Statistical species breakdown and info you need to apply
Steve Huskie's California bighorn sheep taken in Utah with Wade Lemon Hunting — A goHUNT Business Member
Steve Harris 2015 Utah desert bighorn sheep taken with Mossback Guides and Outfitters — A goHUNT Business Member
Jeb Belise's Utah archery state record moose taken with Wade Lemon Hunting — A goHUNT Business Member
Cody Wetmore with his 2015 Utah Ogden, Willard Peak mountain goat.
The Utah draw really caters to nonresidents, allowing them to apply for every species every year. In 2015, Utah offered 25 total once-in-a-lifetime permits to nonresidents (excluding Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) moose permits). That’s seven Rocky Mountain goat permits, seven bison permits, three Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits, three desert bighorn sheep permits, and five moose permits.
You may be wondering why that matters. With Utah’s draw system it means that there may be 22 nonresident once-in-a-lifetime permits that will go in the random draw. Any nonresident applicant could be the lucky winner and since nonresidents can apply for every species in Utah for a minimal $10 application fee, it makes perfect sense to apply along with mule deer, elk, and antelope.
For Utah residents, you have to pick your species and the draw odds are tough. Yet, you’ll never experience what it’s like to hunt the Zion for desert rams or backpack into the High Uintas in pursuit of mountain goats if you don’t apply. The application fee is only $10 so it makes sense to pick one and begin applying. Residents and nonresidents, whether you have no points or 20 years’ worth, this article will cover everything you need to know to apply for once-in-a-lifetime species in Utah in 2016.
Note: The application deadline for all moose, sheep and goat hunts is March 3. You can apply online or by phoning any UDWR Division Office.
In 2015, there were four units that offered a nonresident moose permit. In 2016, there will only be two units that offer a nonresident moose permit: North Slope/Summit and Wasatch Mtn/Central Mtns. This hunt has two nonresident permits — one went to a maximum point holder and one went in the random draw.
View important information and an overview of the Utah’s rules/regulations, the draw system and bonus points, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the Utah Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat and bison profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy areas.
It’s important to understand how Utah’s draw process works and some key aspects of it before you apply. You must have a valid 365 day hunting license to apply for any big game hunts. That can be purchased online as a “hunting license” or as a “combo” which includes a fishing license. Since the license is good for 365 days from the date of purchase, you could potentially buy one license every other year by timing your application. If you draw a permit, you must have a valid license to hunt; one could be purchased at that time.
The state allows you to enter one hunt choice for once-in-a-lifetime species. For every year you apply for a bonus point only or are unsuccessful in the draw, you will receive one bonus point for that species. Remember that residents can apply for only one limited entry species (deer, elk, or antelope) and one once-in-a-lifetime species (bull moose, bison, desert bighorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn, Rocky Mountain goat). Nonresidents can apply for all species that they are interested in. Half of all the permits for any given hunt are guaranteed to the applicants with the most bonus points. The other half of the permits are allocated through random draw. If an odd number of permits are available, then the larger amount goes to random draw. If only one permit is available, it will go in the random draw.
Example: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep — Book Cliffs, South
There was one nonresident permit available. The permit went in a random drawing to an individual with seven bonus points even though there were 248 applicants with more bonus points.
For the random permits draw process, each applicant is assigned a randomly generated number for each bonus point they have. The applicant with the lowest generated random number will draw the permit. So, in essence the more bonus points you have, the better your odds, but even the guy applying the first year has a chance.
Utah’s draw order and why it matters
Utah’s draw goes in the following order from first to last:1. Limited Entry deer2. Limited Entry elk3. Limited Entry antelope4. Once-in-a-lifetime species (sheep, moose, mountain goat and bison)5. Youth general buck deer6. General buck deer7. Youth any bull elk
The order in which the draw happens is important to consider because Utah does not allow you to draw two limited entry/once-in-a-lifetime tags in the same year. For example, let’s say you applied for a limited entry antelope permit and a once-in-a-lifetime mountain goat permit. If you were successful in drawing a antelope permit, then your application for mountain goat would be removed from the system before the draw even happens. That is because the antelope draw occurs before the once-in-a-lifetime species draws. We recommend that you review your bonus points, draw odds and develop a strategy. If you are close to that maximum bonus point spot for drawing a once-in-a-lifetime tag, perhaps don’t shoot yourself in the foot by applying for and drawing an easy antelope permit and, subsequently, taking your name out of the once-in-a-lifetime drawing. For more information on applying as a group, visit the Utah State Profile.
Coveted hunts, (any of Utah’s once-in-a-lifetime hunts), have an extremely small number of tags each year. Overall odds for permits are better for residents than nonresidents.
