SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources would like to offer some tips for those wanting to fill their Big Game tags this Fall. Here is some important information and tips that they hope will be helpful when planning and preparing for your hunt.
Hunt dates
- The general-season buck deer archery hunt and the general spike and any-bull elk archery hunts are the first big game hunts of Utah’s fall season, and they all begin Saturday, Aug. 17.
- The early-season hunt for the general-season any-bull elk any-legal weapon hunt will be held Oct. 5-11, and the late-season hunt will be held Oct. 12-18.
- The general-season buck deer hunt (with any legal weapon) runs from Oct. 19-27.
- The general-season muzzleloader elk hunt will be held Oct. 30 to Nov. 7.
For all the general-season hunt dates, see page 7 of the 2024 Utah Big Game Field Regulations guidebook.
Deer hunts
Deer populations in Cache, Weber, Summit and Morgan counties are still recovering from the severe winter conditions and lower survival rates from the record-breaking winter in 2022-23. There are fewer deer available for hunters in those areas this fall.
Other areas of Utah including southern Utah had above-average deer survival rates and great habitat conditions this spring and summer. Hunters in those parts of the state are likely to encounter good numbers of younger bucks, as well as some older bucks in their hunting units.
“During our big game captures this last winter, we found that a majority of the deer throughout the state were healthy and in great condition with high body fat,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus said. “Our animals with GPS collars showed high survival rates in both northern and southern Utah. We are happy to see our deer populations continuing to recover after being hit hard by the severe winter in 2022-23, especially in the northern parts of the state. Deer populations in southern Utah are looking good currently, with their third consecutive year of good fawn production and high survival rates.”
Elk hunts
DWR estimates there are currently 80,600 elk in the state, 600 more than the statewide management plan objective.
There are still some archery antlerless elk permits available as well as unlimited over-the-counter late-season any legal weapon any-bull permits.
Utah offers unlimited general-season youth bull elk permits for youth to hunt all of the general-season archery, general-season any weapon and general-season muzzleloader dates on both general spike-only and any bull units. People interested in buying these permits can purchase them online, at a DWR office or from any available license agent.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus said the ability for hunters to get in the field pursuing deer and elk regularly is a high priority for hunters and the DWR. Mangus.
“It’s important for our younger hunters, and we are excited about the multiple season dates and extensive unit locations offered to youth hunters with the general-season youth elk permit,” he said. “We hope parents and families take advantage of the long, flexible season dates to work around busy schedules and get out in the field with their youth hunters to make lasting memories.”
GENERAL TIPS
Do some research before heading out, know the laws and scout the area in advance
It is a good idea to visit the Utah Hunt Planner before heading out into the field. This online resource includes notes from the biologists who manage the various hunting units across the state. There is also general information about the units and safety and weather items.
“Hunters who have scouted their hunting units and spent time locating animals before the hunt begins are typically more successful at finding, pursuing and harvesting an animal during their hunt,” Mangus said. “Spend time scouting, and if you haven’t, consider planning multiple hunting trips during the hunting season. Treat your early hunting dates in the season as hunting and scouting, and try to cover lots of ground to locate animals.”
As a reminder, there are a few changes to big game hunting this year. Here are some of the new laws to be aware of:
- Mandatory harvest reporting: Harvest reporting is now required for all of the general-season buck deer and bull elk hunts in Utah, in addition to the limited-entry and antlerless hunts. Permit holders will have 30 days to report the results of their hunt after their hunting season ends. Anyone who doesn’t report will be excluded from the following year’s big game and antlerless applications.
- Weapons technology changes: Several regulation changes were also approved by the Utah Wildlife Board to Utah’s allowed weapons technologies, including prohibiting the use of scopes stronger than 1x power on muzzleloaders for all muzzleloader hunts.
- Night-vision devices: Recent updates were made to the rule regarding night-vision devices to clarify that it is not only unlawful to use, but it’s also unlawful to possess night-vision equipment while taking or locating big game from July 31 to Dec. 31. This update was implemented in order to make the rule enforceable for conservation officers.
For information about all the new changes and laws for hunting big game this fall, hunters should check the 2024 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook.
Practice with your equipment
It’s a good idea to practice regularly with your equipment so you are familiar with it and have the skills needed to hit your target.
“Making responsible and ethical shots is an important part of using our wildlife resources wisely,” Mangus said.
Locating animals
“Hunters who cover more ground and find sources of food, water and/or cover being used by big game are more likely to be successful during their hunt,” Mangus said. “Don’t be afraid to move and explore within your unit, especially if you are not seeing what you’re looking for. Being adaptable and willing to make adjustments can make all the difference.”
Hunt away from the road
“Elk are smart and know how to avoid hunting pressure. They avoid roads, so especially when you are hunting elk, get off the road,” Mangus said. “Get out and do some hiking and scouting to find where the animals are.”
Be prepared for the weather and possible emergencies
Hunters should be prepared for any weather and should always have a first-aid kit and plenty of water. The weather in Utah’s mountains can change very quickly and go from sunny to snowing in a matter of minutes, so you need to be prepared with adequate clothing and supplies.
“We urge hunters to remember the safety basics of hunting with a partner and always make sure someone knows where you are and when you will return,” Mangus said. “You can’t always rely on cell phones as they may not have reception in the backcountry during your hunt.”