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!
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.
When Can I Hunt in Utah?
When is the deer hunt in Utah? Let's take a look at the season dates so you can plan your year!
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.
We also recommend confirming the latest season dates, bag limits, and other details on the state's website to catch information that might have changed before heading out for a hunt.
Deer Season in Utah
Youth Hunts
Archery: August 17 – September 13
Muzzleloader: September 25 – October 3
Early Any Legal Weapon: October 9 – 13
Any Legal Weapon Season: October 19 – 27
General Hunts (Buck Deer)
Archery:
General Season: August 17 – September 13
Extended: September 14 – October 15
Extended Either-sex (Specific Units Only): September 14 – November 30
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.
What are the Bag Limits?
How many deer, elk, or turkeys can you bring home this year? To comply with the rules for the Utah hunting seasons, make sure you understand the bag limits for every animal you hunt.
Deer
1 buck (General-season Archery, Muzzleloader, Any Legal Weapon, HAMSS seasons)
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.
As you gear up, remember that HuntWise Pro and Elite subscribers can save hundreds on the best gear! Use exclusive discounts from our partners to save on gear.
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.
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