Statistically, the more bonus points you have, the better your odds of drawing. As previously noted, in 2015, there were only three once-in-a-lifetime hunts that had two nonresident permits available (one to a maximum point holder and one to random draw). The other 22 permits went into the random draw.
It’s important to look at the permit allocations and applicant breakdowns on the Unit Profiles and Draw Odds from the previous year and evaluate your application strategy. A call to a district biologist is also a good idea in order to gauge how many permits may be available since Utah doesn’t set their allocations until after the application deadline. If you are building points for bison, moose, or mountain goats, and have been for a long time, it may benefit you to take a quick look at how many points it took to draw one of the available maximum point permits. For example, according to the application records, there was one nonresident with 17 mountain goat points that applied for the Ogden Willard Peak hunt that could have applied for the Uintas West Unit and successfully drew the maximum point permit. Perhaps that wasn’t the hunt that person was looking for, but it illustrates the importance of reviewing your points and permit numbers closely before applying.
For all species, the maximum point amount is 23 for 2016; however, there are some species where there are no longer applicants that have 23 points.
There is no once-in-a-lifetime youth-specific point system in Utah. Youth have no tags or special seasons for once-in-a-lifetime species. In recent years, Utah ruled to allow eligible adults to share any big game permit. For more information, see page 29 of the UDWR Big Game Application Guidebook.
Bighorn sheep were likely among the most populous big game species throughout Utah prior to the settlers’ arrival. Following pioneer settlement, both Rocky Mountain and desert bighorns were nearly eliminated due to their vulnerability to domestic livestock-borne diseases, habitat conversions, excessive livestock grazing, fire suppression, and unregulated hunting. Given the tough conditions that sheep have endured, the fact that Utah currently has established wild sheep populations is a testament to the hard work of the UDWR and other concerned parties.
According to the most current UDWR management plan, the estimate for Rocky Mountain bighorns in Utah is at nearly 2,200 sheep and has shown an increasing trend, overall, in the past 15 years. Of the total population, approximately 770 are considered California bighorn sheep and are found on Antelope Island, the Newfoundland Mountains, and the Stansbury Mountains. Utah currently has 12 distinct populations of Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep. Six of these populations are showing increasing trends, three are stable, and three are showing declining trends or have low numbers of sheep. Decreasing populations are found in Book Cliffs/Rattlesnake, Wasatch Mountains/Provo Peak and Central Mountains/Nebo.
Additionally, a new population of Rocky Mountain bighorns is being established in the Oak Creek Unit in central Utah with sheep relocated from Antelope Island and the Newfoundland Mtns. Transplants have been a major component of Utah’s sheep management strategy.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunts are any legal weapon permits. You can use a rifle, muzzleloader or even archery equipment if you desire. Most hunts are relatively long and occur in November which should coincide with the rut.
The Box Elder, Newfoundland Mtn unit has two seasons: Oct. 29 to Nov. 18, which only has permits available to residents, and Nov. 19 to Dec. 11, which has one nonresident permit. The Nine Mile, Range Creek unit also offers two hunts: Nov. 1 to Nov. 15, which has one permit available to nonresidents, and Nov. 16 to Nov. 30, which only has permits available to residents.
The other unit that has a nonresident permit is Book Cliffs, South, which has a hunt that runs Nov. 1 to 30.
The Antelope Island hunt (available to residents only) has some special rules and regulations as Antelope Island itself is a state park. The Antelope Island hunt is an eight day hunt Nov. 16 to 23. Hunters may be accompanied by up to four non-hunting companions. A mandatory orientation is held prior to the hunt at the Antelope Island State Park Visitor Center. All hunters and their companions have to check in with park management at the beginning of their hunt and check out at the end of their hunt. Instructions on checking in and out will be provided at the mandatory orientation.
Utah typically does not produce the giant sheep that a state like Montana does, but most units will regularly produce rams in the 155” to 170” range. The two units where you could potentially hunt and harvest a 175”+ ram would be Book Cliffs, South and Nine Mile, Range Creek.
There are few secrets to sheep hunting across the West. Yet, nonresidents should be aware that in Utah there are three units that have one random draw permit available each for Rocky Mountain sheep: Book Cliffs, South, Box Elder, Newfoundland Mtn, Nine Mile, Range Creek. Two of those units, as indicated above have great trophy potential and the Newfoundland Mtn’s have a thriving population. Any of those would be a great hunt. Review the draw odds, evaluate your desire for a hunt and apply accordingly.
