1 cow |
| Elk | Extended Archery (West Cache) | Varies | Jan 31, 2027 | 1 elk |
| Pronghorn | Archery | Aug 16, 2026 | Aug. 31, 2026 | 1 buck |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | Sep 15, 2026 | Sep. 30, 2026 | 1 buck |
| Pronghorn | Any Legal Weapon | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | Varies by unit |
| Moose | Any Legal Weapon (Draw Only) | Sep. 1, 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | 1 moose |
| Bighorn Sheep | Any Legal Weapon (Draw Only) | Sep. 1, 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | 1 ram |
| Mountain Goat | Any Legal Weapon (Draw Only) | Sep. 1, 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | 1 goat |
| Bison | Any Legal Weapon (Draw Only) | Aug 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 1 bison |
| Bison | New Cow Hunt (2026-2027) | TBD | TBD | 1 cow |
| Black Bear | Spring Season | Apr 15, 2026 | Jul 15 | 1 bear |
| Black Bear | Fall Season | Aug 15 | Sep 30 | 1 bear |
| Cougar | Winter Season | Feb 1 | Mar 15 | Quota based |
| Cougar | Fall Season | Aug 1, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | Quota based |
| Wild Turkey | Youth Hunt | May 1, 2026 | May 3, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Wild Turkey | Limited Entry Draw | Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 30, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Wild Turkey | General Season | May 4, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Wild Turkey | Fall (Northern/Central/SE) | Oct 1, 2026 | February 28, 2027 | 1 turkey (either sex) |
Don’t Forget: Report your hunt within 30 days or you can’t apply next year. Starting 2026, late reports cost you $50 extra.
Utah Deer Hunting
Mule deer hunting is Utah’s bread and butter—everyone wants in. You’ve got everything from easy-to-draw general seasons to trophy limited-entry hunts that take decades of points. Since permits lock you to specific units, make sure your license matches where you plan to hunt. Utah’s bonus point system is pretty straightforward: more points equal more chances in the draw, like raffle tickets.
Our Utah deer hunting guide breaks down unit selection and hunting strategies for Utah’s most popular big game.
Utah Deer Hunting Seasons
Limited Entry Archery (August 16 – September 12, 2026): The holy grail of Utah deer hunting. Draw-only with 1 buck limit during peak rutting activity. You’ll need serious points built up—these tags are brutally competitive. Utah uses a hybrid bonus point system for limited-entry hunts where points boost your odds but don’t guarantee anything.
General Any-Weapon (October 17-25, 2026): Your best shot at hunting deer without playing the points game. Nine days, 1 buck limit, and way more accessible than limited-entry hunts. Most resident hunters can count on drawing these tags.
Extended Either-Sex (September 12 – November 30, 2026): Available in Box Elder, West Bear River, Herriman South Valley, Ogden, Uintah Basin, Utah Lake, Wasatch Front, and West Cache units. Bag limits change by unit. Get an archery permit in 2026 and complete the extended archery ethics course, and you can hunt any extended archery area.
Muzzleloader Limited Entry: Dates vary by unit, 1 buck limit. Great option for primitive weapon hunters who want quality bucks during prime hunting conditions.
Utah Deer Hunting Regulations
- Harvest Reporting: Report within 30 days or you’re locked out next year. Starting 2026, late reports cost $50 extra.
- Bonus Points: Don’t draw? You get a bonus point for next year. You can also just apply for points without hunting to build up your chances.
- Group Applications: Up to four hunters can apply together for limited-entry and general deer hunts, but everyone needs the same number of bonus points.
- Unit Rules: Each unit has its own weapon restrictions, dates, and access rules. Check your specific unit before hunting.
- Extended Archery Course: Required for extended archery areas. Must be current for the hunting year.
Utah Elk Hunting
Utah elk hunting covers all the bases: general any-bull hunts for regular folks, trophy limited-entry experiences for point holders, and cow hunts that run into winter. With seasons spanning from August archery through January cow hunts, there’s something for every type of elk hunter.
Check out our Utah elk hunting guide for the complete breakdown on unit selection and hunting tactics.
Utah Elk Hunting Seasons
Limited Entry Archery (August 16 – September 12, 2026): The cream of the crop. Draw-only, 1 elk limit during peak bugling season. These hunts take years of points and represent Utah’s best elk opportunities.
General Seasons: Any-Bull and Spike Bull hunts vary by unit, 1 bull limit each. Spike hunts are easier to draw and perfect for building points toward limited-entry tags.
Any Legal Weapon Seasons: Bull season runs just three days (December 1-3, 2026) with 1 bull limit. Cow seasons stretch through January 13, 2027 (1 cow limit) and offer great action as elk bunch up on winter range.
Extended Archery (West Cache): Runs clear through January 31, 2027 with 1 elk limit. Draw an archery elk permit in 2026, complete the ethics course, and you can hunt extended archery areas.
