Considering applying for hunts in Utah this year? Be sure to check out this article and video that outlines what you need to know before you apply
Thinking about applying for Utah hunting tags in 2025? Whether you're a resident hunter or a nonresident planning a Western big game hunt, the above video breaks down everything you need to know—application deadlines, draw odds, species options, over-the-counter tags, and how to save money while boosting your odds. Having an Insider membership makes doing all of your hunting research a breeze. Be sure to check out our Application Strategy Articles that will explain everything in more detail.
Insider makes it easy to find tag opportunities by state, species, probability of draw odds success, and much more! Whether you're new to the application system or have been at it for decades, Insider gives you the information you need to plan a successful hunt. In addition to our research tools, all Insiders have access to GOHUNT Maps on the web and mobile app. In addition to all these benefits, you can access our Insider research tools on our mobile app! It's the only complete and full package set of tools to help you find the hunt you want this year or to help you plan for hunts in the future.
If you're unfamiliar with Insider, check out the link below.
Before applying, a valid hunting license is required:
There will be some increased fees going into effect this summer. Nonresident hunting license will increase from $120 to $144. Learn more about the approved increased in Utah fees here.
Besides your license, you'll pay:
Learn more about all of the Utah fees in our State Profile:
Program Cost:
Best for hunters who can spend time scouting and hunting multiple seasons.
Pro Tip: Always apply—don’t just buy points. The random draw gives everyone a chance to draw a premier tag.
Utah will not over-allocate tags to accommodate group sizes.
Best suited for hunters who do deep research and want a do-it-yourself experience.
Utah offers expanded hunting season options in 2025:
Plan your hunt based on weapon preference, season timing, and scouting availability.
Absolutely. Despite tough draw odds:
Use your GOHUNT Insider tools to research draw odds, tag availability, and unit details. They give you the edge.
Application Opens: March 20, 2025
Deadline to Apply: April 24, 2025, at 11 p.m. MT
You must create an online Utah Division of Wildlife Resources account to get started.
You may apply online here.
Resident License: $40
Nonresident License: $120
The license is valid for 365 days—strategically buying late in the season can allow for two years of applications on one license.
$10 per species (Residents)
$16 per species (Nonresidents)
2.2% processing fee (online)
Estimated Total Cost: ~$160–$180+, depending on species selection
1 Limited Entry Species: Elk, Mule Deer, or Pronghorn
1 Once-in-a-Lifetime Species: Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Bison
1 General Season Deer Hunt or Dedicated Hunter Program
Apply for all species (limited entry + once-in-a-lifetime)
One General Deer option: Dedicated or General Season
3-year participation program
Hunt all seasons (archery, muzzleloader, rifle)
Harvest up to two bucks over three years
Must complete 32 volunteer hours or pay $40/hour to buyout the hours
$215 (Residents)
$1,067 (Nonresidents)
50% of tags go to highest point holders
50% are randomly drawn, with weighted odds based on points
100% based on preference points
No random element: more points = higher chance
Up to four hunters can apply together (except for once-in-a-lifetime tags which don’t allow group apps)
Utah averages group points and rounds down to the nearest whole number
Residents and nonresidents can apply together, but nonresident quotas apply
You can surrender your permit 30 days before the hunt
Your original points are reinstated
You won’t earn a new point for that year
Draw opens in early June
Based on the preference point system
Note: Can also apply for bonus points only and preference points during this time if you missed the main draw
Early Archery & Muzzleloader Hunts
Midseason Rifle Elk Hunts In October
Late-Season Archery December Elk Tags
New options aim to spread out hunting pressure and increase draw success
High-quality elk and deer hunting
Random draw factor gives everyone a shot
Plan to draw general deer tags every 3–5 years
Over-the-counter elk tags = backup plan
“Any Bull” Units: Sparse elk or limited access, but over-the-counter tags available
Spike Elk Tags: Available in all limited entry units, sold mid-July
Archery, Muzzleloader, and Rifle options for spike elk