For residents, the two Nine Mile, Range Creek hunts offer three maximum point permits for each hunt, which means that a total of six permits went to maximum point holders. The two Newfoundland hunts each had two maximum point permits for a total of four permits. If you have a lot of points built up, then you might want to keep your eyes on these units. If you have less than 17 points, then you should look to units that offer more permits to increase your chance of drawing or look at units where perhaps only one permit is available (it will go in random draw). Any sheep hunt is a fun hunt!
Nonresidents have three units they can apply for (Book Cliffs, South, Box Elder, Newfoundland Mtn, and Nine Mile, Range Creek)— all of which have one tag available to nonresidents that will go in a random draw. The more bonus points you have will give you a better chance statistically of drawing, but you are never guaranteed that permit. This means that if you have zero or even one point, you might as well throw your name into the hat because you always have a chance.
Residents with zero points have no chance of drawing a maximum bonus point permit. You do have an opportunity to draw one of the randomly allocated permits, though, and every year you apply and get a point, the better your odds. Look for units that offer a greater number of tags to maximize your opportunity of drawing a tag.
Once again, the more points a nonresident has, then the better their odds of getting lucky. Yet, no permits will be available to them in the maximum point pool.
Residents are in a similar situation and, will have better odds in this point range, but no chance at a maximum point permit. Pick units with a greater number of tags to maximize your chance of drawing.
Statistically, you have better odds because, essentially, your name is in the hat that many more times. Yet, again, there are no guarantees.
Residents, according to the 2015 draw odds, you won’t have much luck of drawing a tag until you get up to about 17 bonus points. There are 68 people still in the pool that also have that many points (or more points than that). With 13 bonus point permits available annually you can see how long it will potentially take to work through that many applicants. Yet, once again, you can’t draw if you don’t apply. Carefully review your point total, draw odds, and permit trends before making your choice.
Desert bighorns inhabit the slick rock canyon areas of southern Utah. Significant populations occur across the Colorado Plateau, including the San Rafael Swell and throughout the Colorado River and its many tributaries. Utah has been very proactive with transplanting sheep, establishing new populations and bolstering existing herds. A significant amount of desert bighorns have been moved from Nevada to the Kaiparowits (East, Escalante, West) units in recent years.
The current population estimate for desert bighorns in Utah is 2,000 sheep and has been relatively stable for the past 10 years. Utah currently has 12 distinct populations of desert bighorn sheep. Of those 12, three are showing increasing trends, four are stable, and five are showing declining trends or have low numbers of sheep. Units that have populations on the downward trend include San Juan North & South, La Sal, Potash/South Cisco, San Rafael North & South. Decline in these populations is likely due to disease.
Desert bighorn sheep hunts are any weapon permits. You can use a rifle, muzzleloader or even archery equipment if you choose. Most hunts are long, giving you almost two months to fill your permit. All but a couple hunts will begin on Sept. 17 and end Nov. 10. The two exceptions are the two Zion unit hunts; one runs Sept. 17 to Oct. 16 and another runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 10.
Utah produces some good rams in the 155” to 170” range and there is potential on the Zion Unit for something a bit larger.
Nonresidents should be aware that, in Utah, there are three units that have one random draw permit available each for desert bighorn sheep: the Kaiparowits, East, San Rafael, South, and the Zion. Note: Nonresidents that draw a desert sheep tag in the Zion unit may hunt both the early and late seasons. Nonresidents that draw a Kaiparowits, East tag may also hunt the other two Kaiparowits subunits (West and Escalante). Nonresidents that draw a San Rafael, South permit may also hunt the North subunit. Review the draw odds, evaluate your desire for a hunt and apply accordingly.
For residents, some units are going to be more enjoyable to hunt than others. The Zion unit has a healthy population and you will see some fantastic country during your hunt. The Kaiparowits, West unit, like the Zion, has a great population. The trophy potential is good for both units and these hunts offer the greatest number of permits. A few units that often get overlooked are the Henry Mountains and Kaiparowits, East. The Henry Mountains unit is stable to increasing with the highest ram/ewe ratio of all, based on recently sampled units. There are also some quality rams on the Kaiparowits, East unit and the odds were better than most with two permits and 149 total applicants.
Nonresidents have three units they can apply for (Kaiparowits, East, San Rafael, South and Zion); all of these units have one tag available to nonresidents, which means that it will go into a random draw. While more bonus points may give you a better chance statistically of drawing, you are never guaranteed that permit. This means that a hunter with zero or only one point might as well try because there will always be a chance.
Residents with zero points have no chance of drawing a maximum bonus point permit. You do have an opportunity to draw one of the randomly allocated permits, though, and every year you apply and get a point, the better your odds. Look for units that offer a greater number of tags to maximize your opportunity of drawing a tag or units that offer one permit and a lower number of applicants.