Utah Elk Hunting Regulations
- Harvest Reporting: Report within 30 days or pay $50 late fee starting 2026. Miss the deadline entirely and you can’t apply next year.
- Spike Definition: Check the current guidebook—usually means no branching above the ears.
- Cow Permits: Separate application from bull permits. Availability depends on unit population goals.
- Extended Archery Course: Must be current for hunting extended areas.
- CWMU Option: Utah’s CWMU program opened over 2 million acres of private land to public hunting. Landowners get transferable tags, giving you guaranteed opportunities outside the public draw.
Utah Pronghorn Hunting
Pronghorn hunting in Utah means wide open country and long shots across sagebrush flats. Every pronghorn hunt is draw-only with 1 buck limits, making them competitive but worth the wait for successful applicants.
Visit our Utah pronghorn hunting page for complete details.
Utah Pronghorn Hunting Seasons
Three seasons give you options: Archery (August 16-31, 2026), Rifle (September 15-30, 2026), and Any Legal Weapon (September 1 – November 15, 2026). All maintain 1 buck limits with bag limits varying by unit for the any-weapon season. Every single hunt requires drawing a permit.
Utah Pronghorn Hunting Regulations
- Draw-Only: No over-the-counter pronghorn tags exist. Bonus points affect your drawing odds.
- Buck Only: 1 buck limit across all seasons. No antlerless pronghorn hunting currently available.
- Reporting: 30-day reporting requirement with late fees starting 2026.
- Unit-Specific: Your permit locks you to one unit—know your boundaries.
- Group Apps: Up to 4 hunters can apply together if everyone has equal bonus points.
Utah Once-in-a-Lifetime Species Hunting
Moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison represent Utah’s most exclusive hunting. These draw-only hunts have tiny permit numbers, and once-in-a-lifetime fees saw the biggest proportional increases in the recent fee hikes.
Utah Moose Hunting Information
Any Legal Weapon season: September 1 – December 31, 2026. Draw-only permits, 1 moose limit. Extremely competitive—expect to build points for many years. See our Utah Moose Hunting Season page for details.
Utah Bighorn Sheep Hunting Information
Any Legal Weapon season: September 1 – December 31, 2026. Draw-only permits, 1 ram limit. No group applications allowed for once-in-a-lifetime species. More info at our Utah Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting Season page.
Utah Mountain Goat Hunting Information
Any Legal Weapon season: September 1 – December 31, 2026. Draw-only permits, 1 goat limit. These hunts happen in Utah’s nastiest terrain—you better be in shape and know how to handle steep country.
Utah Bison Hunting Information
Any Legal Weapon season: August 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027. Draw-only permits, 1 bison limit. Utah’s adding a new cow hunt for 2026-2027 with dates TBD. Full details at our Utah Bison Hunting Season page.
Utah Black Bear Hunting
Utah gives you two shots at black bears: spring when they’re coming out of dens and fall when they’re packing on fat for winter. Bear and cougar numbers have dropped recently but remain stable.
Check our Utah Black Bear Hunting Season guide for complete information.
Utah Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Spring Season (April 15 – July 15, 2026): Long season when bears are focused on feeding after winter. 1 bear limit applies to both seasons combined.
Fall Season (August 15 – September 30, 2026): Bears are actively feeding before hibernation, making for good hunting when they’re moving and feeding heavily.
Utah Black Bear Hunting Regulations
- Permits Required: All bear hunting needs proper permits. Some units operate on quota systems.
- One Bear: 1 bear limit total across both spring and fall seasons.
- Reporting: 30-day requirement with specific bear harvest documentation needed.
- Quotas: Many units close when harvest quotas are reached.
- Baiting Rules: Check current regulations for your unit’s baiting restrictions.
Utah Minor Game Species Hunting
Utah’s minor game species offer great opportunities for new hunters and provide exciting challenges for experienced hunters. Liberal seasons and bag limits make these species accessible while still offering plenty of action.
Utah Wild Turkey Hunting Information
Turkey hunting spans from spring youth hunts through long fall seasons. Youth Hunt (May 1-3, 2026), Limited Entry Draw (April 11-30, 2026), and General Season (May 4-31, 2026) all have 1 bearded turkey limits. Fall seasons in Northern, Central, and Southeast regions run October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 with 1 turkey (either sex) limits.
Visit our Utah Turkey Hunting Season page for detailed information.
Utah Waterfowl Hunting Information
Utah waterfowl hunting covers multiple species across different zones and seasons. Early Teal season (September 6-26, 2026) has 6 daily limits. Youth weekend (October 3-4, 2026) uses regular limits. Duck and Goose seasons split between Northern Zone (October 17 – December 12, 2026, and January 8-30, 2027) and Southern Zone (October 24 – December 14, 2026, and January 15 – March 10, 2027) with 6 duck daily limits.
Hunt doves, pigeons, cranes, geese, ducks, coots or snipes? You must register in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program. See our Utah Waterfowl Hunting Season page for everything else.
Utah Small Game Hunting Information
Small game provides year-round action with generous seasons and limits. Rabbit and Hare (October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027) have 8 daily limits each. Gray Squirrel hunting runs year-round with 10 daily limits. Mourning Dove season (September 1 – November 20, 2026) allows 15 daily.
Complete small game details at our Utah Small Game Hunting Season page.
Utah Upland Game Hunting Information
Upland game includes Ruffed Grouse and Chukar Partridge (October 1-30, November 2026, 8 daily combined), Hungarian Partridge (November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027, 4 daily), and Rails & Coots (September 1 – November 9, 2026, 25 rails/15 coots daily).
See our Utah Game Bird Hunting Season page for detailed upland information.
Utah Predator and Furbearer Hunting Information
Predator hunting includes year-round Coyote hunting with no limits on private land and restrictions on public land. The DWR pays $100 for documented coyote harvest in deer habitat and $50 for each coyote outside deer habitat.
Cougar hunting uses quota systems: Winter Season (February 1 – March 15, 2026) and Fall Season (August 1 – October 31, 2026). Bobcat hunting varies by unit with quotas. Red Fox hunting (November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027) has no limits.
Where to Hunt in Utah
Utah’s a public land hunter’s dream with 79% public ownership. That means massive hunting opportunities from desert to alpine country. Only 21% is private—think Forest Service and BLM lands everywhere.
Best Public Lands
Over 23 million acres of public hunting land managed by different agencies:
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest: Over 2.1 million acres offering mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, and wild turkey. Diverse terrain from foothills to high alpine basins.
- Dixie National Forest: About 2 million acres in southwestern Utah with excellent mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and turkey hunting. Desert to mountain transitions provide diverse hunting.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM): 23 million acres designated for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Massive opportunities across Utah’s varied landscapes.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): State-managed properties designed specifically for wildlife and hunting access. Concentrated game populations and managed hunting opportunities.
Guided Hunts
Utah’s guide industry provides access to prime areas through experienced outfitters who know the country and the game. Guided hunts offer guaranteed access, local knowledge, equipment, and field care services.
CWMU Hunts: Utah’s CWMU program opened over 2 million acres of private land to public hunting. Landowners get tags for deer, elk, antelope, and moose with liberal seasons and can transfer these tags. This lets hunters skip the draw system completely—guaranteed tags for rifle and archery hunters.
Private Land Hunting
Private land hunting requires direct contact with landowners since the Division can’t provide landowner names or contacts. You’ll need to do your own research and make your own access arrangements.
Walk-in Access Program: Walk-In-Access (WIA) locations are leased by the state for hunting, fishing, and recreation. Enrolled landowners get compensation from the state, providing free public access to private lands.
For hunters wanting guaranteed access and quality experiences, private land leasing offers an excellent solution. Hunting Locator connects hunters with landowners across Utah offering lease and purchase opportunities. Our database includes verified properties from small upland parcels to large big game ranches. With detailed property info, direct landowner contact, and transparent pricing, we eliminate the guesswork in securing private hunting access. Most hunters find suitable leases within two weeks of joining our platform—the efficient solution for Utah’s competitive hunting market.
FAQ
When do Utah hunting license applications open for 2026-2027?
Applications for all big game run March 20-April 24, 2025, with results posted by May 15th. The 2026-2027 season will follow the same timeline, opening in March 2026. Non-residents should know that drawing applications now cost $21 each—up $5 starting September 1, 2025.
How much do non-resident licenses cost after the 2025 increases?
Non-resident fees jumped hard September 1, 2025. General-season buck deer permits went from $418 to $599, limited-entry from $670 to $1,070. Premium limited-entry multi-season deer permits hit about $2,330, while annual hunting licenses increased from $120 to $144.
What are Utah’s harvest reporting requirements?
Report your big game hunt within 30 days or you can’t apply next year. Starting 2026, late reports cost you an extra $50 on top of being locked out of applications.
How does Utah’s bonus point system work?
Utah uses a hybrid system for limited-entry elk, deer, antelope, and once-in-a-lifetime species where bonus points work like raffle tickets—more points mean more chances in the draw. Don’t draw? You get a bonus point for that species for next year’s application, or you can just apply for bonus points only to build them up.
Can hunters apply as groups for Utah big game hunts?
Up to four hunters can apply together for limited-entry deer, elk, antelope and general deer hunts, but everyone in the group must have identical bonus points. However, group applications aren’t allowed for once-in-a-lifetime species like moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison.
The Final Shot
Utah’s 2026-2027 seasons deliver everything from world-class elk hunting to accessible small game opportunities. Yeah, non-resident fees hurt now, and the reporting requirements got stricter, but Utah still offers some of the West’s best hunting. Whether you’re grinding out points for that dream hunt or enjoying general season opportunities, success comes down to knowing the rules, securing good access, and being ready for Utah’s unpredictable conditions. With massive public land access and programs like CWMU opening private ground, Utah works for every budget and hunting style—just be ready to play the game smart.
