Welcome to Utah’s expansive and varied hunting grounds, where the excitement of the pursuit and the natural beauty of the wilderness come together to produce an outstanding hunting experience. Utah has a variety of hunting possibilities that are suitable for both inexperienced and seasoned hunters due to its diverse environments, which vary from rocky mountains to vast deserts. Whether you’re drawn to smaller games like upland birds or big games like elk and deer, Utah’s hunting seasons provide plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and put your abilities to the test.
The hunting seasons in Utah are strictly controlled to protect the preservation of the state’s significant animal populations and to encourage ethical hunting methods. In order to provide a healthy environment for people and animals, the state’s Department of Natural Resources works diligently to strike a balance between the demands of hunters and the preservation of ecosystems.
In this guide, you’ll learn about Utah’s main hunting seasons, each of which offers a distinctive experience and an opportunity to appreciate the state’s natural splendor. So prepare for an amazing adventure into the heart of Utah’s wilderness throughout its several hunting seasons by gathering your gear, studying the rules, and getting ready to go.
When do Utah hunting seasons begin?
With some archery seasons beginning as early as mid-August, hunting in Utah typically starts in the late summer or early October. Please be aware, though, that the precise start season dates might vary from year to year and depend on the particular game you’re aiming for. It is advised to visit the official website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or to get in touch with them directly if you want the most precise and recent information on the beginning dates of the hunting seasons for various species.
See the table below for current season dates for the 2023-2024 season.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Antelope – Sportsman Archery | Aug 19, 2023 | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Antelope – CWMU Archery | Aug 19, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Antelope – Sportsman Any Weapon | Sep 1, 2023 | Nov 15, 2023 |
| Antelope – CWMU Any Legal Weapon | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Bear – Spring Limited | Apr 1, 2023 | May 29, 2023 |
| Bear – Summer Limited | Jul 5, 2023 | Aug 4, 2023 |
| Bear – Fall Limited Seasons and areas vary. See regulations. | Nov 2, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Bison – Sportsman Any Weapon | Aug 1, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Coyote Statewide. No limit. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Deer – General Archery Statewide | Aug 19, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery Sportsman Hunt | Aug 19, 2023 | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Any Legal Weapon Sportsman Hunt | Sep 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Deer – Extended Archery Either Sex. Ninemile, Green River Valley, Sanpete Valley, and South Wasatch areas | Sep 16, 2023 | Oct 15, 2023 |
| Deer – General Muzzleloader | Sep 27, 2023 | Oct 5, 2023 |
| Deer – Early General Rifle For units: Chalk Creek, East Canyon, Morgan-South Rich, Fillmore, Kamas, Nine Mile, North Slope, Panguitch Lake, Pine Valley, Plateau, Fishlake, Zion | Oct 11, 2023 | Oct 15, 2023 |
| Deer – General Rifle | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Deer – Extended Archery Either-sex. • Box Elder, West Bear River, Herriman South Valley, Ogden, Pine Valley, New Harmony, Southwest Desert, Cedar Valley, Uintah Basin, Utah Lake, Wasatch Front, and West Cache areas. | Sep 16, 2023 | Nov 30, 2023 |
| Dove – Collared Statewide. No limit. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Dove – Mourning & White-winged Statewide. | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 |
| Duck – Youth Northern Northern zone. | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 23, 2023 |
| Duck – Youth Southern Southern zone. | Sep 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Duck – Northern Northern zone. | Oct 7, 2023 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Duck – Southern Southern zone. | Oct 14, 2023 | Jan 27, 2024 |
| Elk – Extended Archery Either-sex. Uintah Basin, West Cache, and Wasatch Front areas. | Aug 19, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Elk – Sportsman Archery | Aug 19, 2023 | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Elk – General Archery – Spike Bull | Aug 19, 2023 | Sep 8, 2023 |
| Elk – General Archery – Any Bull | Aug 19, 2023 | Sep 20, 2023 |
| Elk – Sportsman Any Weapon | Sep 1, 2023 | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Elk – General Youth – Any Bull | Sep 16, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Elk – General Rifle – Any Bull/Spike | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Elk – General Muzzleloader | Nov 1, 2023 | Nov 9, 2023 |