Once again, the more points a nonresident has the better their odds of getting lucky. Yet, no permits are available to a maximum point holder.
Residents are in a similar situation and will have better odds in this point range, but no chance at a maximum point permit. Pick units with a greater number of tags to maximize your chance of drawing or units that only have a few tags, but a smaller number of overall applicants.
Statistically, you can anticipate better odds as your name is in the hat that many more times, but no guarantees.
Residents, according to the 2015 draw odds, you really don’t get into the realm of drawing a tag on maximum points until you get up to about 18 bonus points. There are 146 people still in the pool that have 18 or more points. With 15 bonus point permits available annually, you can see how long it will potentially take to work through that many applicants. Remember, you can’t draw if you don’t apply. Carefully review your point total, draw odds, and permit trends before making your choice. There are a few units with only one random tag and less than a 100 applicants. Those may be of interest.
Moose are well established in the northern half of Utah with the majority of the moose existing on nine management units. The most current management plan suggests that the population is approximately 3,200. In 2014, the state reported a harvest of 128 bulls, which was down from 145 in 2013. There are only two units that offer a nonresident permit, North Slope, Summit and the Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns. In 2015, the Wasatch unit had two nonresident permits (one for maximum bonus point and one for random draw).
Note for residents: there are more than double the amount of people applying for this once-in-a-lifetime species than any other one. If you are a resident just starting to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime species, we suggest that you look hard at another species.
The trophy potential remained quite good on all units with some 40” plus wide bulls.
Moose populations across the state tend to be stable to decreasing. Permit numbers, both bull and cow, have seen a decline since about 2004. Numbers of harvested bulls are as low as they have been since 1994. The UDWR has ongoing studies to try to determine the cause of decreasing herds. Yet, despite the general decline, there are some units that seem to be doing well like the Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns, North Slope, Summit and South Slope, Yellowstone.
Bull moose hunts are any weapon permits. You can use a rifle, muzzleloader or even archery equipment if you choose. Hunts are relatively long and occur from Sept. 17 to Oct. 20, which should fall during the moose rut. There are only two units that offer permits to nonresidents North Slope, Summit and the Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns, which is down from four in 2015. There are 12 units that offer resident tags. Many are not aware that there are 21 CWMU hunts offered with a combined 29 bull moose permits available for residents to draw. For nonresidents, you may not apply for CWMU permits, but it’s likely that there are bull moose landowner tags available for purchase on some of these properties. See the UDWR guidebook for more info on CWMU hunts.
There are a lot of applicants who have a lot of points built up for moose. Hidden gems are most likely locked away in the CWMU permits, where odds are significantly better. Almost half of all the available permits come from the same unit: the Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns. The resident point breakdown for that unit is interesting. There appears to be nine people with 21 points, and 73 with 20 points and 109 with 19. Can you imagine how many years it will take to work through the bonus point applicants’ 12 bonus permits at a time? That unit has the bulk of the permits and, although you can see the trophy potential and populations are there for a great hunt, the reality is very few of those that apply will get to experience it. In this case, we suggest that you look elsewhere because of the massive amount of applicants — even though it’s a great unit.
Nonresidents can apply for one of two hunts. North Slope, Summit has one random permit and the Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns will likely have one maximum bonus point permit and one random permit. A nonresident can apply for all species. If you don’t mind paying the $10 application fee you should put your name in.
Residents with zero points have no chance of drawing a maximum bonus point permit. You do have an opportunity to draw one of the randomly allocated permits, though, and every year you apply and get a point, the better your chances. In reality, there are so many bull moose applicants that you should consider applying and building points for another species unless, of course, you are dead set on a Utah moose hunt.
Once again, the more points a nonresident has, the better their odds of getting lucky. There are no permits are available to a nonresident in that point range.
Residents are in a similar situation; you may have better odds in this point range, but no chance at a maximum point permit.
Statistically, you can anticipate better odds since your name is essentially in the hat that many more times, but there are no guarantees.
According to the 2015 draw odds, residents cannot even dream of drawing a tag on maximum points until they reach 17 bonus points. Then, with each point, the odds get very long pretty quick. Unfortunately, having a lot of bull moose points built up in Utah may be a bit of a curse. You may be so invested that you don’t dare stop and apply for another species. Yet, if you keep applying, there’s also the possibility that you may never draw. That’s a conversation you may need to have with yourself. While there’s always a chance, you should review your point total, draw odds, and permit trends before making your choice.
