Essential Guide For First-Time Hunters And Trappers In Utah

If you're interested in trying hunting for the first time this fall or winter in Utah, you’ll need to either take a hunter education class or participate in the state's Trial Hunting Program. Additionally, if trapping piques your interest, there is a required course for that as well. As these classes fill up quickly, especially in July and August ahead of the fall general-season big game hunts, it's wise to enroll soon.

For those born after December 31, 1965, completing a state-approved hunter education class or participating in the Trial Hunting Program is mandatory. Utah offers two options for hunter education: a traditional in-person class or an online course followed by an in-person field day. Both include a final written test and a hands-on skills demonstration with a live-fire shooting exercise. Before enrolling, you must purchase a hunter education registration certificate, costing $12, available online or from a license agent.

The hunter education courses cover firearm safety, hunter responsibility, and ethics. The online course, which costs $25, can be completed at your own pace, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. For younger participants, it's beneficial for parents to assist and discuss the material together. After finishing the online course, you’ll need to attend an in-person field day, for which the instructor will provide further details.

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Utah’s Trial Hunting Program offers another route to get in the field without completing hunter education. It allows individuals to hunt with an experienced hunter and decide if they want to pursue it further. Participants must be at least 12 years old, accompanied by a licensed hunter over 21, and complete a brief online orientation course. Required licenses and permits, such as combination or hunting licenses and general-season deer and elk permits, must be purchased to participate.

For those interested in trapping, residents born after December 31, 1984, must complete a state-offered furharvester education course, which includes an in-person field day. The course covers safe trapping methods, laws, ethics, techniques for releasing non-target animals, firearm safety, wildlife management, and proper catch handling. A registration certificate costing $7 is required before taking the online course.

Both hunter education and the Trial Hunting Program provide excellent opportunities to begin hunting, offering a chance to procure fresh, locally sourced meat and enjoy outdoor activities with family while contributing to wildlife management. For more information on enrolling in these programs, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.