| Red Fox Statewide. No bag limit. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Mountain Goat – Sportsman Any Weapon | Sep 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Goose – Northern Dark – Youth Northern area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 23, 2023 |
| Goose – Southern Dark – Youth Southern area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Sep 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Goose – Eastern Dark Eastern area Box Elder dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Oct 7, 2023 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Goose – Northern Dark (1st Season) Northern area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Goose – Wasatch Dark (Early) Wasatch area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Goose – Southern Dark Southern area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Oct 14, 2023 | Jan 27, 2024 |
| Goose – Light (Early) Statewide light goose (snow, blue, ross’). | Oct 16, 2023 | Dec 22, 2023 |
| Goose – Northern Dark (Season 2) Northern area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Oct 26, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Wasatch Dark (Late) Wasatch area dark goose (cackling, canada, white-fronted, brant). | Nov 10, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Goose – Light (Late) Statewide light goose (snow, blue, ross’). | Feb 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 2024 |
| Grouse – Dusky & Ruffed Statewide. | Sep 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Grouse – Sharp-tailed Open in certain areas. See regulations. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Grouse – Greater Sage Open in certain areas. See regulations. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Moose – Sportsman Any Weapon | Sep 1, 2023 | Nov 15, 2023 |
| Mountain lion – Pursuit LaSal; San Juan, Mountains; and Book Cliffs, East units No Dogs Allowed | Mar 31, 2023 | Nov 2, 2023 |
| Mountain loin – Pursuit Year round (beginning May 3, 2023) | May 3, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Pheasant – Youth Statewide. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 2, 2023 |
| Pheasant – General Statewide. | Nov 4, 2023 | Dec 3, 2023 |
| Quail – Youth Statewide. | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 |
| Quail – California & Gambel’s Statewide. | Nov 4, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Rabbit – Jackrabbit Statewide. Open all year | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Rabbit – Snowshoe Hare Statewide. | Sep 1, 2023 | Mar 15, 2024 |
| Rabbit – Cottontail Statewide. | Sep 1, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Sandhill Crane Cache and Rich Counties | Sep 2, 2023 | Sep 10, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane East Box Elder County | Sep 2, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane (Early season) Uintah County. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 26, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane (Middle season) Uintah County. | Oct 27, 2023 | Nov 15, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane (Late season) Uintah County. | Nov 16, 2023 | Dec 5, 2023 |
| Bighorn Sheep – Sportsman Any Weapon Desert and Rocky Mountain | Sep 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall Northern Northern region. | Oct 2, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Southeastern Southeastern region. | Oct 2, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Central Central region. | Oct 2, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Southern Southern region. | Nov 2, 2023 | Feb 28, |
| Turkey – Spring Limited Entry Central (TK1003), Northeastern (TK1004), Northern (TK1005), Southeastern (TK1006) and Southern (TK1007) regions. | Apr 13, 2024 | Apr 25, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring General Youth All regions. | Apr 26, 2024 | Apr 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring General All regions. | Apr 29, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
| American Crow Statewide. Bag limit: 10 birds. Possession limit: 30 birds | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| White-tailed Ptarmigan | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Gray Partridge – Youth Statewide. | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 25, 2023 |
| Chukar – Youth Statewide. | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 25, 2023 |
| Gray Partridge Statewide. | Sep 30, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Chukar Statewide. | Sep 30, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| American Crow (Late Season) Statewide. | Dec 1, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
Hunting Rules in Utah
Age Requirements
To hunt big game in Utah, you must be at least 12 years old. If you will be 12 years old by December 31 of the same year, you can apply for your big game licenses at the age of 11. (But keep in mind that you still can’t hunt till you’re 12).
