SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources wants to provide hunters with information about the upcoming upland game and migratory game bird hunts happening this fall. Many hunts began on September 1.
For Hunters wanting to try their hand at hunting for the first time or even seasoned hunters looking for new opportunities, upland game and migratory game bird hunting is a great option in Northern Utah. The majority of the upland game hunts in Utah are open to anyone with a valid Utah hunting license and there are no requirements for an additional permit.
Some kids enjoy Upland Game bird hunting.
American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, sandhill crane and white-winged dove are now classified as “migratory game birds,” in the Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook. The migratory game birds including ducks, geese, snipe, coots and tundra swan are included in the 2025-26 Utah Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Guidebook where hunters can find permit information, field requirements and season dates.
The hunting season for mourning and white-winged doves began Sept. 1 and runs until Oct. 30. For more tips on hunting doves, visit the DWR website.
Hunters should note that collared-doves and band-tailed pigeons are often mistaken for one another. Collared-doves are primarily located in agricultural areas, while band-tailed pigeons are typically found in forested areas. Visit the 2025-26 Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Guidebook for more details about identifying each species.
Hunting band-tailed pigeons does require a permit, but the permit is free and available on the DWR website.
The pigeon hunting season runs from Sept. 1-14.
Grouse (dusky and ruffed)
To hunt either greater sage-grouse or sharp-tailed grouse, a special permit in addition to a hunting license is needed the application deadline for the permit was July 16. White-tailed ptarmigan also require an additional permit, and the permits are available on the DWR website for free. Hunters can still hunt dusky and ruffed grouse this fall with just a hunting or combination license.
For tips on distinguishing between dusky and ruffed grouse, the DWR website.
If you’re able to hunt with a dog, the best time to hunt grouse is an hour or two after sunrise, while the birds have been feeding, so their scent is on the ground for your dog to track. If you hunt grouse without a dog, try early in the morning or late
The dusky and ruffed grouse season runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, and the ptarmigan season runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31. For more tips on hunting these species of grouse, visit the DWR website.
Partridge (chukar and gray)
Starting this year, the DWR will no longer be releasing pen-reared chukars, due to budget constraints. Here’s what hunters should know about chukar hunting in each area of the state:
Gray partridge (also known as Hungarian partridge) are only found in northern Utah.
Both partridge seasons will run from Sept. 27, 2025, to Feb. 15, 2026.
Cottontail rabbits
Cottontail rabbit population numbers are increasing, and they should be more abundant this year in most parts of the state. However, there are a few places with populations that have not yet rebounded from overly dry conditions or from the heavy snowfall in 2022-23. Find cottontail rabbit hunting tips on the DWR website.
The cottontail rabbit season runs from Sept. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026.
Snowshoe hare populations are also low statewide but are stable to slowly increasing over the last few years. Hares can be found in high-elevation forest areas with spruces/firs and aspen trees. The best habitat for hares is typically 8,000-9,000 feet in elevation and is more difficult to access than where cottontails are found.
Hunters should be able to find snowshoe hares in Summit County, in high elevations with lush vegetation and thick forest cover.
Small-caliber rifles and shotguns are great firearms to use for hunting hares.
The snowshoe hare season runs from Sept. 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026.
Upland Game Slam
To add an extra challenge to your hunts this fall, consider participating in the Upland Game Slam. The slam encourages hunters to harvest a variety of upland game species, while generating money to help fund a variety of habitat and upland game-related projects.
Learn more about how to participate in the Upland Game Slam on the DWR website.
The dates for this year’s upland game youth hunts are as follows:
- Chukar and gray partridge: Sept. 20-22
- Quail: Oct. 25-27
- Pheasant: Oct. 25-30
The DWR and partners will also be holding several organized youth pheasant hunts in November in different areas of the state. Pheasants are released in areas across the state prior to their respective youth hunting seasons, as well as before the general hunting seasons. Visit the DWR website for more details about upcoming events and for additional information about quail and pheasant hunting tips for this fall’s hunts.