Utah Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Utah

Utah’s mountains contribute to the state’s hunting advantages. The Rocky Mountains and picturesque scenery provide an opportunity to hunt deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and other small animals throughout the state.

Hunting regulations in Utah

Some of Utah’s hunting regulations and restrictions that hunters must observe include the following:

Attractions and Luring in Wildlife

It is illegal to use any attractant, fragrance, or deer urine to entice game or wildlife. The state also forbids the capture or hunting of large wildlife using any edible product. However, exceptions are provided for salt, water, or salt mixtures containing trace minerals that were originally intended for livestock.

Hunting Without a Permit

Before you can hunt or catch game or wildlife in the state, you must first obtain a valid fishing or hunting license. Every time you go hunting, you must also have your license with you. If a tag is required for hunting, you must also have one. Before engaging in any hunting activity in the state, the license and tags must be signed.

Possession of illegally taken games and wildlife

If you take any game or animals illegally, possession of such an animal is forbidden under Utah hunting rules. It makes no difference if you were involved in the hunting or seizing of the wildlife; as long as it was not properly acquired, possessing it is illegal.

Possession of Wildlife and Bag Limits

For several species, the Utah Game and Fish Commission imposes possession restrictions and bag limits. Wildlife hunting must adhere to the quantity and limitations established by the commission. As a result, it is critical that you conduct a study before capturing wildlife.

Tagging the Big Game

All big games collected in Utah must be tagged. The tags normally have instructions on how to tag them on the back. You must strictly adhere to the directions as well as the Utah Game and Fish Commission’s other tagging regulations.

Wildlife hunting during closed seasons, with artificial lights, and during legal hours

In Utah, you can only hunt wildlife and game during the seasons set by the hunting commission. The commission is also in charge of ending hunting seasons, and you may not pursue wildlife during the close season.

If you are a specialized hunter, ensure that you obtain information about the commission’s restrictions before embarking on a hunting expedition.

Artificial light is not permitted during the state’s coyote hunting season, according to Utah hunting statutes. This also means that you cannot use vehicle headlights or spotlights when hunting. However, exceptions are permitted for theft reasons; however, the firearm in the car must not be able to discharge when using the spotlight. It is better to keep all firearms, ammunition, bows, and arrows outside the vehicle or at the camp.

The use of artificial lights to extend hunting and shooting hours is likewise prohibited by the state.

Using vehicles to hunt

Taking games and wildlife from vehicles such as motor vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft is banned. Those who acquire authorization from the Utah Fish and Game Commission are exempt. The term “take” refers to the hunting, killing, catching, pursuing, and shooting of wildlife in the context of this rule.

Furthermore, this legislation states that you may not purposefully drive or hover in a vehicle to look for animals before stealing it. The scope of this rule extends beyond simply shooting an animal from a vehicle; you may even transfer animals in a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive off the main road in order to get closer to wildlife.

Using devices to hunt

Only devices certified by the Utah Fish and Game Commission may be used to hunt game and wildlife. The use of any other device is prohibited.

Discharging a firearm in the vicinity of a house

It is illegal to discharge firearms when hunting near a residential building unless you have permission from the residents. This ordinance also prohibits the use of bows and arrows, 35-caliber inflatable weapons, and hybrid weapons. Buildings under this rule also include structures such as cottages, huts, barns, and sheds.

Before hunting near structures, hunters must assume that they are populated. Violations of this restriction are widespread during dove and quail shooting seasons.

After hunting, clean up.

When hunters finish their activity, they are required to clean up. There should be no litter in camp, and any debris or castings should be removed. This includes cleaning the carcasses of animals. In most hunting jurisdictions, there are restrictions on the disposal of carcasses, and hunters must clean up in accordance with these regulations.

Shooting across a Highway

It is illegal for hunters to fire firearms from across the road or a railway while attempting to capture wildlife. These rules also apply to bow-and-arrow shooting. Hunters should be wary of this rule because it is frequently broken during dove hunting seasons.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

You are not barred from openly carrying weapons while hunting in the state, unless you are not hunting inside the boundaries of a municipality that allows it.

Open carry is forbidden while bow hunting in Utah. You can only use concealed weapons, but it is unlawful to hunt with concealed firearms.

In the state, only archery equipment is legal for bow hunting.

Utah also has hunter harassment regulations in place to protect the state’s hunting operations.

Any individual who knowingly interferes with legitimate hunting activities or violates a licensed person’s right to hunt by harassing such person or chasing away wildlife to prohibit hunting is guilty of a class BHunting Permit Hunting Licenses and Tags in Utah

To hunt animals and wildlife in Utah, you must first obtain a valid state license.

Even if you have a valid hunting license in Utah, you will be unable to hunt if you have not completed the Hunter Education Training Course.

