{"id":8057,"date":"2026-09-03T22:11:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T22:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/?p=8057"},"modified":"2026-09-02T10:22:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T10:22:26","slug":"utah-small-game-hunting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-small-game-hunting\/","title":{"rendered":"Utah Small Game Season Guide for 2026: Dates, Limits &amp; Access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This Utah small game guide puts the 2026 season dates, bag limits, and license fees in one place, so you&#8217;re not piecing it together from a dozen tabs the night before opening day. Double-check final dates against the official <a href=\"https:\/\/wildlife.utah.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UDWR<\/a> guidebook before you head out \u2014 everything here reflects the most current authoritative information available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exact 2026\u201327 season dates and bag limits for every Utah small game species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resident and non-resident license costs, plus permit and education requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where to hunt \u2014 best public lands, private leases, and guided options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you get to the dates, it&#8217;s worth checking&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">small game gear<\/a>&nbsp;at the Hunting Locator store. Now, the numbers that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/a9cc8101-e725-4762-96c2-9a0345c6daa3.jpeg\" alt=\"Utah small game\" class=\"wp-image-8064\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/a9cc8101-e725-4762-96c2-9a0345c6daa3.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/a9cc8101-e725-4762-96c2-9a0345c6daa3-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/a9cc8101-e725-4762-96c2-9a0345c6daa3-768x398.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Overview: Utah Small Game Seasons at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Utah small game season date and bag limit for 2026, in one table. These figures reflect the most current authoritative data available, but verify final dates in the current UDWR guidebook before you finalize your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-663\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-663\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Species<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Season Type<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Start Date<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">End Date<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Bag Limit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Mourning Dove<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General Season<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">September 1, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">November 20, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">15 daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rabbit &amp; Hare (Cottontail\/Snowshoe)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General Season<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">October 1, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">February 28, 2027<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">8 per species daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gray Squirrel<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Year-Round<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Open all year<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Open all year<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">10 daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Chukar &amp; Partridge<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General Season<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">September 26, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">February 15, 2027<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">5 daily (15 possession)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-663 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>A valid hunting or combination license is required before hunting small game in Utah. Keep these requirements in mind as you plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A valid Utah hunting or combination license is required before pursuing any small game species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New license holders typically need to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carry your license with you while hunting \u2014 it&#8217;s a legal requirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify all final season dates and any late rule changes in the official UDWR guidebook before you go<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For extended species insight and seasonal strategy, see our full&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-small-game-hunting-season\">Utah small game hunting guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Small Game Hunting Seasons by Species<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Between dove, rabbit and hare, gray squirrel, and chukar and partridge, Utah&#8217;s small game calendar runs from early September through late February. Here&#8217;s what to know about each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7a3bc575-bb78-4529-bda4-54a9cea9a5cf.jpeg\" alt=\"Utah small game\" class=\"wp-image-8065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7a3bc575-bb78-4529-bda4-54a9cea9a5cf.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7a3bc575-bb78-4529-bda4-54a9cea9a5cf-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7a3bc575-bb78-4529-bda4-54a9cea9a5cf-768x401.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Dove Season 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mourning dove season runs&nbsp;<strong>September 1 \u2013 November 20, 2026<\/strong>, with a daily bag limit of 15 birds. Dove marks the traditional opener of Utah&#8217;s small game calendar and is a favorite early-season outing for hunters looking to shake off summer before the weather turns. Good scouting around water sources and grain fields pays off here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Cottontail Rabbit &amp; Hare Hunting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare season runs&nbsp;<strong>October 1, 2026 \u2013 February 28, 2027<\/strong>, with a daily limit of 8 per species. The long winter window makes rabbit hunting one of the more accessible options in the state \u2014 forgiving on scheduling and a solid choice for newer hunters building field experience without the pressure of a short season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Gray Squirrel Hunting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gray squirrel season is open&nbsp;<strong>year-round<\/strong>&nbsp;in Utah, with a daily bag limit of 10. That flexibility is rare in hunting and makes squirrel a low-barrier way to get out in the field whenever the itch hits, whether that&#8217;s a quick weekday morning or a fill-in trip between other seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Chukar &amp; Partridge Season 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chukar and partridge season runs&nbsp;<strong>September 26, 2026 \u2013 February 15, 2027<\/strong>, with a daily bag limit of 5 and a possession limit of 15. Chukar live in steep, rugged canyon country, which raises the stakes on both your conditioning and your access to good ground. For more on the state&#8217;s broader bird lineup, see our full&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-game-bird-hunting-season\">Utah game bird hunting<\/a>&nbsp;guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Small Game Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before chasing any of the species above, you&#8217;ll need to sort out your paperwork. A valid hunting or combination license is required before hunting small game in Utah, and cost varies significantly by residency status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Hunting Licenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Utah&#8217;s small game licensing structure is straightforward, though the price gap between resident and non-resident options is worth knowing upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-664\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-664\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">License