Utah Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Wildlife Units, Permits & Gear Laws
Utah’s wilderness beckons outdoor enthusiasts with some of the most diverse game opportunities in the West. From trophy mule deer in the high country to waterfowl in the Great Salt Lake marshes, the Beehive State offers something for every sportsperson. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential 2025-2026 dates, permit information, and zone details you’ll need to plan your outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, understanding Utah’s intricate system of zones, permit requirements, and timing is crucial for success. The state manages over 40 different species across various zones, with opportunities ranging from general tags to limited-entry draws that require years of patience and bonus points.
Season Summary – Key Species Overview
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer (Archery) | Aug 16 – Sept 12, 2025 | Archery Only | Limited Entry |
| General Deer | Oct 18 – 26, 2025 | Any Legal Weapon | General Tag |
| Elk (General Bull) | Aug 16 – Sept 17, 2025 | Archery | General Tag |
| Turkey (Spring) | May 4 – 31, 2026 | Any Legal Weapon | Over-the-counter |
| Waterfowl (Northern) | Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026 | Shotgun | License Required |
| Chukar Partridge | Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | Any Legal Weapon | License Required |
All Big Game: Archery & Rifle 🦌
Utah’s big game opportunities are legendary, with some of the finest trophy potential in North America. The state operates on a complex system that balances opportunity with quality management.
Mule Deer
- Archery Season: Aug 16 – Sept 12, 2025 (Limited Entry units)
- General Any-Weapon: Oct 18 – 26, 2025 (Most units)
- Muzzleloader: Oct 8 – 12, 2025 (Select units)
- Extended: Varies by unit through November
The general deer tag remains one of Utah’s most accessible big game opportunities. Most hunters focus on the nine-day general season in October, though archery enthusiasts can pursue limited-entry opportunities earlier in the year.
Elk 🦌
- General Bull (Archery): Aug 16 – Sept 17, 2025
- Spike Units (Archery): Aug 16 – Sept 5, 2025
- General Muzzleloader: Oct 29 – Nov 6, 2025
- Any Legal Weapon: Oct 4 – 17, 2025 (Limited units)
Utah’s elk management focuses on both opportunity and trophy quality. Spike hunts provide excellent chances for first-time elk hunters, while any-bull units require patience and bonus points.
Black Bear
- Spring Limited-Entry: Varies by unit (May-June)
- Summer Limited-Entry: July-August dates
- Fall Limited-Entry: September-October
- Pursuit Season: Varies by unit
Bear tags are distributed through a limited draw system, with pursuit seasons allowing hunters to use dogs in designated areas.
Cougar
- Limited-Entry: Year-round (quota managed)
- Harvest-Objective: Year-round (quota managed)
- Pursuit: Year-round (designated areas)
- Spot-and-Stalk: Year-round (restricted methods)
Mountain lion opportunities exist year-round but are carefully managed through quotas and zone-specific regulations.
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃
Wild turkeys have made a remarkable comeback in Utah, providing excellent opportunities across multiple seasons.
Spring Opportunities
- Limited-Entry: April 11 – 30, 2026 (Drawing required)
- Youth Hunt: May 1 – 3, 2026 (Ages ≤17 as of July 31, 2026)
- General Season: May 4 – 31, 2026 (Over-the-counter permits)
Spring turkey activity peaks during the mating period, making this the most popular time to pursue gobblers. The general season provides excellent opportunities for beginners.
Fall Management Hunts
- Northern/Central/Southeastern: Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
- Southern Region: Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Fall management hunts occur primarily on private lands and help control populations in agricultural areas. Hunters can obtain up to three permits (two beardless, one either-sex).
Furbearers 🦫
Utah’s furbearer seasons provide opportunities for both recreational and commercial trappers. Many species require specialized permits and have specific regulatory requirements.
Key Species and Dates
- Badger: Sept 15, 2025 – March 1, 2026
- Beaver: Sept 15, 2025 – April 1, 2026 (Area restrictions apply)
- Bobcat: Nov 15, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (Permit required, 6 max)
- Gray & Kit Fox: Sept 15, 2025 – March 1, 2026
- Marten: Sept 15, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (Four counties only)
- Mink: Sept 15, 2025 – April 1, 2026 (Area restrictions)
- Weasel: Sept 15, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Year-Round Species
- Coyote: Year-round (No license required)
- Red Fox: Year-round (No license required)
- Striped Skunk: Year-round (No license required)
- Muskrat: Year-round (WMA permit required)
Special note: Bobcat requires individual permits (maximum six per person), and marten can only be trapped in Daggett, Duchesne, Summit, and Uintah counties using elevated, covered sets.
Upland Birds 🐦
Utah’s upland bird diversity rivals any western state, from desert quail to high-elevation ptarmigan.