Mountain goats currently inhabit several mountain ranges in Utah including numerous peaks along the Wasatch Front, Uinta Mountains and Tushar Mountains with newly established herds on Mount Dutton and the La Sal Mountain. Goat populations in Utah have steadily increased since 1967 and their current population is estimated to be more than 2,000. Yet, when comparing harvest data from 2013 to 2015, Utah has issued less permits and harvested less goats. This may be due to a decrease in herds in recent years. For example, the nanny-only Beaver hunt has been eliminated this year. Trophy potential still remains quite good on a few units, primarily the Beaver, Ogden, Willard Peak and North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas West.
The Beaver unit, located in southern Utah, is home to a very healthy and growing population of goats. Herds seem to be branching into the southern end of the unit and up onto the Dutton unit to the south. In recent years, the Beaver unit has served as source for transplants to other areas of Utah, but the transplants could have been behind the loss of the nanny-only hunt this year. Regardless, the Beaver unit still has a good herd with plenty of good hunting opportunities for big bullies.
The North Slope/South Slope Uintas (High Uintas Central, High Uintas East, High Uintas Leidy Peak, High Uintas West) units also seem to have very good huntable populations. Area biologists say that recent surveys show that there appears to be a herd increase in those units, especially as you head east to west across the units. The High Uintas West unit has the largest population, followed by the Central, East and Leidy Peak as you head East on the range. The permit numbers reflect that trend. This year, the Chalk Creek/Kamas, Uintas unit has added the name “Uintas” to it. Overall, populations are stable to increasing and tag numbers are likely to be similar as they were last year.
The Ogden, Willard Peak unit has issued more permits in recent years than any other unit. The populations appear to be stable to increasing. This unit also has had some goats removed and transplanted onto other units in recent years. There could be a very slight reduction in permits here this year based on transplants, but it’s tough to say as biologists will not review and submit final permit recommendations until April or May. Trophy potential has been good here in recent years.
The Wasatch (Box Elder Peak/Lone Peak/Timpanogos, Provo Peak) units appear stable to slightly decreasing, but there is some discussion as to whether there is actually a decrease or if herds are migrating. There will be permits available in 2016 for both residents and nonresidents, including a bonus point permit on the Wasatch Mtns, Provo Peak. The UDWR will continue to survey and monitor these herds.
All available mountain goat hunts are any legal weapon hunts but a hunter can use a muzzleloader or archery equipment if they desire. Mountain goats live in the alpine peaks and rocky cliffs of Utah’s high country and weather could potentially be an issue if the hunts are scheduled too late. On the flip side of the coin, the long hair/hide is a major part of the allure in trophy mountain goat hunting and the longer the hunter waits, the more likely the goat is to have that long white winter coat. Almost all mountain goat hunts begin in September and end in late October or early November. The Beaver unit has two seasons: one runs Sept. 10 to 25 and one that runs Sept. 26 to Nov. 26. The Ogden, Willard Peak unit has three hunts with the latest being a nanny-only hunt that runs Oct. 10 to Nov. 30. Any hunt, regardless of the dates, will have goats with good coats. The later the hunt, though, the better they may be. Be aware that you don’t wait too long and get snowed out.
With regard to goat hunting, if the hunt has decent access, the terrain isn’t quite as rough, and the trophy quality is good, then your odds of drawing are much worse. The Beaver and Ogden, Willard Peak units have it all: good access, great trophy potential and more mild terrain in comparison to some of the other areas. They also have tough draw odds.
If you want to maximize your chance of drawing a goat permit, look at the units that are remote or harder to access. These units all have good goat populations and hunting opportunities, but you’ll have to earn them. While the odds on these types of units are typically better, you’ll need to be in good physical shape and expect to hike or go on horseback and stay for awhile. Also, it is important to note that harvest survey information shows that even in remote areas the average days hunted were generally no more than three. Hunters are getting into goat country and tagging out fairly quick. If you talk to biologists, they will tell you that if you hunt hard, spend some time and are selective, then you can find some big older age class trophy billies in every unit.
Nonresidents have six hunts that they can apply for — all of which have at least one tag available to nonresidents that will go into a random draw. It’s likely that one unit, which is the North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas West Sept. 12 – Oct. 31 hunt, has two nonresident permits; one will go to the person with the most bonus points, the other will be randomly drawn. More bonus points give you a better chance statistically of drawing. The person with zero or one point won’t draw a maximum point permit, but since there is always a chance, you should apply.
Residents with zero points have no chance of drawing a maximum bonus point permit. You do have an opportunity to draw one of the randomly allocated permits, though, and every year you apply and get a point, the better your odds. Look for units that offer a greater number of tags to maximize your opportunity of drawing a tag. You could look at the nanny-only Ogden, Willard Peak unit since it has better drawing odds.