Utah does offer a trial hunting program that enables anyone aged 12 and older to experience hunting without having to finish a hunter education course, as long as they are with a licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old.
A parent, legal guardian, or another responsible adult who is 21 years of age or older and has been given their consent must be with any hunters who are 16 years of age or less. Without using walkie-talkies or other technological devices, young people must stay near enough so that their parents can see them and provide them with verbal help.
Hunter Education
Hunter certification is required in Utah for any hunters who were born after December 31, 1965. You must first finish a course that has been authorized by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and IHEA-USA in order to purchase a hunting license.
It’s important to know that all U.S. states that require hunter education recognize the Utah Hunter Education Certificate and that Utah will accept certificates from other states as long as they comply with official IHEA-USA criteria. This is what is meant by reciprocity.
To receive your hunting license in Utah, you must have a “blue card” for Utah. Your compliance with Utah’s educational standards is attested to by this card. You can obtain this by finishing the hunter education course offered by Utah or by presenting documentation that you have finished another hunter education course that has been approved by the Division.
Licenses
Before you may receive any big game permits in Utah, you must have a valid hunting license (or hunting and fishing license). You won’t need to buy a new license for your hunt if your license was still in effect on the day that you filed your application for your game permit.
Permits
A valid hunting license must be obtained before you may hunt any big game. The majority of big game permits are given out through the big game lottery, however, some are offered for sale in person starting in July of each year.
If you do manage to secure a big game permit, you must maintain it with you at all times when Utah hunting and are not permitted to change, sell, or transfer your permit to another individual.
Tagging and Transporting
Deer tags are a part of permits. You must tag a deer as soon as you take it, then move it and leave the area. To identify the deer’s harvest date and gender, remove the notches from the animal. When capturing a deer, make sure to only remove the right notch; else, the tag will be invalid.
The tag must then be firmly fastened to the animal and placed somewhere that is obvious. The majority of the deer’s flesh must still include the tag. The deer may be field dressed and transported after being tagged.
While you are moving the carcass, the head or sex organs must be linked to the bulk of the animal. Wildlife officials may ask to inspect your license, permit, and harvested deer at checkpoints throughout the season.
While Utah does not have a formal game check requirement, if you obtained certain permits, you must complete a harvest survey within 30 days after your hunt ends, even if you did not harvest a deer.
Fines and Other Penalties
In Utah, taking a deer can lead to penalties, the loss of hunting rights, and possibly jail time. Let’s say you trespass and hunt without the landowner’s consent on posted property. You are then guilty of a class B misdemeanor and risk losing your privileges to drive with a license, tag, or permit.
Additional grounds for license suspension include breaking wildlife laws, being found guilty or having no contest, as well as entering a plea of abeyance or signing a diversion program. Any criminal investigations and prosecutions are distinct and unrelated to license suspensions. Regardless of any court ruling, the Utah DWR makes the decisions.
Since Utah is a part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator agreement, license suspensions in Utah also ban the acquisition of a license in the majority of other states. For a deer with a 24-inch or more antler spread, fines and restitutions can likewise reach $8,000 and do not include any potential court costs or legal fees in the event that your case goes to trial.
Violations
Some poaching offenses might be classified as second-degree felonies, which carry a $10,000 fine and a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. These convictions are usually the result of various criminal charges being brought against people who intentionally hunt numerous deer. Other offenses are classified as misdemeanors, although they nevertheless carry a penalty of up to $2500 in penalties and 90 days to a year in prison.
In Utah, breaking a state wildlife law is a severe crime. Knowing what licenses you have and where/when they are valid is important since there may be uncertainty about the deer permits that are available.
Read and comprehend the laws and restrictions prior to the start of each season before going hunting deer in the state. Take the extra time to comprehend the rules if you are visiting Utah to go hunting for the first time because they may differ from those in your own state.
Youth Information
To be eligible to apply as a youngster for any big game licenses, a person must be 12 by December 31, 2023, and must be 17 years old or younger on July 31. Youth hunters will have full access to general season bull elk licenses (any legal weapon, muzzleloader, and multi-season).
