Utah’s diverse landscapes offer hunters a wide array of opportunities throughout the year. From big game like deer and elk to upland birds and waterfowl, the state’s hunting seasons cater to various interests and skill levels. The 2024 hunting season in Utah features several key dates, including the general deer archery hunt running through October 27.

Hunters looking to participate in Utah’s hunts must obtain the proper licenses and permits. The state uses a draw system for many big game tags, with application periods typically occurring months before the actual hunting seasons. It’s crucial for hunters to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations, season dates, and hunting areas for their desired game species.

Utah’s hunting seasons are designed to balance wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources carefully manages these seasons to maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing hunters with fair chances for success. By adhering to established seasons and regulations, hunters play a vital role in wildlife management and conservation efforts across the state.

Utah Hunting Licenses

Utah requires hunters to obtain proper licenses and permits before engaging in any hunting activities. Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, allowing hunters to potentially apply for two hunting seasons with a single license if timed correctly.

Residents and non-residents can purchase hunting licenses online, at retail stores, or over the phone. A credit or debit card is necessary for online transactions. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offers various license types:

• General hunting license
• Combination hunting and fishing license
• Small game license
• Big game license

Specific permits are required for certain species, such as deer, elk, and waterfowl. These permits may have limited availability and often require participation in competitive application processes.

Hunter education is mandatory for individuals born after December 31, 1965. This requirement ensures all hunters understand safety protocols, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Utah offers special youth hunting opportunities and discounted licenses for young hunters to encourage participation in the sport. Military personnel and veterans may also be eligible for reduced fees on certain licenses and permits.

It’s crucial for hunters to review the current regulations and season dates, as they may change annually. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides detailed guidebooks for each hunting category, outlining harvest limits and field regulations.

General Hunting Regulations

Utah’s hunting regulations ensure sustainable wildlife management and ethical hunting practices. Hunters must possess a valid license and any required permits for their specific hunt.

Bag limits vary by species and hunt type. For example, general-season deer hunters are typically allowed one buck per year.

Protected wildlife in Utah includes:

• Threatened and endangered species
• Certain non-game animals
• Species with closed hunting seasons

It is illegal to hunt protected wildlife or exceed established bag limits.

Hunters must wear hunter orange during centerfire rifle big game hunts. This requirement applies to both hunters and non-hunters in applicable areas.

Baiting is prohibited for big game animals, but allowed for some other species like bear and cougar under specific conditions.

Hunters are required to check in harvested animals at designated stations for certain species and hunts. This helps biologists monitor wildlife populations.

Starting in 2024, mandatory harvest reporting will be required for all general-season buck deer and bull elk hunts. This new regulation aims to improve data collection for wildlife management.

Ethical hunting practices are emphasized. Hunters must make reasonable efforts to retrieve downed game and minimize waste of usable meat.

Big Game Hunting Seasons

Utah offers diverse big game hunting opportunities with specific seasons for different species. Hunters can pursue deer, elk, moose, bison, mountain goats, and other prized game animals across the state’s varied terrain.

Deer Hunting

The 2024 Utah deer hunting season includes multiple weapon-specific periods. General archery deer runs from mid-August to mid-September. Muzzleloader season follows in late September. The general any legal weapon (rifle) hunt takes place in October, typically lasting about a week.

Youth hunters get an early opportunity during a dedicated youth hunt. Limited entry and premium limited entry hunts offer chances at trophy bucks in prime areas. These coveted tags have much earlier application periods.

Hunters must report their harvest by January 31, 2025. Failure to report results in a $50 late fee and ineligibility for 2025 permits until reporting is complete.

Elk Hunting

Elk hunting seasons in Utah are structured similarly to deer, with weapon-specific general seasons and limited entry opportunities. The general archery elk hunt typically runs from mid-August to mid-September.

General spike elk hunts occur in October using any legal weapon. Bull elk hunts are more restricted, with most opportunities through limited entry drawings. These highly sought-after tags offer chances at mature bulls.

Antlerless elk hunts provide additional opportunities, often later in the year. These hunts help manage elk populations in specific areas.

Moose, Bison, and Mountain Goat

These species fall under Utah’s once-in-a-lifetime hunts. Tags are extremely limited and highly prized. Moose hunts generally occur in September and October. Bison hunts on public land units like the Henry Mountains happen in the fall and winter.

Mountain goat seasons vary by unit but typically run from September through November. These hunts often involve challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Hunters can accumulate bonus points to increase their odds in future drawings if unsuccessful in the current year.

Other Big Game

Utah offers hunting opportunities for additional big game species. Pronghorn antelope hunts occur in late August and September. Desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunts take place in the fall, often extending into November or December.

Black bear hunts are available in spring and fall seasons. Cougar hunting is typically a pursuit season running from late fall through early spring.

These species generally require limited entry or once-in-a-lifetime permits obtained through competitive drawings. Application periods occur well in advance of the hunt dates.

Small Game and Upland Game Seasons

Utah offers diverse hunting opportunities for small game and upland species. Seasons vary by species and region, with some extending through fall and winter.

Turkey and Upland Birds

Turkey hunting occurs in spring and fall. Spring season typically runs from early April to late May, while fall season is in October and November. Upland bird seasons differ by species. Grouse season starts in September and runs through December. Chukar and Hungarian partridge can be hunted from late September to mid-February. Pheasant season is shorter, usually spanning November. Quail hunting opens in November and extends into December.

