Utah’s Hunting Season Kicks Off With Exciting Opportunities

For many Utahns, the arrival of fall means more than changing leaves—it’s the start of big game hunting season. If deer or elk are on your list this year, a little preparation can make the difference between going home with a story and going home with a trophy.

The season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 16, with the general-season archery buck deer and archery elk hunts. October brings the general-season any legal weapon elk hunts—early season from Oct. 4–10 and late season from Oct. 11–17—followed by spike-bull elk (Oct. 4–16) and buck deer (Oct. 18–26). Muzzleloader elk runs Oct. 29–Nov. 6. Full dates are on page 7 of the 2025 Utah Big Game Field Regulations guidebook.

Southern Utah Could See Above Average Herd Numbers

Deer hunting prospects vary across the state. Northern Utah deer herds are still bouncing back from the record-breaking winter of 2022–23, with mostly younger bucks expected. In contrast, southern Utah avoided the worst of that winter, and favorable recent seasons mean hunters there may see above-average numbers. Dry conditions this year will keep deer close to water.

“During our big game captures this last winter, adult deer across the state were in average to above-average nutritional condition,” said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus in a press release. “While these numbers are encouraging, dry conditions this spring and summer have resulted in less forage available for deer to put on weight.”

Elk numbers statewide are healthy, with an estimated 82,140—slightly above Utah’s management objective. Unlimited late-season any legal weapon any-bull permits are still available, along with youth bull elk permits that allow hunting across multiple seasons. “We hope parents and families take advantage of the long, flexible season dates to make lasting memories,” Mangus said.

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Success in the field starts long before opening day. Scouting your unit ahead of time, learning the terrain, and practicing with your bow or rifle are key. Mangus emphasized that hunters should “stick with a distance where you have practiced and are comfortable” and always be mindful of what’s beyond their target.

Wind direction, rugged terrain, and distance from roads all matter. Elk, in particular, tend to avoid roads, and mature bucks favor remote, harder-to-reach areas. Stealth is critical—especially for archery hunters.

Hunters should also be ready for Utah’s unpredictable mountain weather. Always carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water, and let someone know where you’ll be.

And don’t forget: keeping meat cool is essential. Removing the hide quickly and packing meat in game bags with ice—or even dry ice—will help prevent spoilage.

“Hunting should be fun, and you should enjoy it,” Mangus said. “It’s a great time to see Utah’s amazing wildlife and to make memories with your family and friends.”

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With preparation, respect for the land, and an eye on safety, this fall’s hunts could bring home not just game, but great stories to share.