Hunting License for Utah Residents

Residents of the state may purchase a Utah resident hunting license. To be considered a resident of the state, you must have lived in the state for at least 6 months prior to applying for a license, permit, or tag. You also cannot be a resident of another state in the United States.

Members of the United States armed forces who are stationed in Utah for either permanent or temporary duty may also apply for a Utah resident license. Only Utah residents may purchase a resident hunting license in the state. Others are only eligible to apply for a non-resident license.

Complimentary Hunting Permit

Utah provides complimentary licenses to anyone who meets the requirements for free licenses in the state. Free licenses are available for fishing and hunting throughout the state. The Utah Fish and Game Department is the only place where you can receive a free license.

Hunting License

This is a sort of resident license awarded in Utah to people who are at least 70 years old and have lived in the state for at least 25 years.

Veteran Disabled Hunting License

To receive this form of license, a veteran must show proof of disability from the state veteran administration. The applicant must also have lived in Utah for two years prior to applying for the license.

Apprentice Hunting Permit

Licensed hunters in Utah will be permitted to take prospective hunters on hunting trips with an apprentice hunting license. Because of the apprentice license, prospective or beginner hunters will not need to obtain a standard license to go hunting.

The license is not just valid for Utah citizens; non-residents can also apply for it for free.

An apprentice license, on the other hand, is only valid for consecutive days and can only be used to hunt small game, fur game, birds, predators, and nongame mammals.

Utah Lifetime Permit

These licenses are exclusively available to Utah citizens. The cost of a lifetime hunting license application in the state will vary depending on the type of license and the applicant’s age.

Non-Resident Hunting License in Utah

Non-resident hunters who want to hunt in Utah must obtain a non-permit tag form in order to purchase licenses, stamps, and hunting tags, among other things. They must submit the form to the state’s fish and game department separately, without submitting a hunt permit tag application.

Permits and tags for fishing in Utah

There are several types of fishing licenses available in Utah, including:

General fishing permits

Utah general fishing licenses are available for both citizens and non-residents, with rates ranging from $37 to $55. The license is valid for all state fishing operations.

Licenses for both fishing and hunting are available.

In Utah, this is a mix of fishing and hunting licenses. They are also offered to state residents and non-residents for $57 and $160, respectively.

Youth Hunting and Fishing Combo

This is a fishing license given by the Utah Fish and Game Department for $5 to both citizens and non-resident kids.

Short-Term Hunting and Fishing

This is a limited hunting and fishing license valid for a set length of time. Residents can get this license for $15 for one day, while non-residents can get it for $20.

Community Fishing Permit

Residents and non-residents of Utah can acquire communal fishing licenses for $24.

When fishing on public water on a day when fishing is not permitted, you do not need a Utah fishing license. In Utah, free fishing day is always held on the first Saturday following National Fishing and Boating Week.

If you register to participate in a fishing clinic sponsored by the Utah Department of Game and Fish, you do not need a fishing license.

Fishing licenses are not required for activities on any private water in the state, including tanks and ponds, if permission is obtained from the property owner.

Hunting Seasons in Utah in 2020-2021

Despite the popular belief that Utah is a desert state, the ecology is ideally adapted for numerous forms of game and fauna.

Alaska’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Hunting season in Utah

General Season (October 23rd to December 31st)
General Youth-Only Season (October 9th to November 29th)
Hunter Access Mobility (September 18th to September 24th, and October 23rd to October 29th)
Muzzleloader Season (October 23rd to December 31st)
Muzzleloader Season for Youths (2nd October to 11th October and 20th November to 29th November)
Archery Season (August 21st to September 10th and December 11th to December 31st)

Season for hunting bighorn sheep in Utah

General Seasons (October 1st to December 31st)
Furthermore, many bighorn sheep are almost unreachable, so you should only plan on hunting them in remote backcountry areas.

Turkey Season in Utah

General Season (October 2nd to October 8th)
Youth Hunting Season (October 2nd to October 8th)
Archery Season (August 21st to September 10th)
A valid license and tag are required for Utah turkey hunting. There is also a hunting limit of one turkey each year.

Seasons for Hunting Small Game in Utah

Chukar Partridge Season (September 1st to February 7th)
Season of the Dusky Blue Grouse (September 1st to November 8th)
Cottontail rabbit season lasts from July 1st until June 30th.

Pheasant

Shotgun Season (September 1st to September 15th)
Archery Season (October 16th to February 7th)
Falconry Season (September 14th to February 7th)
Tree Squirrel Season (July 1st to June 30th)

Quail

General Season (October 16th to February 7th)
Falconry Season (July 1st to March 31st)
Jackrabbit Season (September 1st to March 31st)
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog (July 1st to March 31st)

For all games and wildlife in the state, the dates for each season may vary depending on zone.

Wildlife, Game, and Fish in Utah

Utah is one of the states in the United States where you can hunt big game, small game, furbearers, waterfowl, and predators.