Once again, the more points a nonresident has, then the better their odds of getting lucky. Be aware that there is only one permit available to a maximum point holder and it will take more than that. Instead, consider the hunt dates, overall odds/number of applicants, and trophy potential and apply for a hunt that best fits your needs.
Residents are in a similar situation. They will have better odds in this point range, but no chance at a maximum point permit. Pick units with a greater number of tags to maximize your chance of drawing or units that only have a few tags, but a smaller number of overall applicants. Review the nanny-only hunt option.
Statistically, you can anticipate better odds as your name is in the hat that many more times, but there are no guarantees. In 2015, it took 16 points to draw the nonresident maximum point permit. Unfortunately, records show there are 12 more people in that 16 point pool. Yet, interesting enough, of those 12 people with 16 points only three applied for the North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas West unit that had the bonus point permit available!
Residents should check out the nanny-only Ogden, Willard Peak hunt. It is a good option and could possibly be drawn with as little as 10 or 11 points. According to the 2015 draw odds, hunters cannot even get close to drawing a billy tag in the maximum points pool until they acquire 12 to 13 bonus points. Yet, once again, you can’t draw if you don’t apply. Review your point total, draw odds, and permit trends carefully before making your choice. Note that the units you could potentially draw with 12 or 13 points are extremely remote and rugged: North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas Central and North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas East.
Utah is among a handful of states with public land hunting for free range American bison, also known as buffalo. The Book Cliffs and the Henry Mountains unit hunts are for free ranging animals in wild terrain. Bison in the third unit, Antelope Island, are restricted from moving off of the 42-square-mile island by the surrounding Great Salt Lake. The Henry Mountains’ herd is considered to be one of the most genetically pure bison populations in the world. Trophy potential is as good as it gets on all three units.
The bison herd on the Henry Mountains has been at or above population objective in recent years. In 2014, the herd was estimated at over 450. Trophy bison can be found in good numbers.
The Antelope Island bison population is healthy. The objective for the unit is about 500 and they are above that objective every year. There is an annual bison roundup were excess bison are rounded up and auctioned off.
The Book Cliffs populations seems to be doing well also. Populations are stable to growing.
Bison hunts are any legal weapon hunts. You can use a rifle, muzzleloader or even archery equipment if you choose. The Antelope Island hunt is a relatively easy hunt. Bison are easy to find and access. With a limited number of tags, the hunter can be selective with what bull they want to take. The hunt runs Dec. 5 to 7. Since Antelope Island is a state park, they typically close the park to other visitors for one day to allow permit holders to hunt.
The Book Cliffs units are divided into two: Book Cliffs and Book Cliffs/Wildhorse Bench. Both are hunter’s choice, which means that you may harvest a bull or cow. The Book Cliffs hunt runs from early November to early December. Bison should be at slightly higher elevations prior to deep snows and colder temps. The latter hunt occurs on the Book Cliffs/Wildhorse Bench and runs Dec. 3 to the end of January 2017. Hunters should expect colder temperatures and bison potentially moving to lower elevations and cover.
The Henry Mountains hunts are divided by dates and hunter’s choice/cow-only. The earlier hunts that run Nov. 5 to Nov. 17 and Nov. 19 to Dec. 1 are hunter’s choice, which means that either a bull or cow may be harvested. The two later hunts are cow-only and run about two weeks each in December. The later hunts are likely to be cold and much tougher hunts. If you harvest a bison, be prepared for the amount of work required to pack one out. They are very big animals.
The great thing about Utah... any unit can produce a Boone and Crockett animal.The Henry Mountains have the most permits available and cow-only hunts have better odds. If you want to hunt bison and score doesn’t matter, then consider one of these hunts. Also, the Book Cliffs hunts have much better odds than the Henry Mountains. The maximum points required to obtain a resident permit from the maximum point pool were similar, but, overall, there are less applicants for the Book Cliffs hunt.
Nonresidents have seven hunts that they can apply for — all of which have one tag available to nonresidents that will go into a random draw. One hunt (the Henry Mountains Nov. 5 to 17 hunt) has two nonresident permits: one will go to the person with the most points and the other will be randomly drawn. The more bonus points you have will give you a better chance statistically of drawing. The person with zero or one point won’t draw a maximum point permit, but since there is always a chance, you may as well throw your name into the hat.
Residents with zero points have no chance of drawing a maximum bonus point permit. You do have an opportunity to draw one of the randomly allocated permits, though, and every year you apply and get a point, the better your odds. Look for units that offer a greater number of tags to maximize your opportunity of drawing a tag. You could look at the cow-only hunts as they offer better drawing odds.
Once again, the more points a nonresident has, then the better their odds of getting lucky. There is only one permit available to a maximum point holder and it will take more than that. Instead, consider the hunt dates, overall odds/number of applicants or trophy potential and apply for a hunt that best fits your needs.