Type<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Residency<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Cost<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Resident Hunting License (Annual)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Resident<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Nonresident Hunting License (Annual)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Non-Resident<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$144\u2013$147<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Youth Hunting License<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Non-Resident<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$45 (lower resident youth rates apply)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-664 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>A hunting or combination license is the baseline requirement for small game hunting in Utah, regardless of residency. Fees and species-specific add-ons can shift year to year, so confirm current pricing in the official UDWR materials before you buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0942a48c-7969-4c04-8f61-c7602852a547.jpeg\" alt=\"Utah small game\" class=\"wp-image-8066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0942a48c-7969-4c04-8f61-c7602852a547.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0942a48c-7969-4c04-8f61-c7602852a547-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0942a48c-7969-4c04-8f61-c7602852a547-768x398.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Hunting Permits &amp; Application Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For most small game species, the base hunting or combination license is all you need \u2014 there&#8217;s no draw or lottery system like you&#8217;ll find with many big game tags. Depending on the species, an additional permit may apply, so check current regulations before your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The general path to getting licensed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Complete hunter education<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Required for anyone who hasn&#8217;t previously held a Utah hunting license.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose your license type<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Resident or non-resident hunting or combination license, based on your situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchase online or through a license agent<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Licenses are available both online and at authorized retail locations across the state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm any species-specific permits<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Check the official UDWR guidebook to see if your target species requires anything beyond the base license.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-residents in particular should sort out license and education requirements well before the trip, so the time in Utah goes to hunting rather than paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Hunt Small Game in Utah<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your license is squared away, the next question is where you&#8217;ll actually hunt. Utah offers free public land, leased or purchased private ground, and guided hunts, each with its own tradeoffs in cost, pressure, and control. For a broader look at the state&#8217;s hunting landscape, see our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/hunting-in-utah\/\">hunting in Utah overview<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Public Lands for Utah Small Game<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Public land in Utah is free and open, but Utah has fewer public hunting acres than some neighboring western states, and the good ground tends to draw a crowd. That&#8217;s not a reason to skip it \u2014 it just means going in with a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 State-managed lands often stocked with habitat improvements that benefit upland birds and small game<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bureau of Land Management (BLM) tracts<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Large, less-developed tracts that can hold good chukar and rabbit numbers if you&#8217;re willing to hike<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National forest land<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Higher-elevation ground that can offer solid squirrel and upland bird opportunities in season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Walk-in access areas<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Public access points on land that may otherwise be closed, worth checking before every trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Verify current boundaries and access rules before you hunt any public tract \u2014 maps and regulations can change year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4b305b9b-8d65-4925-ac44-0257578dcecc.jpeg\" alt=\"Utah small game\" class=\"wp-image-8067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4b305b9b-8d65-4925-ac44-0257578dcecc.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4b305b9b-8d65-4925-ac44-0257578dcecc-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4b305b9b-8d65-4925-ac44-0257578dcecc-768x401.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If public land pressure isn&#8217;t for you, leasing or buying private ground is worth considering. A hunting lease is an agreement between a landowner and a hunter that grants permission to hunt private property for a set period in exchange for payment. Leases can outline allowed hunting methods, target species, and duration, ranging from a single day to multiple hunting seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leasing and buying serve different goals. Leasing offers flexibility and lower commitment, which fits a focused trip better than a lifelong investment. Buying land is a longer-term commitment \u2014 a place you can return to season after season and shape to your own hunting goals. We support both paths at Hunting Locator, since not every hunter needs the same kind of access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Private ground typically means less competition and more consistently managed habitat than you&#8217;ll find on crowded public land. That&#8217;s not a knock on public land \u2014 it&#8217;s a different experience, and one that suits hunters who want more control over their season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunting Locator connects hunters directly with landowners across the country who are ready to lease or sell their land, including in Utah. You can filter Utah leases by acreage, cost, and target species to narrow down the ground you&#8217;re after, with public land maps, private leases, and land for sale all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/utah\/\">Browse Utah hunting leases<\/a>&nbsp;to start narrowing down your options for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided Small Game Hunts in Utah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For hunters unfamiliar with Utah&#8217;s terrain, especially non-residents tackling chukar country for the first time, a guided hunt can shorten the learning curve. A guide brings local knowledge of terrain, bird movement, and access that can take years to build on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guided hunts typically cost more than a self-guided trip, but the fee covers logistics, local expertise, and a higher likelihood of a successful outing on unfamiliar ground. If you&#8217;d rather keep more control over your schedule and budget while still avoiding crowded public land, leasing private ground through our marketplace is worth exploring as a self-guided alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utah Small Game Hunting Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A little preparation goes a long way toward a productive season. Some field-tested tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Match your shotgun and load to the bird.<\/strong>&nbsp;Lighter loads work well for dove, while chukar and partridge often call for more punch given the terrain and flush distances you&#8217;ll encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Condition for chukar country.