Now is the time to apply if you want to hunt big game in Utah. Utah’s application period runs from Jan. 30th to March 5th. If you are wanting to apply you should visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. You can also call the closest regional office to apply. Utah DWR will notify you of your results by email. You can also check them online or by calling 1-800-221-0659. If you don’t want to apply for this year. You can also buy bonus points to be used to apply for hunts in the future. Utah is a wonderful place to hunt. It provides lots of public lands to hunt on, numerous species, and ample camping areas.
The big game species you can apply for in Utah include
- Bighorn Sheep (Desert & Rocky Mountain)
- Bison (One of only a few free-range herds in the US)
- Mountain Goat
- Moose
- Pronghorn
- Elk
- Mule Deer
Also for 2020 Utah will be adding new hunts for Bison, Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn, and Deer. For more information on these new hunts, you should check out the 2020 Big Game Application Guidebook. Utah also offers the chance to hunt deer through their Dedicated Hunter Program. A person that applies for the Dedicated Hunter Program performs 32 hours of service with the DWR. In return, they are given permits for 3 years to hunt buck deer through all 3 seasons. For more information on the Dedicated Hunter Program readers should click here.
If you’re looking to hunt Utah for the first time, or if you want to try a new unit you should check out the Utah Hunt Planner. This resource has in-depth maps, unit profiles, and season dates. It also provides hunters with public land areas as well as the best access points in each unit. Utah DWR biologists regularly update information on the units, terrain, and wildlife populations.
Utah has made several changes to the hunt drawing process for 2020. Limited entry buck deer waiting periods have been extended from 2 years to 5 years. Utah has also made changes to its permit surrender process. For more in-depth information on all the rule changes, be sure to check the 2020 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook.
Are you applying to hunt in Utah this year? If so what species are you hoping to chase? Let us know in the comments below.
