Utah Hunting Season 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Are you prepared to start an unforgettable hunting journey in Utah? It may not be as popular as other hunting destinations, but the Utah hunting season for 2024 will still be thrilling.

Utah provides year-round hunting opportunities and there is always something for every hunter here. Now is the moment to prepare.

In this guide, we will explore the types of animals you can hunt, the season calendar, licenses and rules to hunt in this state legally.

What Hunting Season Is It In Utah?

Utah offer various hunting opportunities all year round. Here’s a summary of hunting seasons in Utah by each month:

1. Year-round: Cougar, Muskrat, Red fox and Coyotes
2. January: Deer, Bison, Tundra swan, Waterfowl
3. February: Light geese
4. March: Tundra swan, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Snipe, Bobcat, Marten, Light geese
5. April: Turkey, Waterfowl, Beaver and Mink
6. May: Black Bear, Turkey
7. June and July: No specific hunting seasons open
8. August: Bison, Moose, Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn
9. September: Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Goat, Badger, Gray fox, Kit fox, Rabbits, Spotted skunk, and Weasel, Beaver and Mink
10. October: Tundra swan, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Snipe, Dark and White-fronted geese, Light geese
11. November: Scaup, Moose, Dark and White-fronted geese
12. December: Tundra swan, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Snipe, Scaup, Dark and White-fronted geese

Utah Big Game Seasons

There are different kinds of big game animals you can hunt in the state and each of them has their own hunting periods.

Utah Deer&Elk Seasons

*Notes: No general-season archery elk hunt on the Paunsaugunt unit.

Utah Black Bear Seasons

Spring limited-entry hunts: March 30–May 27

Summer limited-entry hunts: May 27–June 30

Fall limited-entry hunts:

• 1–Aug. 31 and Nov. 4–Nov. 10
• 3 – Aug. 16 and Oct. 4 – Nov. 17 (Book Clifs, Bitter Creek/South Unit)

Limited-entry spot-and-stalk hunts: Sept. 2–Nov. 10 (Book Clifs, Little Creek Roadless Unit)

Harvest-objective hunts: Sept. 1–Oct. 27(Most Units)

Utah Other Big Game Seasons

Utah Turkey Seasons

To hunt turkey in Utah, you will need to apply for different permits required. The following are the start dates for each application:

• Fall 2024 management harvest permits: 10, 2024
• Limited-entry applications deadline: 12, 2024
• 2024 application deadline: 27, 2024
• Drawing results announcement: 8, 2025
• Remaining limited-entry permits: Mar. 6, 2025
• Spring general-season permits: Mar. 6, 2025

Utah Upland Game Bird Seasons

Utah Waterfowl Seasons

Utah Furbearer Seasons

Utah Hunting Licenses and Permits

The following are the costs for different types of hunting licenses for residents and non-residents.

Except for a hunting licenses, hunters will also need to purchase related permits for different game animals:

Utah General Hunting Regulations

Here are some of the common rules for hunting big game and small game in this state:

1. Hunter Education: If you were born after December 31, 1965, you must show proof of passing an approved hunter education course to get a hunting license.
2. Age Restrictions: No age limits for hunting turkey, waterfowl, upland game, or furbearers. But you must be at least 12 years old to hunt big game.
3. Hunter Orange Requirement: It requires wearing hunter orange when hunting big game (except during deer archery and muzzleloader seasons). For other game hunting, it is not mandatory to do so. Avoid wearing hunter orange during turkey hunting, as the bright colors can be mistaken for a turkey’s head.

4. Reporting Hunts: You must report your hunting information within 30 days after any limited-entry or once-in-a-lifetime hunt, even if you didn’t successfully harvest an animal.
5. Migratory Game Bird Registration: It requires registering in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) if you plan to hunt migratory birds.
6. Turkey Permits: You can get one permit for the spring turkey season and up to three for the fall season.
7. Trial Hunting Program: Anyone over 12 years old can try hunting for up to three years through Utah’s Trial Hunting Program.
8. Waterfowl Hunting: Hunters need to obtain a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp to hunt waterfowl.
9. Prohibited Practices:

• Using aircraft, drones, or any airborne devices to locate wildlife is illegal.
• Trail cameras are banned on public land from July 31 to December 31.
• Baiting for hunting is not allowed.
• No electronics on bows or arrows.
• You need permission from the landowner to hunt or trap on private land.
• Using night-vision devices while hunting big game is unlawful.
• Using spotlights or artificial lights to locate wildlife is prohibited.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, the hunting season in Utah is not to be missed. Utah provides a hunting experience like no other with its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife population.

Make sure to note the dates, pack your equipment, and be well prepared for numerous possibilities for adventure. Have fun and welcome to share your hunting experience with us in the comments!