<\/strong>&nbsp;Chukar live in steep, rugged canyon terrain, so plan for demanding hikes and elevation changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Layer for a long season.<\/strong>&nbsp;Utah&#8217;s small game seasons stretch well into winter, so pack weather-appropriate layers you can adjust as temperatures swing throughout the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider a well-trained dog for upland birds.<\/strong>&nbsp;A good bird dog can improve both your success rate and your ability to recover downed birds in thick cover.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scout access ahead of opening day.<\/strong>&nbsp;Whether you&#8217;re hunting public land or a private lease, confirm your boundaries and lock in access before the season starts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Know your limits.<\/strong>&nbsp;Keep daily and possession limits in mind throughout your hunt to stay compliant and keep the privilege intact for next season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before your next trip,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">shop small game hunting gear<\/a>&nbsp;at the Hunting Locator store to make sure you&#8217;re outfitted for whatever species you&#8217;re chasing this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Resources from Hunting Locator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning more than small game this year?&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Explore Hunting Locator<\/a>&nbsp;to see everything our platform offers, or check out these resources organized by category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Small Game &amp; Birds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-small-game-hunting-season\">Utah small game hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 A deeper companion guide covering strategy and species detail beyond what&#8217;s here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-game-bird-hunting-season\">Utah game bird hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Expanded coverage of upland birds and game bird opportunities across the state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-waterfowl-hunting-season\">Utah waterfowl hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Everything you need for duck and goose seasons if you&#8217;re adding waterfowl to your calendar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-turkey-hunting-season\">Utah turkey hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Spring and fall turkey season dates and strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Big Game:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-deer-hunting-season\">Utah deer hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Season dates and planning info for Utah&#8217;s most popular big game species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-elk-hunting-season\">Utah elk hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Everything you need to plan an elk hunt in the Beehive State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-pronghorn-hunting-season\">Utah pronghorn hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Details on Utah&#8217;s speedy plains game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-black-bear-hunting-season\">Utah black bear hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Season structure and planning info for black bear hunters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-moose-hunting-season\">Utah moose hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 A guide to one of Utah&#8217;s most sought-after tags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-bison-hunting-season\">Utah bison hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 What to know about Utah&#8217;s unique bison hunting opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/utah-desert-bighorn-sheep-hunting-season\">Utah desert bighorn sheep hunting season<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Info for hunters chasing this iconic Utah species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan Your Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/hunting-in-utah\/\">Hunting in Utah overview<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 A broad look at hunting opportunities across the entire state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/utah\/\">Browse Utah hunting leases<\/a>&nbsp;\u2014 Our marketplace of private land leases available right now in Utah.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the 2026 Utah dove season dates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Utah&#8217;s 2026 mourning dove season runs September 1 \u2013 November 20, 2026, with a daily bag limit of 15. Dove serves as the traditional opener for Utah&#8217;s small game calendar. Confirm this against the official UDWR guidebook before you head afield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Utah&#8217;s small game bag limits for 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bag limits for 2026 are as follows: mourning dove, 15 daily; rabbit and hare, 8 per species daily; gray squirrel, 10 daily; and chukar and partridge, 5 daily with a 15-bird possession limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much is a non-resident Utah hunting license?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-resident annual hunting license in Utah costs $144\u2013$147, with a youth non-resident license priced at $45. A valid hunting or combination license is required before hunting any small game species in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much is a resident Utah hunting license?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A resident annual hunting license in Utah costs $40, with lower rates available for resident youth. This license must be held before hunting small game and can be purchased online or through an authorized license agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is gray squirrel season really open year-round in Utah?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Gray squirrel season is open year-round in Utah, with a daily bag limit of 10. It&#8217;s the most flexible small game option in the state and a good choice whenever you want to get out in the field. Always verify current rules with the UDWR before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find private land to hunt small game in Utah?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunting Locator&#8217;s Utah marketplace lets you filter available leases by acreage, cost, and target species, connecting you directly with landowners who are ready to lease or sell their land. It&#8217;s a straightforward way to secure quality access away from crowded public ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does Utah&#8217;s chukar season open in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chukar and partridge season runs September 26, 2026 \u2013 February 15, 2027, with a daily bag limit of 5 and a possession limit of 15. Chukar country is steep and rugged, so plan ahead for both conditioning and reliable access to good ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Final Shot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Utah Small Game Season Guide for 2026 puts every season date, bag limit, and license fee in one place \u2014 dove, rabbit and hare, squirrel, and chukar \u2014 so you can plan your season instead of piecing together information from a dozen corners of the internet. From here: confirm your license, verify your final dates against the official UDWR guidebook, and lock in your access before opening day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunting Locator aims to be a single resource for both the data you need and the land access you&#8217;re looking for. When you&#8217;re ready, browse Utah leases, gear up at our store, and start planning your season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Utah small game guide puts the 2026 season dates, bag limits, and license fees in one place. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":8058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[115,68,10,16,190],"class_list":["post-8057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting-seasons","tag-dove","tag-hunting","tag-hunting-seasons","tag-season-dates","tag-squirrel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8057"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8068,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8057\/revisions\/8068"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}