Hunting Regulations in Utah

Big game tags required in addition to hunting license. Resident deer tag: ~$40; Elk tag: ~$50. Nonresident deer tag: $500; Elk tag: $660 (increased in 2025). All deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat require permit through draw system. Application fee: $10 per species (nonrefundable). Preference point system used for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison. CWMU (Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit) tags also available. General season OTC deer tags available for some units. Federal Duck Stamp ($27) and HIP required for waterfowl.

Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (wildlife.utah.gov). Last updated: 2026-03-05. Regulations may have changed — always verify with the official agency.

Utah is a western big game hunter's dream, offering world-class mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and the rare opportunity to hunt moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. The state's draw system is robust and competitive – Utah's limited entry units consistently produce trophy-class animals that draw applicants from across North America. The preference point system rewards persistence for moose, sheep, goat, and bison, while general (OTC) deer and elk tags allow more immediate access to excellent hunting.

Utah's geography ranges from red rock canyon country in the south to alpine peaks of the Uinta Mountains in the northeast, creating diverse habitat that supports remarkable wildlife diversity. The Henry Mountains near Capitol Reef host one of the few free-ranging huntable bison herds remaining in the lower 48 states. The Wasatch and Dixie National Forests provide extensive elk habitat, while the West Desert supports large pronghorn populations.

For waterfowl hunters, the Great Salt Lake shorelands and Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge are migration staging areas of hemispheric importance – the refuge is consistently among the most productive duck hunting locations in the Intermountain West. Chukar partridge hunting in Utah's rugged canyon country is considered among the best in the nation.

Best Times to Hunt in Utah

🎯 Expert Hunting Tips for Utah

• General season mule deer hunters should focus public land in the Book Cliffs and Price River drainage units, where over-the-counter buck tags offer access to quality deer populations in challenging canyon terrain.
• Elk hunters who draw limited entry tags in the Beaver/Tushar Mountains unit should prepare for high-elevation hunting at 10,000+ feet, where mature 6x6 bulls with 350+ inch antlers are realistic targets.
• Chukar hunters working the Nine Mile Canyon area in Carbon County should plan early morning hunts on south-facing rocky ridges, bringing a fit dog and plenty of water for the steep, technical terrain.
• Waterfowl hunters should book dates at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Box Elder County for October pintail and November mallard hunting, applying for managed hunts through the refuge system.