Utah Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Utah hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through Utah DWR.
Utah Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Listed resident option: from N/A — Non-Resident: from $144.00
- Managed by: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://wildlife.utah.gov/licenses.html
Utah Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Utah offers outstanding hunting managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The Beehive State features stunning terrain from red rock canyons to alpine peaks, supporting mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, black bear, mountain lion, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, wild turkey, and upland game. Non-resident fees are increasing significantly in 2025 due to Senate Bill 8 — with the adult hunting license going from $120 to $144 (effective July 1, 2025) and general-season deer permits from $418 to $599. Resident fees remain unchanged. Utah uses a draw system for most big game and is known for producing some of the largest mule deer, elk, and bison in North America. The state's once-in-a-lifetime permit categories (moose, bison, sheep, goat) are highly coveted. Youth and combination licenses are available.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR Adult Hunting License | — | $144.00 | 365 days | |
| NR Youth Hunting License | — | $44.00 | 365 days | |
| NR Adult Combo Hunt/Fish | — | $190.00 | 365 days | |
| NR Youth Combo Hunt/Fish | — | $58.00 | 365 days | |
| NR General Deer Permit | — | $599.00 | Season | |
| NR Limited-Entry Deer Permit | — | $1070.00 | Season | |
| NR General Bull Elk Permit | — | $849.00 | Season | |
| NR Limited-Entry Elk Permit | — | $1950.00 | Season | |
| Draw Application Fee (NR) | — | $21.00 | Per application |
Prices from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Utah license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers 21+. Youth 12-20 can purchase with an apprentice hunt.
How to Buy a Utah Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Utah.
Need help? Call Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at 801-538-4700
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Utah Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Archery | August 15 | September 11 | 2026 dates |
| Mule Deer | General Any Weapon | October 17 | October 25 | 2026 dates |
| Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | September 23 | October 1 | 2026 dates |
| Elk | Archery | August 15 | September 11 | 2026 dates |
| Elk | Any Weapon | October 3 | October 16 | 2026 dates |
| Pronghorn Antelope | General | August 15 | September 18 | 2026 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | April 11 | May 31 | 2026-27 dates |
| Mountain Lion | General | November 7 | March 31, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| Duck | General | October 3 | January 17, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Utah season regulations on Utah DWR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Utah seniors qualify for reduced-fee licenses |
| Youth | Reduced ($44 NR) | Youth hunting and combo licenses at reduced rates |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled veterans qualify for reduced fees |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Utah |
Utah Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Utah official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 400 square inches of blaze orange above the waist required during rifle big game seasons.
- Trail cameras are prohibited on public and private land from July 31 to December 31.
- Baiting of big game is illegal in Utah.
- Utah's SB 8 (2025) significantly increased non-resident license and permit fees.
Read full Utah regulations on Utah DWR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Utah Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Utah Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Utah?
Non-resident adult hunting is $144 (effective July 2025). NR combo hunt/fish $190. NR youth $44. Resident fees remain unchanged. Big game permits are additional through the draw.
Are Utah hunting fees increasing?
Yes, significant NR fee increases take effect in 2025. NR deer permits go from $418 to $599, elk from $613 to $849. Resident fees stay the same.
Can non-residents hunt in Utah?
Yes, through the $144 hunting license plus draw permits. General deer is $599, limited-entry elk $1,950. Applications cost $21 each.
What are once-in-a-lifetime permits in Utah?
Moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat permits that hunters can only draw once in their lifetime. These are among the most prestigious tags in North America.
What big game can I hunt in Utah?
Mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose (draw), bison (draw), bighorn sheep (draw), mountain goat (draw), black bear, mountain lion, and wild turkey.
Are there reduced hunting licenses in Utah?
Yes, youth, seniors, disabled veterans, and military get reduced fees. Non-resident youth hunting is $44.