Hunters Alert: Apply Now For Utah’s 2024 Antlerless Big Game Permits

If you’re a Utah resident eager to fill your freezer with locally sourced, nutritious meat while basking in the state's stunning natural landscapes, mark your calendars: the application period for Utah’s 2024 antlerless hunts is about to commence. Beginning on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 a.m. MDT, hunters can apply for permits to pursue antlerless big game animals across the state.

Utah’s antlerless hunts present a prime opportunity for hunters to secure ample amounts of meat while contributing to wildlife management efforts. A cow elk, depending on its age, can yield between 120 to nearly 200 pounds of boneless meat, offering a versatile ingredient for a range of culinary delights, from hearty stews to succulent steaks. Similarly, a doe deer provides approximately 40 pounds of delectable meat, perfect for grilling, roasting, or crafting into savory burgers.

The application process for antlerless permits is straightforward but time-sensitive. Interested hunters must submit their applications no later than 11 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, June 19, to be eligible for the permit drawing. To qualify for a 2024 antlerless permit or bonus points for antlered or antlerless species, applicants must hold a valid Utah hunting or combination license, obtainable online, via phone, or through a licensed agent.

Utah’s antlerless hunts encompass a variety of species, including deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. However, hunters must choose between applying for an antlerless moose permit or a ewe bighorn sheep permit, as dual applications are not permitted. Detailed information about hunting units, including boundary descriptions, biologist insights, and population statistics, is available on the Utah Hunt Planner.

Lindy Varney, DWR Licensing Coordinator, emphasizes the dual benefits of antlerless hunts: not only do they provide opportunities for meat acquisition and outdoor recreation but they also contribute to wildlife population management and habitat conservation. The targeted nature of these hunts addresses specific concerns, conflicts, and public safety considerations while fostering healthy wildlife populations and landscapes.

Following the application period, drawing results will be announced on or before July 5. Any remaining antlerless permits will be available for purchase starting at 8 a.m. MDT on July 23, as outlined in the 2024 Utah Antlerless Application Guidebook and the Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook.

Hunters must adhere to mandatory reporting requirements for any antlerless big game harvested during the season. Failure to report harvests within 30 days of the season’s conclusion may result in fines and exclusion from future drawings. The reporting process is conveniently facilitated online or via phone through the DWR website.

This year, several changes to Utah’s antlerless hunts aim to enhance hunting opportunities and safety measures. New hunts have been approved in various areas, including additional cow elk hunts and a doe pronghorn hunt on the Parker Mountain unit. Moreover, the introduction of antlerless elk-control permits on eight hunting units provides targeted management strategies for elk populations.

In terms of safety regulations, updates to hunter orange requirements now mandate that hunters wear visible hunter orange on the exterior of their attire while hunting big game. Additionally, clarified language regarding the possession of night-vision devices aims to align regulations with wildlife conservation efforts.

For hunters seeking further guidance or clarification on the application process, DWR offices and a dedicated hotline are available to address inquiries. The hotline number is 800-221-0659. By participating in Utah’s antlerless hunts, hunters not only enjoy the thrill of the chase and the bounty of nature but also actively contribute to the preservation and sustainability of Utah’s diverse wildlife populations.