Residents are in a similar situation. They will have better odds in this point range, but no chance at a maximum point permit. Pick units with a greater number of tags to maximize your chance of drawing or units that only have a few tags, but a smaller number of overall applicants. Review cow-only hunt options.
Statistically, you can anticipate better odds as your name is in the hat that many more times, but there are no guarantees. In 2015, it took 20 points to draw the nonresident maximum point permit.
According to the 2015 draw odds, residents don’t get close to drawing a tag in the maximum point pool until they acquire 13 bonus points. At that level, you are looking at the late season cow-only permits. To draw the hunter’s choice bonus permits, it takes a minimum of 17 points and up to 22 points. Yet, once again, you can’t draw if you don’t apply. Carefully review your point totals, draw odds, and permit trends before making your choice.
Of those permits, there are only three hunts where a permit was available to a maximum point holder:
Moose: Wasatch Mtn/Central Mtns – one maximum nonresident permit
Mountain goat: North Slope/South Slope, High Uintas West - one maximum nonresident permit
Bison: Henry Mountains (any bison) – one maximum nonresident permit
Utah has huntable populations for all of the once-in-a-lifetime species, vast amounts of public land, and a high rate for hunt success.
Utah’s draw system gives every applicant some chance to draw a once-in-a-lifetime permit. While it may be a slight chance, it’s still a chance.
Utah is one of the few states to offer desert bighorn sheep permits to nonresidents. If this is a bucket list species for you, apply in Utah!
Utah is one of a few places in the world to hunt trophy quality, free range American bison.
There is ample time to hunt; the bulk of the hunts are at least a month long and some are much longer.
Utah has some of the best mountain goat hunting in the Lower 48; trophy potential is excellent in the Beaver and Ogden, Willard Peakunits, and the Uintas units (Uintas, High Uintas Central, High Uintas East, High Uintas Leidy Peak, High Uintas West) offer a true backcountry alpine mountain goat hunt.
Utah doesn’t have as many moose permits as some surrounding states, but trophy potential is quite good with possibilities of 40” wide spreads. Just hope you have a lot of bonus points in order to draw successfully.
The San Rafael/Southunit will have a new boundary. Check out the Unit Profile and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) guidebook for specifics.
The Henry Mountains unit will have a new boundary. Check out the unit profile and the UDWR guidebook for specifics.
Two new hunts will be offered in 2016: Box Elder/Pilot Mtn (resident permit only) and Wasatch Mtns/Avintaquin (resident permit only).
The Chalk Creek/Kamas unit has been renamed to Chalk Creek/Kamas, Uintas.
The Beaver (nanny only) hunt has been discontinued.
The Book Cliffs (hunter’s choice) Nov. 5 to Dec. 2, 2016 hunt will have a permit available for nonresidents.
You may begin applying NOW.
Deadline to apply is March 3, 2016 at 11 p.m. MST.
Bonus point and preference point applications will be accepted up to March 17, 2016 at 11 p.m. MST.
You can apply online or by calling or visiting a UDWR office.
Results will be emailed or available online by May 27, 2016.
Hunters must have a valid hunting or combination hunting and fishing license to apply for tags. Hunting licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Withdrawing or correcting an application is allowed before the application deadline. Corrections must be made online. Be aware: you will be charged the $10 application fee again to make adjustments.
The permit fee is only charged if drawn; a $10.00 application fee will be charged for each species application.
If you are unsuccessful in the draw, then you will be awarded a bonus point for that species.
Nonresidents are allocated 10% of tags in each unit as long as at least 10 tags are available.
Nonresidents may apply for and build points for all available species.
Residents may only apply for one limited entry species: elk, deer, or antelope.
An individual who draws a once-in-a-lifetime permit may surrender it back to the UDWR prior to the season starting. If surrendered prior to opening day, you will receive your bonus points back.
Once-in-a-lifetime: means you can only draw one permit in Utah for each one of the following species in your LIFETIME (bull moose, bison, desert bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat).
Group applications are not allowed for once-in-a-lifetime species.
Reporting your hunt information is required for any once-in-a-lifetime or limited entry hunt within 30 days of the end of your hunt even if you did not harvest. If you do not report your harvest you will not be allowed to apply the following year unless you pay a $50 late fee.