Hunters must obtain proper licenses and permits. Bag limits apply for each species. Some areas have special regulations or restrictions.

Small Mammals

Rabbit hunting is popular in Utah, with cottontail and snowshoe hare seasons running from September through February. Jackrabbit hunting is open year-round with no license required.

Bobcat trapping season typically occurs from November to March. A furbearer license and bobcat permit are needed.

Fox hunting is permitted year-round for red and gray foxes. No license is required, but hunters should check local regulations.

Marten trapping is allowed in certain areas during a limited fall/winter season. A furbearer license is necessary.

Cougar hunting seasons vary by unit and quotas. Hunters must complete an orientation course and obtain proper permits.

Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Seasons

Utah offers diverse hunting opportunities for waterfowl and migratory birds. Seasons vary by species and zone, with specific regulations in place to manage populations sustainably.

Duck and Goose Hunting

The general duck hunting season in Utah’s northern zone runs from October 5, 2024, to January 18, 2025. In the southern zone, it extends from October 12, 2024, to January 25, 2025.

Youth waterfowl hunts are scheduled for September 21 in the northern zone and September 28 in the southern zone. These dates provide young hunters with early opportunities.

Hunters must obtain a valid hunting license and federal migratory bird hunting stamp. Starting in 2024, electronic duck stamps are valid for the entire season.

Goose hunting seasons typically align with duck seasons, but hunters should consult the current Utah Waterfowl Guidebook for specific dates and bag limits.

Other Migratory Birds

Dove hunting season generally opens on September 1 and continues through October 30. This includes both mourning and white-winged doves.

Sandhill crane hunting requires a separate permit obtained through a drawing process. Hunters can find application details in the Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook.

Crow hunting seasons are set annually and may vary. Hunters should check the latest regulations for current dates and restrictions.

Collared dove hunting is open year-round in Utah, providing additional opportunities for migratory bird hunters.

Special Hunting Seasons

Utah offers diverse hunting opportunities with specialized seasons for different weapons and skills. These seasons cater to various preferences and help manage wildlife populations effectively.

Archery Hunts

Archery season typically runs from mid-August to mid-September. General archery hunters can pursue deer statewide without drawing a permit. The extended archery season allows hunting in certain areas until mid-December. Archers must complete a mandatory ethics course before hunting.

Elk archery hunts occur in September. Hunters need to purchase an any-bull or spike-only permit. Some units offer limited-entry archery elk hunts with specific dates.

The archery sportsman hunt is a special opportunity for youth and disabled hunters. It takes place in late August, providing early access to prime hunting areas.

Muzzleloader Hunts

Muzzleloader season usually occurs in late September to early October. Hunters use traditional or modern muzzleloading rifles to pursue deer and elk.

General muzzleloader deer hunts last about a week. Hunters must draw a permit for their desired unit. Elk muzzleloader hunts are typically limited-entry, requiring a special draw.

Some units offer late-season muzzleloader hunts in November, providing unique opportunities when deer are more active during the rut.

Limited Entry Hunts

Limited entry hunts offer high-quality experiences with controlled hunter numbers. These hunts require drawing a permit through Utah’s application process.

• Deer: Limited entry hunts occur in premium units during the rut in November.
• Elk: Various limited entry seasons run from August to November, including archery, muzzleloader, and any legal weapon hunts.
• Pronghorn: Limited entry hunts take place in September.
• Bighorn sheep and mountain goat: These once-in-a-lifetime hunts occur in fall.

Spring limited entry hunts include black bear and turkey. Bear hunts start in April, while turkey hunts begin in late April and run through May.

Hunting Areas and Maps

Utah offers diverse hunting areas across its varied landscapes. The state is divided into distinct hunting units, each with specific regulations and boundaries.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) provides detailed maps and resources to help hunters navigate these areas. Their interactive Utah Hunt Planner is an essential tool for research and planning.

Hunters can access information on public and private lands through the Hunt Planner. It displays unit boundaries, landowner permissions, and terrain details.

DWR and Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) maps are available to pinpoint hunting locations. These maps show public access points, restricted areas, and property lines.

Mule deer hunters benefit from extensive hunting grounds throughout Utah. The state’s healthy population of over 300,000 mule deer provides ample opportunities across various units.

Elk hunters can find prime areas in Utah’s mountainous regions. The Rocky Mountain elk population thrives in these habitats, offering challenging and rewarding hunts.

Utah’s hunting areas encompass diverse terrains, from high mountain ranges to desert landscapes. This variety supports different game species and hunting experiences.

Hunters must familiarize themselves with unit-specific regulations and boundaries before their trip. Proper research ensures compliance with local laws and a successful hunting experience.

Conservation and Wildlife Management

Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources plays a crucial role in managing the state’s wildlife populations. They work to balance hunting opportunities with conservation efforts to ensure sustainable populations of game species.

Protected wildlife receives special attention. Species like bighorn sheep and mountain goats have limited hunting permits available to maintain their numbers. The division conducts regular population surveys to inform management decisions.

Habitat preservation is another key focus. The state invests in protecting and improving wildlife habitats to support healthy animal populations. This includes efforts to restore wetlands, manage forests, and combat invasive plant species.

Hunting license fees and taxes on hunting equipment help fund many conservation initiatives. This creates a link between hunting activities and wildlife protection efforts.

Education programs aim to foster responsible hunting practices. The division offers hunter safety courses and provides information on ethical hunting and wildlife conservation. These efforts help ensure hunters understand their role in wildlife management.