The following are some of the animal games available for hunting in the state:

Pronghorn hunting in Utah

Pronghorns are a type of big game hunt that is exclusive to the northern states of America. Pronghorns live in Utah’s northern plains, where high elevations abound within wooded areas. They can also be seen in herds in grassland areas in the state’s southeast.

Elk hunting in Utah

Elks were once one of the most common deer species in North America, and they could be found practically everywhere. However, their figure has been reduced due to agricultural activities and unregulated elk shooting in Utah and other states. Turkey hunting in Utah

Turkeys are one of the most frequent large game species in Utah, and there are three different kinds to choose from: Rio Grande, Merriam, and Gould. Turkey hunting in Utah is strictly regulated, with permits and tags required.

Deer hunting in Utah

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the two most prevalent deer species accessible for big-game hunting in Utah.

Pigeon hunting in Utah

Pigeon hunters in Utah are bad-tailed pigeons, which are not the same as the feral pigeons commonly found in the state’s towns and cities.

Hunting for Grouse in Utah

Dusky grouse hunters in Utah like aspen woods and mixed coniferous forests.

Rabbit Hunting in Utah

Cottontail rabbits are accessible for small game hunting in three different species in Utah. Mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and eastern cottontail are among them.

Dove Hunting in Utah

In Utah, there are numerous dove species, the most common of which is the Mourning Dove.

Pheasant Hunting in Utah

Pheasants live in agriculturally used areas of Utah with extremely high humidity. Pheasant hunting is extremely frequent in Utah.

Quail Hunting in Utah

In Utah, there are three major quail hunting species: Mearns, Gambel’s, and scaled. Although there is a fourth species, the California quail, it is not as heavily hunted as the others.

Squirrel Hunting in Utah

Tree squirrels are one of the most commonly hunted small game birds in Utah. There are four different species and eight subspecies, and they live in the state’s forested areas.

Bobcat Hunting in Utah

The bobcat is a widespread predatory mammal in Utah, and it is found across the state.

Fox Hunting in Utah

In the state, there are three different species for fox hunting: gray fox, red fox, and kit fox.

Coyote Hunting in Utah

Coyotes are fairly common in the state and can be found throughout the state.

Shooting Range in Utah

The following Utah shooting ranges are open to the general public:

Shooting Range with Three Points Shooting Range at Seven Mile Hill Archery Range in Silver Creek Shooting Range in Sierra Vista:

The PMAA Gun Range.
Wahsatch Shooters Association is a non-profit organization.
Shooting Range at Three Peaks.
The Park City Gun Club.
The Nimrods Rifle Club.
Cedar City Trap Club is a local trap club.
The Lee-Kay Center
Range in Kane County.
Gun Range of the Box Elder Wildlife Federation.
Hunter Education Center in Cache Valley.
Cedar City Trap Club is a local trap club.

Hunting Lands in Utah for Sale and Lease

Utah hunting lands for sale include the following:

5 acres in Tabiona, Utah (Duchesne County).
40 acres in Wendover, Utah (Box Elder County).
Annabella, Utah (Sevier County) 8,334 acres of prime Utah mountain terrain and fully working cattle ranch located in the heart of Central Utah.
2,354 acres in Salina, Utah (Sevier County).
9.6 acres in Mount Pleasant, Utah (Sanpete County).
556 acres in Thistle, Utah (Utah County).
Farmland with a domestic water connection. The land is serviced by an 80-horsepower diesel pump. 196 acres in Portage, Utah (Box Elder County).
The land is 313.7 acres and is located 15 miles southeast of Delta. Millard County has highway frontage on both sides of Foothill Boulevard.
320 acres in Scipio, Utah (Millard County).
160 acres of some of the best terrain in the La Sal Mountains, right off Buckeye Road in Monticello, Utah (San Juan County).

Utah hunting lands for lease include the following:

15,000 acres of prime Mule Deer and Elk hunting land in Emery.

Public Hunting Lands in Utah

Utah’s public hunting lands include the following:

Washington County’s 45,000 acres of hunting land are largely made up of sharply inclined hills, heath-water zones, and grassland. This tract offers excellent hunting opportunities for mule deer and mountain lions.
Kanab County, Utah hunting plot of 200 acres. Almost 93 percent of this territory is open to hunting, with the remainder being agricultural property.
Kanab County, Utah, has a 27-acre hunting property. This land’s surface is covered with shallow soils that lie on top of limestone rock, grassland, forestry, and marsh.
1200 acre hunting property in Price County, Utah. This land is largely covered by grassland, forest, marsh, and brushy highland.
40 acres of hunting land in Utah’s Fillmore County. This property offers excellent hunting opportunities for Mule Deer, Waterfowl, Squirrel, and Pheasants.
Hanksville County, Utah, has 61,000 acres of hunting land. This area offers excellent hunting opportunities for Mule Deer and Pheasants.