Desert bighorn sheep: 23 points
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 23 points
Mountain goat: 21 points
Moose: 23 points
Bison: 23 points
County | Grand |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 4 |
Units found within county | Book Cliffs, South |
County | Emery |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units found within county | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
County | Carbon |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
County | Utah |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
County | No. ofentries | Units found within county |
|---|---|---|
Grand | 4 | Book Cliffs, South |
Emery | 2 | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
Carbon | 1 | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
Utah | 1 | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
County | Garfield |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 8 |
Units found within county | |
County | Grand |
No. ofentries | 5 |
Units found within county | Book Cliffs |
County | Davis |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | |
County | Uintah |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | Book Cliffs/Wild Horse Ranch |
County | Wayne |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county |
County | No. ofentries | Units found within county |
|---|---|---|
Garfield | 8 | |
Grand | 5 | Book Cliffs |
Davis | 1 | |
Uintah | 1 | Book Cliffs/Wild Horse Ranch |
Wayne | 1 |
Unit | Book Cliffs, South |
|---|---|
TrophyPotential | 175" |
Unit | Nine Mile, Range Creek |
TrophyPotential | 175" |
Unit | Central Mtns, Nebo/Wasatch Mtns, West |
TrophyPotential | 170" |
Unit | Stansbury |
TrophyPotential | 165" |
Unit | Antelope Island |
TrophyPotential | 165" |
Unit | TrophyPotential |
|---|---|
Book Cliffs, South | 175" |
Nine Mile, Range Creek | 175" |
Central Mtns, Nebo/Wasatch Mtns, West | 170" |
Stansbury | 165" |
Antelope Island | 165" |
County | Washington |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units foundwithin county | Zion / Pine Valley |
County | Kane |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units foundwithin county | Kaiparowits, West / Kaiparowits, East / Kaiparowits Escalante |
County | No. ofentries | Units foundwithin county |
|---|---|---|
Washington | 3 | Zion / Pine Valley |
Kane | 1 | Kaiparowits, West / Kaiparowits, East / Kaiparowits Escalante |
Unit* | Zion |
|---|---|
TrophyPotential | 170" |
Unit* | Pine Valley |
TrophyPotential | 165" |
Unit* | Kaiparowits, West |
TrophyPotential | 160" |
Unit* | Kaiparowits, East |
TrophyPotential | 160" |
Unit* | San Rafael, Dirty Devil |
TrophyPotential | 160" |
Unit* | TrophyPotential |
|---|---|
Zion | 170" |
Pine Valley | 165" |
Kaiparowits, West | 160" |
Kaiparowits, East | 160" |
San Rafael, Dirty Devil | 160" |
County | Weber |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 4 |
Units found within county | |
County | Morgan |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units found within county | |
County | Summit |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units found within county | Chalk Creek / East Canyon / Kamas / East Canyon/ Morgan-Summit / North Slope, Summit / North Slope/Three Corners/ West Daggett / Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns |
County | Cache |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | |
County | Wasatch |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county |
County | No. ofentries | Units found within county |
|---|---|---|
Weber | 4 | |
Morgan | 3 | |
Summit | 3 | Chalk Creek / East Canyon / Kamas / East Canyon/ Morgan-Summit / North Slope, Summit / North Slope/Three Corners/ West Daggett / Wasatch Mtns/Central Mtns |
Cache | 1 | |
Wasatch | 1 |
County | Weber |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 12 |
Units found within county | Ogden/Willard Peak |
County | Beaver |
No. ofentries | 4 |
Units found within county | Beaver |
County | Box Elder |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units found within county | Ogden, Willard Peak |
County | Piute |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units found within county | Beaver |
County | Summit |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units found within county | Wasatch Mtns/Box Elder Peak/Lone Peak/Timpanogos / Chalk Creek/Kamas / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas East / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas West / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas Central |
County | Utah |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units found within county | Wasatch Mtns/ Provo Peak / Central Mtns/ Nebo / Wasatch Mtns/Box Elder Peak/Lone Peak/Timpanogos |
County | Duchesne |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units found within county | Chalk Creek/Kamas, Uintas / High Uintas Central / High Uintas East / High Uintas Leidy Peak / High Uintas West |
County | No. ofentries | Units found within county |
|---|---|---|
Weber | 12 | Ogden/Willard Peak |
Beaver | 4 | Beaver |
Box Elder | 3 | Ogden, Willard Peak |
Piute | 3 | Beaver |
Summit | 3 | Wasatch Mtns/Box Elder Peak/Lone Peak/Timpanogos / Chalk Creek/Kamas / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas East / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas West / North Slope/South Slope/High Uintas Central |
Utah | 2 | Wasatch Mtns/ Provo Peak / Central Mtns/ Nebo / Wasatch Mtns/Box Elder Peak/Lone Peak/Timpanogos |
Duchesne | 1 | Chalk Creek/Kamas, Uintas / High Uintas Central / High Uintas East / High Uintas Leidy Peak / High Uintas West |
