Big Game Hunting Permits For Utah Open In March

Hunters hoping to harvest deer, elk or other big game in Utah this fall will soon have the opportunity to apply for permits as the state’s annual application period approaches.

The application window for most of Utah’s 2026 big game hunts opens March 19 at 8 a.m. MDT and runs through April 23 at 11 p.m. MDT. Hunters must submit an application during that time to be included in the drawing for permits. Applications can be submitted online, by calling the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources hunt-drawing helpline at 855-UTDRAWS, or by visiting a regional DWR office.

Drawing results will be released by May 31. Applicants will receive notification by email, and results will also be available online.

Utah offers big game hunts for several species, including mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, mountain goat, desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and bison. According to the DWR, permit recommendations are finalized each spring after wildlife biologists compile the most recent population and harvest data.

Final Numbers Available After Harvest Data Collection Complete

“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 each year,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Administrative Services Assistant Chief Lindy Varney said in a press release. “After we receive that data, we put together the permit recommendations for the upcoming fall big game hunting seasons. The drawing is held in April so that hunters 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 April 30.”

While most big game permits are included in the spring drawing, general-season bull elk permits are sold separately in July. Permits for the general-season archery bull elk hunt go on sale July 7, any-bull elk permits become available July 9, and spike bull elk permits will be released July 16 through online sales, DWR offices and licensed dealers

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Several changes will affect the 2026 hunting season. Hunters who draw an Ogden unit general-season any-legal-weapon buck deer permit will now be required to submit a chronic wasting disease testing sample. The West Cache elk extended archery hunt has also been modified, with updated hunt boundaries and an extended season that now runs through Jan. 31 instead of ending Dec. 15.

Wildlife officials have also adjusted some existing bison hunts and created a new cow bison hunt scheduled for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. In addition, the Utah Wildlife Board approved new relief options for hunters who are unable to complete a hunt because of natural disasters.

Hunters will also notice several administrative updates this year. Utah has launched a new draw application system with a different website and contractor, and the 2026 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook will be available only in digital format through the DWR website and the Utah Hunting & Fishing mobile app.

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Hunters can also explore potential hunt areas through the Utah Hunt Planner, an interactive online map that provides information from wildlife biologists about terrain, animal locations, public land access and other details helpful when applying for a permit.

Those not planning to hunt this year may still apply for a bonus or preference point before the April 23 deadline, which can increase their chances of drawing a permit in future years.