If you’re interested in harvesting your own deer or elk meat this fall, be sure to take note of the upcoming application period and apply for hunts before the deadline.
Similar to last year, the application period for Utah’s big game hunts will again be held in March and April, so hunters can see the proposed permit numbers prior to applying. The application period opens on March 21 at 8 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. on April 25. To be included in the drawing for the hunts, you can apply online or over the phone by calling the nearest DWR regional office.
The results of the drawing will be released on May 16, which is earlier than in past years. You’ll be notified by email, but you can also get the drawing results online or by calling 800-221-0659.
Big game hunts are held in Utah for the following species:
Bighorn sheep (desert and Rocky Mountain)
Bison
Elk
Moose
Mountain goat
Mule deer
Pronghorn
“We don’t have the data from the winter big game captures, the previous fall hunt harvest rates, and other big game surveys until March,” DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney said.
“After we receive that data, we put together the permit recommendations for the upcoming fall big game hunting seasons. Last year, due to public request, we approved shifting the application dates from January to March so hunters will have information about the proposed permit numbers prior to applying. Hunters can access the proposed permit numbers for each hunt unit beginning in April on the Utah Hunt Planner. The final permit numbers will be approved by the Utah Wildlife Board during their public board meeting on May 2.”
Starting March 21, applications will be accepted for most of Utah’s 2023 big game hunts. However, there are a few exceptions - permits for the state’s general season bull elk hunts won’t be available until July. Permits for the general-season archery bull elk hunt go on sale July 9, the any-bull elk permits go on sale July 11 and the spike bull elk permits go on sale July 18. Permits will be sold on the DWR website, at all DWR offices and at license agent locations.
In addition to applying for the hunts, if you’d like a chance to hunt all of Utah’s general-season deer hunts, you should consider applying for Utah’s Dedicated Hunter program. You can learn more about the program, and how to join it, on the DWR website, wildlife.utah.gov
