Hunting in Utah

Hunting in Utah may not have had the same- desert bighorn sheep
reputation for excellence over the years as some- Rocky Mountain goats
of the surrounding states. But don't be fooled.Hunting is allowed in most of the public areas of
Reality and reputation are two different things.the state. But, of course, not in national parks,
The reality is that hunting in Utah is equal to ornational monuments, or state parks.
better than most of those more-reputable states.The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
For example, if you love to hunt elk, or evenmanages hunting in Utah. Proclamations are set
photograph them, Utah is the place for theeach year and spell out everything you need to
biggest elk on the planet. In 2008, Utah producedknow about any hunt you may be interested in. It
the new Boone and Crockett Club world recordis imperative you check each year's proclamation
non-typical elk. Yes, the largest antler rack everwell in advance to plan your trip ahead of time.
recorded. From 2000 to 2006, elk hunting in UtahLicenses and Permits
produced more record-book bulls than any otherHunting for deer and elk in Utah used to
state!accommodate anyone who wanted to buy a
There are more mule deer in Utah than any otherpermit. In fact, more than 250,000 hunters
big game animal. And mule deer hunting in Utah isenjoyed the 1988 deer hunt in Utah.
big business. Because trophy mule deer are oneBut several devastating winters ensued. And the
of the most alluring game species in Northvegetation in formerly prime hunting areas
America. And, yes, there still are trophy mulematured. Providing less forage opportunity for
deer in Utah.mule deer. For the first time ever, buck permits
Utah provides marvelous opportunities for huntingwere capped in 1994. Since 1994, 97,000 general
a variety of game. And equally fantasticseason buck permits in five hunting regions have
opportunities to watch and photograph that samebeen sold each year.
wildlife. More than 600 species - mammals, birds,You can buy both resident and non-resident
fishes, reptiles and amphibians - are found in Utah.permits for general hunts on a first-come,
What Can You Hunt in Utah?first-served basis from any licensed dealer
As mentioned above, mule deer and elk hunting instatewide. As well as from DWR offices and on
Utah is exceptional. You'll also find:the internet.
- pronghorn antelopeUtah offers numerous special hunts,
- pheasantonce-in-a-lifetime hunts, and limited entry hunts.
- ducksThese permits are available through draw or
- geeselottery. You've got to check the proclamation well
- rabbitsin advance for application deadlines and hunt
- sage grousedetails.
- forest grouseHunting Seasons
- chukar partridgeSeasons for all huntable species are set each
- mourning doveyear. Each year's proclamation is a veritable
- wild turkeysencyclopedia of hunt information. For upcoming big
And on a limited or once-in-a-lifetime basis:game seasons, the proclamation is available each
- mooseJanuary. The regulations for small game are
- bisonavailable by late August each year.