Utah Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 12, 2026
Utah offers some of the most diverse hunting terrain in the American West, from the red rock canyon country of the south to the alpine ridges of the Uinta Mountains. Whether you’re chasing mule deer, elk, upland birds, or waterfowl, getting your licensing right before you head out is not optional — and it is not complicated once you know the steps.
This guide walks you through every layer of Utah’s hunting license system: who needs a license, what types are available, how much each costs, and exactly how to purchase one. Regulations can change from year to year, so always confirm current details at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website before you buy.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Utah
In Utah, anyone who wishes to hunt wildlife must generally possess a valid hunting license issued by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents, with some distinctions based on age, residency status, and the species being hunted.
Before you can hunt in Utah, you have to have either a hunting or combination license. Hunts for certain species also require you to have a separate permit in addition to your license. Think of the base license as your entry point — it opens the door to small game, upland birds, and most waterfowl, but big game like deer and elk require additional permits on top of it.
All hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian, or a responsible person age 21 or older. Youth hunters under 12 years old do not need a license but must be supervised by a licensed adult.
Important Note: All big game species in Utah — deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and bison — require a separate permit through the draw system in addition to your base hunting license. There are no over-the-counter big game tags in Utah.
Planning your gear before the season opens is just as important as securing your license. A quality pair of Hunting Binoculars can make a significant difference when scouting Utah’s wide-open terrain.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Utah
Utah’s licensing rules are broad, but a handful of specific exemptions exist. Understanding them helps you avoid both unnecessary purchases and accidental violations.
- Children under 12: Youth hunters under 12 years old do not need a license but must be supervised by a licensed adult.
- Landowner exemption: Landowners hunting on their own property may be exempt from licensing for certain species, but this exemption is limited and specific conditions apply.
- Trial Hunting Program: The Trial Hunting Program allows individuals aged 12 and older to try hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter before completing a hunter education course. Participants in this program are exempt from the standard hunter education requirement but must still follow all other regulations.
- Lifetime license holders: Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses are no longer issued as of March 1, 1994; existing holders can hunt and fish in Utah without purchasing annual licenses and receive a general-season deer permit each year upon completing an annual questionnaire.
Active-duty military members who are stationed in Utah may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are Utah residents may purchase a resident hunting license. Active-duty military personnel stationed in Utah may be eligible for special licensing privileges or discounts; however, they must still comply with all other hunting regulations.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether a specific exemption applies to your situation, contact a DWR regional office directly before heading into the field. Hunting without a required license carries stiff penalties.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Utah
Your residency status is one of the most important factors in determining which license you need and what you will pay. Your residency status changes your price, application category, and eligibility.
A resident is a person who has lived in Utah for at least six months. More precisely, you need a fixed permanent home and principal establishment in the state for six consecutive months immediately before purchase or application, and you cannot claim hunting residency somewhere else.
Active-duty military members and non-resident full-time students who have attended an institution in Utah for at least 60 days may be considered residents.
Resident hunting licenses are available to Utah residents and offer the most affordable rates. These licenses allow hunting of most game species during the appropriate seasons and may be purchased as single-species licenses or as combination packages that include fishing privileges.
Non-resident licenses are required for hunters who do not meet Utah residency criteria. These licenses are more expensive and may have restrictions on the types of game or hunting areas accessible.
If you plan to fish as well as hunt, a combination license is worth considering. A basic hunting license covers hunting privileges. A combination license adds fishing privileges. If you also fish, the combination option can make more sense. You can learn more about fishing licensing requirements in Utah at our guide to fishing license requirements in Utah.
Types of Hunting Licenses in Utah
Utah offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences, and each type requires a specific application process. Here is a breakdown of the primary options available:
| License Type | Who It’s For | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting License (Resident) | Utah residents age 13+ | Small game, upland game, most waterfowl |
| Combination License (Resident) | Utah residents age 14+ | Hunting + fishing privileges combined |
| Basic Hunting License (Non-Resident) | Non-residents age 17+ | Small game, upland game, most waterfowl |
| Combination License (Non-Resident) | Non-residents age 17+ | Hunting + fishing privileges combined |
| Youth Hunting License | Residents and non-residents under 18 | Small game; reduced fee |
| Senior Basic Hunting License | Utah residents age 65+ | Small game; reduced fee |
| Senior Combination License | Utah residents age 65+ | Hunting + fishing; reduced fee |
| 3-Day Small Game License | Non-residents | Small game for 3 consecutive days |
The Dedicated Hunter Program is available to non-residents aged 12 and older and includes a 365-day fishing license and requires participation in conservation projects. This is a strong option for out-of-state hunters who want extended access and a built-in fishing license.
A furbearer course is required for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1984, who wishes to obtain a furbearing license. A trapping license is required to kill or take any wildlife by means of a trap in Utah. This license applies to all furbearing species except bobcats and martens. An additional permit is required for both bobcats and martens.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Utah
Resident adult basic hunting licenses are $40, resident seniors pay $31, resident youth pay $11 to $16, and nonresident basic hunting licenses are $44 for youth and $144 for adults after the state’s fee changes. These figures reflect the fee schedule that took effect in 2025 and carry into the 2026 season.
Utah raised non-resident hunting fees significantly in 2025. The NR base hunting license increased from $120 to $144. Nonresident combination licenses increased from $150 to $190 for adults.
Here is a summary of base license costs for the 2026 season:
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting License (Adult) | $40 | $144 |
| Basic Hunting License (Youth, under 18) | $11–$16 | $44 |
| Combination License (Adult) | Varies | $190 |
| Senior Basic Hunting License (65+) | $31 | N/A |
A 2.2% electronic transaction fee applies to all online purchases at wildlife.utah.gov. Factor this into your budget when purchasing online. Fees for various fishing and hunting permits vary significantly and may change from year to year. Always verify the current fee schedule on the DWR fees page before completing your purchase.
Key Insight: As of the 2025 legislative session, Utah passed SB8, which gave the DWR authority to increase non-resident fees. Resident fees were not affected by these changes. Always check the official DWR fee schedule for the most up-to-date figures.
A reliable Hunting Backpack is an essential piece of kit for any Utah hunt, especially when you are covering miles of terrain in search of big game.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Utah
All big game species in Utah — deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and bison — require a separate permit through the draw system. There are no over-the-counter big game tags in Utah. Your base license is just the starting point for these hunts.
A preference point system is used for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison. These species are among the hardest tags to draw in the state, and many hunters accumulate points for years before being selected.
For the 2026 season, big game permit costs include:
- General season buck deer permits cost $46 for residents and $599 for non-residents.
- Limited-entry buck permits cost $80 for residents and $1,070 for non-residents.
- Non-resident general elk permits are $849; non-resident limited-entry elk permits are $1,950.
- The draw application fee is $10 per species (non-refundable). Non-residents pay $21 per species application.
Waterfowl hunters face additional requirements beyond the base license. All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP). You need a HIP number if you are hunting migratory birds such as ducks, geese, mourning doves, band-tailed pigeons, sandhill cranes, coots, or snipes.
The Federal Duck Stamp costs $27, and HIP registration is also required for waterfowl.
Common Mistake: Many hunters buy the base license and assume they are done. For deer, elk, turkey, bear, cougar, and most high-demand hunts, additional permits are required — and most of those come through draw applications, not instant checkout. Missing the draw window means waiting another year.
Mandatory harvest reporting is another requirement to keep in mind. Starting in 2026, Utah implemented mandatory harvest reporting for all big game permit holders, even those who did not hunt or harvest. Reports must be submitted within 30 days of season end. Failure to report blocks future applications for big game and antlerless permits. There will be a $50 late fee for anyone who does not submit their harvest report within thirty days of the last day of the season printed on their license.
If you plan to hunt deer or elk with a rifle, a well-chosen Rifle Scope matched to your firearm and the terrain will improve your accuracy and confidence in the field.
Hunter Education Requirements in Utah
Utah law requires hunters born after December 31, 1965, to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
If you were born before that cutoff, the hunter education requirement generally does not apply in the same way, although you should still review current species rules before hunting.
There are three ways to fulfill the hunter education requirement in Utah:
- In-person course: Complete an in-person course. Typically, these take 6–12 hours and classes usually meet 1–2 nights a week over 2–3 weeks.
- Online course with field day: An online course is offered by the exclusive partner of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. This course will take approximately 4–6 hours and will then be followed by a 5-hour field day.
- Trial Hunting Program: Allows individuals aged 12 and older to try hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter before completing a hunter education course.
You can prove that you have completed hunter education by obtaining a hunter education card (called a “blue card” in Utah), or if you have a verified hunter education number on file with the Division. The number is assigned when you complete hunter education and your blue card is issued.
Utah residents with out-of-state hunter education certification must transfer it. Nonresidents do not need to transfer — just make sure to carry your card with you in the field.
A furbearer course is also required for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1984, who wishes to obtain a furbearing license. This is a separate certification from the standard hunter education course.
Pro Tip: Complete your hunter education well before the draw application window opens. You need a valid base hunting license before you can apply for big game permits, and you cannot get that license without your hunter education certification if you were born after December 31, 1965.
Wearing a Hunting Safety Vest in blaze orange is a smart practice during Utah’s general big game seasons and is required in some hunting situations — always check the current guidebook for your species and unit.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Utah
It is easy to buy your license online, at a DWR office, or from one of the retail partners. You can also purchase one over the phone. You can also store your license on the Utah Hunting and Fishing App.
Here is the step-by-step process to get your Utah hunting license:
- Confirm your hunter education status. If you were born after December 31, 1965, verify that your certification is on file with the DWR or that you have your blue card ready before starting the purchase process.
- Determine your residency status. Do not guess here. Your residency status changes your price, application category, and eligibility.
- Choose your license type. Choose a basic hunting license if you only want hunting privileges. Choose a combination license if you also want fishing access.
- Purchase your license. Utah sells hunting licenses online at wildlife.utah.gov, where you can buy the base license first and then enter draw applications during the application window. A credit or debit card is required for online purchases.
- Apply for species-specific permits if needed. Depending on the type of permit you want, you will either need to buy it online or apply for it in a hunt drawing.
Hunters should note that there is a new Utah draw application system, so the website and contractor are different from previous application periods. Visit the DWR website to learn more about the new system features.
If you prefer to buy in person, Utah’s hunting guidebooks are free and provide an essential summary of the latest rules and regulations. You can find them online, in DWR offices, and at many retail locations.
For hunters in neighboring states who are also planning fishing trips, you may find our guides on fishing license requirements in Nevada, fishing license requirements in Colorado, and fishing license requirements in Montana helpful as well.
License Validity and Renewal in Utah
A hunting license is required to hunt game animals in Utah, and a combination license serves as both a hunting license and a fishing license. Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, unless you buy a multiyear license, which will be valid for longer.
Because licenses run 365 days from purchase rather than on a fixed calendar year, another hunter may apply for a draw before checking whether their base license is still valid that day. Check the date on your base license before applying for deer or elk. An expired base license will disqualify your draw application.
Utah residents can buy a lifetime hunting license for $699, but species permits such as deer and elk still require annual draw applications when applicable.
Renewal is straightforward — you simply purchase a new license through the same channels you used originally: online at wildlife.utah.gov, at a DWR office, through an approved retail agent, or by phone at 1-800-221-0659.
Key Insight: Your hunting license and your big game permit are two separate items with potentially different expiration timelines. Make sure both are valid before you head into the field, and keep both accessible — either as physical copies or through the Utah Hunting and Fishing App.
Harvest reporting is now tied directly to your ability to renew your eligibility for future draws. All Utah big game permit holders must file a harvest report within 30 days after the season closes, even if they did not hunt or harvest. Missing the report blocks future big game and antlerless applications until the issue is cleared, and a $50 late fee can restore eligibility.
For hunters who also enjoy fishing across different states, explore our guides to fishing license requirements in Idaho or check out the requirements in other western and mountain states like Wisconsin and Michigan if you travel to hunt and fish across the country.