Utah Hunters Still Have A Shot At Fall Big Game Permits
Hunters who were unsuccessful in Utah's big game drawing earlier this year — or who missed the application deadline altogether — have one final opportunity to secure a permit for this fall's hunting seasons. Permits are on sale.
The permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and anyone purchasing a permit must first have a valid Utah hunting or combination license.
Great Opportunity To Mentor Youth
“If you happened to miss the big game drawing or were unsuccessful, this is your last opportunity for a chance to hunt big game in Utah this fall,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Administrative Services Section Assistant Chief Lindy Varney said in a press release. “Don’t forget that you can mentor a youth during these hunts, making it a great opportunity to pass on your love of the outdoors to the next generation.”
Sales are going on now, with unlimited general-season archery elk permits, youth general-season elk permits, one remaining limited-entry archery bull elk permit for the Cache, Meadowville unit, remaining general-season buck deer permits, youth general-season archery deer permits, limited-entry buck deer permits and unlimited over-the-counter bison permits for the Nine Mile hunting unit.
A total of 3,568 general-season buck deer permits remain following the drawing, along with 14 limited-entry buck deer permits. Youth archery deer permits are set aside specifically for young hunters each year and are not leftover permits from the drawing.
Adult general-season any-bull elk permits become available July 9. The early rifle season, scheduled for Oct. 3-9, has 15,000 permits available, while the late rifle season, Oct. 10-16, offers unlimited permits. General-season spike bull elk permits go on sale July 16, with a combined total of 15,000 permits available, including a cap of 4,500 multiseason permits.
Hunters interested in the unlimited Nine Mile bison hunt must complete an online orientation course before purchasing a permit. The season runs from Aug. 1 through Jan. 31, 2027.
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Permits may be purchased online, at Division of Wildlife Resources offices or through licensed agents. Because demand is expected to be high, the DWR will again use a virtual waiting room for online sales. Officials advise hunters not to refresh or leave the queue page, as doing so may result in losing their place in line.
Hunters are also encouraged to review the 2026 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook and the Utah Hunt Planner before heading into the field this fall.
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Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews