The upcoming wildlife adventure in Utah during 2026-2027 is set to deliver a thrilling experience for avid enthusiasts. UDWR has officially sanctioned the dates for big game excursions, presenting a comprehensive overview of the schedule, licensing, and regulations. In this article you shall find complete details on state Deer hunting dates, licenses and Regulations.
Utah Deer Hunt Season
What to know
- Utah deer seasons are typically organized as general-season buck deer hunts, with archery, muzzleloader, and any-legal-weapon windows.
- Elk seasons in Utah are more varied, especially for limited-entry permits, with separate archery, rifle, and muzzleloader dates.
- The state’s 2026 general-season buck deer dates show archery running Aug. 15–Sept. 11, muzzleloader Sept. 23–Oct. 1, and regular any-legal-weapon Oct. 17–25.
Deer Hunting Regulations
- Large game harvesting permits are offered to 11-year-olds who will be 12 by year’s end. Hunter Training Programs are for under-18s, whereas Trial Hunting Programs are for 12+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, legal family, or permitted 21-year-old adult. The accompanying adult must have hunter education and be nearby to provide verbal help. Electronic equipment cannot replace human monitoring in this situation.
- Except for Trial Hunting Program participants, persons born after December 31, 1965, require a Division-approved hunter education course for a hunting license or big game permit. Education numbers or blue cards indicate completion. Join the Division’s pass lottery after enrolling at wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation and verifying online. Game guidelines for under-15s.
- New residents with out-of-state hunter education must secure a blue card at any Division office before purchasing a resident hunting pass.
- Big game permits, extra points, and preference points require a valid hunting or combo pass. No need for a new license if yours is valid at the time of application. Combo game permits are valid for a year.
- There are several kinds of big game hunting permits. Wildlife.utah.gov accepts applications for most big game permits between Jan. 27 and March 3.
- Big game permits must be carried when hunting and cannot be sold, moved, or lent.
- Regional permits include elk, pronghorn, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat hunting. Utah male deer must wear hunter orange unless otherwise stated.
- State law bans scoped handguns for buck deer hunting. The pistol needs a single back handgrip, a 15-inch barrel (including the chamber), no vertical foregrip, fixed/removable/foldable buttstock, or rear grip support. Total firearm length cannot exceed 24 inches.
- Buck hunting gear is required, with muzzleloader and rifle sights restricted. Handguns must have a 15-inch barrel, a single unsupported rear handgrip, and a 24-inch length.
- Non-harvesting limited-entry bow hunters who take an online course may use extended archery zones. The prolonged archery season does not need a poll, but a harvest report is required within 30 days of the limited-entry season.
- Hunting is limited on private CWMUs. For Buck deer it requires a CWMU-specific pass.
UT Deer License Fees
| Deer License Types | Resident Fees | Non-Resident Fees |
|---|---|---|
| General Season Deer Permit | $30 | $268 |
| Limited-Entry Deer Permit | $65 | $518 |
| Dedicated Hunter Permit | $30 | $268 |
| CWMU (Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit) | $30 | $268 |
| Youth General Season Deer Permit | $15 | $68 |
| Youth Any Legal Weapon Permit | $30 | $268 |
FAQ
What are the general season types for deer hunting in Utah?
There are four different general deer shooting seasons available in Utah: archery, muzzleloader, early any legal weapon (rifle), and any legal weapon (rifle).
When does the general-season archery buck deer hunt start and end in Utah?
The third Saturday in August and the third Friday in September are the start and finish dates for the general-season bow whitetail deer chase.
What are the different types of deer permits issued in Utah?
There are two types of deer licenses available: limited-entry and open season. There is a limit of one mule buck pass per person per year, and both are issued through distinct point systems and lotteries.
How can I apply for a deer hunting permit in Utah?
Through the website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, hunters can register for deer shooting licenses. Normally, the registration process begins in early January and lasts until the end of February.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Utah?
It is legal for non-residents to shoot deer, but they must obtain a non-resident hunting pass and spend more money than locals.
Can I hunt deer on private land in Utah?
The landowner must give approval before hunting on their property, and there may be other rules or limitations in place. Before shooting on private property, hunters should get in touch with the proprietor and study the Utah hunting laws.
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