Utah, quite simply, has some of the best hunting you'll find in the U.S. You'll find a wide range of species to hunt, from deer to elk, cougar, black bear, and waterfowl. Plus, the state offers plenty of resources to help you plan your hunt, follow the rules, stay safe, and bring home the large or small game you're after.
So, what do you need to know to plan your Utah hunting seasons? We've compiled an overview of the state's season dates, hunting license information, bag limits, and more. HuntWise can also help you find the best public hunt areas (or private land) and plan a successful hunt!
When Can I Hunt in Utah?
Hunting season dates in Utah change from year to year, so always check the latest official information as you plan your hunts.
Note that the season information we provide here is the latest available from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). As the state publishes new dates, we'll also update this guide.
Utah Hunting Season Dates 2026–2027 | |
|---|---|
Deer Season in UtahGeneral Hunts (Buck Deer)
Utah also offers limited antlerless and limited-entry buck hunts. Check with the UDWR for dates and regulations. | Turkey
|
Upland Game and Migratory Birds
| ElkYouth Hunts
General (Bull)
Utah also offers limited antlerless elk and multisason spike bull hunts. Refer to the UDWR for dates and regulations. |
CougarOpen year-round | PronghornLimited Entry Buck
The state also offers limited doe pronghorn hunts. Check the UDWR website for dates and regulations. |
Black BearPursuit Unit
Restricted Pursuit Limited-Entry Units:
Harvest-Objective Hunts: Dates vary based on the hunt unit | Waterfowl
|
Once-In-a-Lifetime HuntsThese hunts include Bison, Bull Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goats.
Hunts are permit only based on drawings. Check with the UDWR for application, drawing, season dates, and regulations for hunting these species. | Sportsman and Statewide Conservation Permit HuntsOpen only to Utah residents.
|
Furbearers
If you're new to trapping, make sure you understand the different types of traps and how to use them legally for furbearers in Utah. | |
What are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Utah?
To comply with the rules for the Utah hunting seasons and the number of deer, elk, or turkeys you can take home this year, make sure you understand the bag limits for every animal you hunt. Check the chart below for the latest bag limits.
Utah Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | 1 buck (General-season Archery, Muzzleloader, Any Legal Weapon, HAMSS seasons) 1 either-sex (Extended Archery) 1 cactus buck (Cactus Buck season) 1 antlerless per permit | Turkey | 2 beardless, 1 either-sex (fall), 1 bearded (spring & CWMU hunt) |
| Elk | Bag limits vary based on the permit and Hunt Unit | Cottontail Rabbit | 10 (30 in possession) |
| Pronghorn | 1 per permit | Jackrabbit | No limits |
| Black Bear | 1 per permit | Snowshoe Hare | 5 (15 in possession) |
| Sharp-Tailed Grouse | 2 birds of either-sex for the entire season | Pigeon | 2 (6 in possession) |
| Ptarmigan | 4 (12 in possession) | Collared Dove | No limits |
| Partridge | 5 (15 in possession) | Mourning & White-winged Dove | 15 (45 in possession) |
| Pheasant | 2 males (6 males in possession) | Ducks, Mergansers, Scaup | 7 per day (3x daily in possession, limit 2 scaup) |
| Quail | 5 (15 in possession) | Coots | 25 per day (75 in possession) |
| Sandhill Crane | 1 either-sex | Dark Geese | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Cougar | No limits | White-fronted Geese | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Tundra Swan | 1 per permit | Light Geese | 20 per day (60 in possession) |
| Mountain Goat | 1 per permit/lifetime | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Bighorn Sheep | 1 per permit/lifetime | Moose | 1 per permit/lifetime |
| Bison | 1 per permit/lifetime | ||
For more information about season dates and bag limits, check the various hunting guidebooks provided by the UDWR.
What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Laws in Utah?
If you were born after December 31, 1965, you must pass an approved hunter education course before getting your license. If you take an online course, you must also take an in-person field day to complete the education requirements.
Additionally, for some big game and tundra swan hunts, you must take an orientation course before your hunt.
With proof of your hunter education certification and any required orientation courses, you can get your hunting license through the state's online system. Costs vary based on different licenses and permits depending on what you hunt.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Utah?
Hunters in Utah appreciate the range of game available to hunt, from turkeys to elk, deer, black bears, and more. The state also offers once-in-a-lifetime hunts for bison, bighorn sheep, bull moose, and mountain goats — so if you're hoping for a trophy hunt, consider a hunt in Utah!
Plus, it's a beautiful place to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. Depending on what and when you hunt, you could trek through snow-covered mountain peaks to woods, salt lakes, deserts, or plateaus.
The state offers about 23 million acres of public land for hunting, so you have plenty of places to explore and track animals in the Beehive State.
Where Should I Hunt?
In addition to the millions of acres of public-access land, Utah also partners with landowners through the Walk-in Access program. You'll need to work with the Department of Wildlife to get an authorization number for access to these lands, but it can be worth it to find lower-pressure areas for hunting.
Just make sure you understand the rules of hunting land (private and public) before planning your hunt.
No matter which type of land you hunt or where, HuntWise helps you scout to find the best hunt areas for every hunt. The app shows land boundary lines and landowner contact information. You can also use various map layers (including LiDAR) to visualize hunt areas and mark things of interest with in-app markers.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
Whether you're excited about the Utah elk hunting season or you're planning your annual turkey hunt with your buddies, you need the right gear! Successful hunts require the right clothing (whether you prefer to hunt in the early season or enjoy colder late-season hunts), a sharp hunting knife, and a good pair of binoculars or a scope for glassing.
Have Your Best Utah Hunting Seasons Yet with HuntWise
We hope the information we provided helps you plan your Utah hunting seasons this year! Make sure you also check the state's official resources for the latest information.
Ready to start planning? Download the HuntWise hunting app first! With forecasting features for weather, animal movement, and plenty of map layers and markers to scout and plan, you'll have the best advantage over other hunters and the game you hunt.
Plus, Pro and Elite subscribers get access to more tools — including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting and exclusive access to our FieldGuide+ video collections from the pros.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details October 14, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about the Utah hunting seasons!
Q: Can non-residents hunt in Utah?
A: Yes. Non-residents can hunt in Utah but must purchase non-resident licenses, apply for limited-entry permits, or buy over-the-counter tags where available.
Q: What is the top predator in Utah?
A: The apex predator in Utah is the Cougar (mountain lion), though gray wolves are slowly reappearing in parts of the state.
Q: When to put in for Utah Hunts 2026?
A: Applications typically open in late January and close in early March 2026 for big game (exact dates released annually by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources).
Q: What is the best unit to hunt in Utah?
A: The “best” unit to hunt in Utah depends on species, but top limited-entry units often include the Henry Mountains and Paunsaugunt Plateau for trophy quality.
Q: Where is the best deer hunting in Utah?
A: Utah’s top mule deer units include the Henry Mountains, Paunsaugunt Plateau, and Book Cliffs. These units are known for mature bucks, but they are limited-entry units, so hunters need a drawn permit. For better odds of getting a tag, apply for general-season units.
