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Utah

Utah Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Utah hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $40 General hunting
Non-Resident License $144 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1965-01-01
Online Purchase Yes Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
LICENSE FEES

Utah Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31).

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Hunting License (18+) $40
Resident Youth Hunting (12-17) $30
Resident Combination (Hunt + Fish) $59
Resident Lifetime Hunting $699

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Hunting (18+) $144
Non-Resident Youth Hunting (17 and under) $44
Non-Resident Combination (Hunt + Fish) $190

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer (Gen. Season Buck) $46 $599
Deer (Limited-Entry Buck) $80 $1070
Deer (Antlerless) $35 $200
Elk (Gen. Season Bull) $56 $849
Elk (Limited-Entry Bull) $90 $1950
Turkey $31 $67

Endorsements & Stamps

Application Fee $10 Per species draw application; NR: $21
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Utah Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit wildlife.utah.gov. Create account or sign in. Purchase hunting license. Apply for big game draws during application periods. Pay with credit/debit card (2.2% fee). Print or carry digital license

2

Buy In Person

DWR regional offices, Local sporting goods stores, Walmart stores

3

Buy By Phone

Call 801-538-4700. Processing fees apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Utah hunting license is online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Utah

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1965
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 12 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Utah?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (13 and under) $11 license Reduced-fee youth hunting license
Senior (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license and tag fees for residents 65+
Disabled Veteran Free or reduced Disabled veterans receive free or reduced-fee licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Utah hunt at resident rates
SEASONS

Utah Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
Mule Deer Archery Aug 16 – Sep 12 Bow
Mule Deer General Rifle Oct 18 – Oct 26 Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Mule Deer Muzzleloader Oct 29 – Nov 6 Muzzleloader
Elk Archery Aug 16 – Sep 5 Bow
Elk General Rifle Oct 18 – Oct 26 Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Turkey (Spring) Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Shotgun, bow
Pheasant/Chukar Regular Nov 1 – Dec 31 Shotgun
BAG LIMITS

Utah Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
Mule Deer 1 1 Utah is a premier mule deer state; antler point restrictions in many units
Elk 1 1 One per tag
Turkey 1 1 One per tag
Pheasant 2 No season limit Roosters only
COMPARE

How Utah Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Utah?

Resident hunting license costs $40. Non-residents pay $144 (increased from $120 in 2025). A hunting license is required before purchasing any species-specific permits through the draw.

How much are Utah deer tags?

General season buck deer permits: $46 resident, $599 non-resident (increased from $418). Limited-entry buck permits: $80 resident, $1,070 non-resident. All deer tags require a draw application ($10 res / $21 NR fee).

Did Utah raise non-resident fees?

Yes, significant NR increases in 2025: hunting license $120→$144, deer $418→$599, general elk $613→$849, limited-entry elk $1,050→$1,950. Revenue funds wildlife habitat and conservation.

How does Utah's draw system work?

All big game tags (deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, sheep) are awarded by lottery draw. Apply online during species-specific windows. Pay a $10 (res) or $21 (NR) non-refundable application fee per species. Bonus points accumulate for unsuccessful applicants.

Is mandatory harvest reporting required in Utah?

Yes, starting 2025 Utah requires harvest reporting for all general season hunts. Failure to report within 30 days of season end results in a $50 late fee and may affect future draw applications.

Can I buy a Utah hunting license online?

Yes, at wildlife.utah.gov. A 2.2% electronic transaction fee applies to credit/debit card purchases. Licenses are also available at DWR offices, Walmart, and sporting goods stores.

Does Utah offer lifetime hunting licenses?

Yes, a resident lifetime hunting license costs $699 — a one-time purchase with no annual renewals needed. Individual species permits still require annual draw applications.

What is Utah best known for in hunting?

Utah is a premier mule deer state with world-class trophy potential in limited-entry and premium limited-entry units. The state also has excellent elk, pronghorn, and Merriam's turkey hunting. General season archery hunts offer OTC-like accessibility.

Ready to Get Your Utah Hunting License?

Visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website to purchase your license online today.