The drawing allocates children with 20% of Utah’s regular season buck deer hunting licenses. Youth may also participate in the archery and muzzleloader hunts if they have a general season any legal weapon deer permit.
A youth any bull permit can be requested by the youth. Only any bull units are used for the young any bull hunt, which runs from September 16 to 24. This season, which begins before the main rifle bull hunt, is intended to allow young people who get permits to go rifle hunting during the rut. Be mindful that any bull units could have access, public land, or elk numbers restricted. For young bull elk permits, a group of up to four youths may apply together.
For general season deer, up to four youths can apply to hunt together in a youth-only group application. It’s important to note that if you want youth to be considered for the 20% of general deer tags set aside for youth, do not apply them in a group with an adult.
Deer Season In Utah: Regulations for Different Seasons
There are particular weapons that are permitted for each general season. The use of firearms is prohibited during the archery and muzzleloader seasons. Legalized weapons provide users with additional options, but there are still restrictions. The following guidelines apply to each type of season:
Archery Season
You may use archery tools during this season to capture one buck deer inside the unit specified on your permit if you received a general-season archery permit. Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows are all part of the archery equipment. At some point in the draw, bows must have a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds.
The distance between the tip of the arrowhead and the tip of the nock must be at least 20 inches. Broadheads on arrows must have two or more cutting edges and measure at least 7/8 of an inch in diameter. Expanding broadheads are permitted but must adhere to the same standards.
It is forbidden to use mechanical bows that grip the string at any point during the draw. Release mechanisms are OK so long as they can’t sustain the draw weight of the bow. It’s possible for bows to have a range-finding device but not a magnifying-aiming device. During the archery season, crossbows, rifles, shotguns, airguns, muzzleloaders, and draw locks are prohibited.
Muzzleloader Season
You may use muzzleloading weapons during this season to take one buck deer inside the unit specified on your permit if you received a general-season muzzleloader permit. Only the muzzle end of the barrel may be used to load powder and bullets in muzzleloading weapons. Both the powder and the bullet must be kept apart.
Only one barrel, at least 18 inches long, is permitted for muzzleloaders. They are only able to shoot once before having to reload. Smokeless powder is not permitted and the powder must be black powder or a replacement for black powder. Lead balls or expanding bullets weighing 130 grams or more and having a minimum caliber of.40 are acceptable projectiles.
Open, peep, or scoped sights are all options for muzzleloaders. During this time, other guns and archery supplies are prohibited.
Legal Weapon Season
You may use archery gear, muzzleloaders, rifles, shotguns, pistols, airguns, and crossbows during this season if you have a general-season any-weapons permit. Within the unit specified on your permit, you are permitted to capture one buck deer.
The foregoing requirements apply to muzzleloaders and archery equipment. Expanding-type bullets are required for rifles that shoot centerfire cartridges. Slug or buckshot ammunition, including buckshot that is 00 gauge or greater, must be used with shotguns that are 20 gauge or larger. Handguns must shoot centerfire ammunition with expanding bullets and be at least.24 caliber. Only one barrel that is 15 inches or less in length and one rear handgrip without a fixed or detachable buttstock are permitted on handguns.
Vertical foregrips are prohibited, and there cannot be an extension behind the rear grip to stabilize the weapon.
Pneumatic power and external charging are required for airguns. They are only permitted to fire a bolt or arrow that is at least 16 inches long and moves at a muzzle speed of at least 400 feet per second. The broadhead of the bolt or arrow must be fixed or extendable and be at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest point.
Crossbows must have a positive mechanical safety system and a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds. The specifications for crossbow bolts and arrows are the same as those for airgun bolts and arrows. A crossbow’s magnifying scope may be fixed or adjustable.
Types of Deer Seasons in Utah
Archery, muzzleloader, “early” any legal weapon (rifle), and any legal weapon (rifle) are the four basic deer season types in Utah. The third Saturday in August marks the start of the general-season archery buck deer hunt. The third Friday in September marks the conclusion of it.
If you didn’t harvest a deer during the normal archery season, take note that certain regions offer an extended archery season until mid-October. The final Wednesday in September marks the start of the eight-day general-season muzzleloader deer hunt.
Only some units are available to any-weapon buck deer hunting during the early general season on the second Wednesday in October for five days. Last but not least, during the regular season, buck deer can be hunted with any weapon on the fourth Saturday in October for nine days. Additionally, Utah offers “Premium limited-entry” and “Limited-entry” buck deer hunts that are held in select units during a certain season. Only hunters who have earned their spots for these seasons are eligible to take part in these hunts.
Where are the public hunting areas in Utah?
Great hunting possibilities may be found all around Utah on both public and private lands. Below, we’ve included some of the top public hunting spots, and when we get access, we’ll also be adding additional private property.
Popular Public Utah Hunting Land
Hunting is a well-liked hobby in Utah because of the state’s quantity of public land, which is well-known. Numerous locations are well-liked by hunters, including Utah Lake, Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Bear River, and Fishlake National Forest. You’re likely to find what you’re searching for on one of these areas of public land, whether you’re trying to shoot deer, elk, moose, or any other game species.
These regions not only provide excellent hunting prospects, but also beautiful scenery and lots of chances to experience the great outdoors. As a result, whether you’re an experienced hunter or a beginner, be sure to check out one of Utah’s numerous public hunting locations.
Hunting Private Land in Utah
Having access to hunting is particularly enticing because much of Utah is private land. You’ll have a better day in the field when you hunt on private land since it’s less crowded and the animals are often less frightened. Hunting in Utah on private property has always been difficult and expensive. Either you had to pay a guide, join a club, or start knocking on doors.
Thankfully, Wing. For all kinds of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, it is simplifying this. Every day, we add additional land, and if we have some in your neighborhood, you may see some amazing alternatives below.
What guns and equipment can I use during hunting season?
Changes to the weapon rules have been discussed in the past. The DWR was entrusted by the Utah Wildlife Board with forming a technology committee to review whether new gadgets and hunting tools should be permitted in Utah. To find new technology and suggest some revised regulations, a varied group of different stakeholders was established. The DWR thus suggested several modifications to the weapons permitted in restricted-weapons hunts for archery, handguns, muzzleloaders, shotguns, and rifles, as well as during the HAMS (handgun, archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun) hunts.
To allow the technology committee and the DWR more time to develop that plan and the other technology-related proposals, the wildlife board decided to postpone voting on the idea until the board meeting in April.
FAQs
1. When can you put in for hunts in Utah?
On February 23, 2023, the Big Game Application period opens, and on May 31, 2023, the drawing results are made public. The Utah Wildlife Conservation Division has an application that hunters may file here. The Utah pages are a good source of information on the current updates to the Utah drawings.
2. What are the general season types for hunting in Utah?
The general deer shooting seasons in Utah are divided into four categories: archery, muzzleloader, early legal weapon (rifle), and any legal weapon (rifle).
3. When does the general-season archery buck deer hunt start and end in Utah?
The general-season bow whitetail deer hunt in Utah begins and ends on the third Saturday in August and on the third Friday in September.
4. What are the different types of deer permits issued in Utah?
Limited-entry and open-season hunting permits are both offered in Utah. Each mule deer pass is limited to one per person per year, and they are both distributed using different point systems and lotteries.
5. How can I apply for a deer hunting permit in Utah?
Hunters may sign up for deer shooting licenses online at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The registration procedure typically starts in early January and lasts through the end of February.
6. Can non-residents hunt deer in Utah?
Non-residents may hunt deer in Utah, but they must get a non-resident hunting pass and shell out more cash than natives.
7. Can I hunt deer on private land in Utah?
In Utah, permission from the landowner is required before hunting is allowed on the property, and there may be additional guidelines or restrictions. Hunters should get in touch with the owner and review the Utah hunting rules before shooting on private land.