Grouse Species
- Dusky & Ruffed Grouse: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025 (Statewide)
- Greater Sage-Grouse: Sept 27 – Oct 19, 2025 (Permit required, select areas)
- Sharp-tailed Grouse: Sept 27 – Oct 19, 2025 (Permit required, two counties)
- White-tailed Ptarmigan: Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2025 (Free permit required)
Partridge & Pheasant
- Chukar Partridge: Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
- Gray Partridge: Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
- Ring-necked Pheasant: Nov 1 – Dec 7, 2025 (Males only)
Youth opportunities exist for most upland species, typically occurring in late September through October.
Upland Animals 🐰
Small game provides excellent opportunities for new outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned veterans alike.
Rabbits & Hares
- Cottontail Rabbit: Sept 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
- Jackrabbit: Year-round (No license required)
- Snowshoe Hare: Sept 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Quail Species
- California & Gambel’s Quail: Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2025
- Scaled Quail: Closed statewide (Conservation concern)
Prairie Dogs
- White-tailed & Gunnison’s: June 17, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Public Land Closure: April 1 – June 15, 2026
- Utah Prairie Dog: Closed statewide (Protected species)
Other Small Games Table Format
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Sept 1-14, 2025 | Varies | Federal stamp required |
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 daily | Very popular opener |
| White-winged Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 daily | Combined with mourning |
| American Crow | Sept 1-30, 2025 | No limit | Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 |
| Eurasian Collared Dove | Year-round | No limit | Non-native species |
Migratory Birds 🕊️
Federal regulations govern all migratory bird activities, requiring both state licenses and federal stamps.
Sandhill Crane Opportunities
- Cache & Rich Counties: Sept 6-15, 2025
- East Box Elder County: Sept 6 – Nov 4, 2025
- Uintah Basin: Sept 27 – Oct 16, 2025 (First period)
- Uintah Basin: Oct 17 – Nov 5, 2025 (Second period)
- Uintah Basin: Nov 6-25, 2025 (Third period)
Sandhill crane populations have grown significantly, providing unique opportunities for this spectacular species.
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese 🦆
Utah’s position along the Pacific Flyway makes it a waterfowl paradise, with the Great Salt Lake ecosystem supporting millions of birds.
Duck & Allied Species
Northern Zone:
- Regular Season: Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026
- Scaup Season: Oct 4 – Dec 28, 2025
- Youth Hunt: Sept 20, 2025
Southern Zone:
- Regular Season: Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 24, 2026
- Scaup Season: Oct 31, 2025 – Jan 24, 2026
- Youth Hunt: Sept 27, 2025
Goose Seasons by Area
Dark Geese (Canada, Cackling, Brant):
- Eastern Box Elder: Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026
- Northern Zone: Oct 4-11, 2025 & Oct 27, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
- Southern Zone: Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 24, 2026
- Wasatch Front: Oct 4-11, 2025 & Nov 10, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross’s):
- Eastern Box Elder/Northern/Wasatch Front: Oct 15 – Dec 22, 2025 & Feb 2 – March 10, 2026
- Southern Zone: Oct 25 – Dec 15, 2025 & Jan 15 – March 10, 2026
Other Waterfowls 🦢
Tundra Swan
- Season: Oct 4 – Dec 14, 2025
- Special Regulation: Season closes immediately if 20 trumpeter swans are harvested
- Permit: Required through drawing system
Swan opportunities are extremely limited and carefully monitored to protect trumpeter swan populations.
More Games (Additional Species)
Several species don’t fit neatly into other categories but provide unique opportunities:
Special Mention Species
- Falconry: Year-round opportunities with proper permits and species-specific regulations
- CWMU (Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit) Hunts: Private land opportunities with specific dates set by operators
- Antlerless Hunts: Special drawing period June 4-18, 2025, for population management
Application Periods 🎟️
- Big Game Applications: March 20 – April 24, 2025
- Draw Results: Available May 15, 2025
- Antlerless Applications: June 4-18, 2025
- Turkey Limited-Entry: Application period varies
Utah’s outdoor opportunities are as diverse as its landscapes, from the red rock country of southern Utah to the alpine peaks of the Wasatch Range. Success often depends not just on being in the right place at the right time, but understanding the complex regulations that govern each species and area.
Remember that all dates are subject to change, and hunters should always verify current regulations through the official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website at wildlife.utah.gov. Purchase your licenses early, study the regulations carefully, and respect both the wildlife and the lands that support these incredible opportunities.
Whether you’re pursuing your first cottontail or chasing a once-in-a-lifetime bull elk, Utah’s 2025-2026 seasons offer something special for every outdoor enthusiast. Plan ahead, apply early, and enjoy one of the finest outdoor recreation states in America! 🏔️
For the most current regulations, season dates, and area closures, always consult the official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources guidebooks and website. Regulations can change throughout the year due to wildlife management needs and environmental conditions.
