Applications for bird hunting permits, including Sandhill cranes, now open for Utah’s 2025 season

UTAH — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is issuing 2025 hunting permits for unique bird hunting opportunities — targeting species like greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, tundra swans, and sandhill cranes.

While most upland game and waterfowl hunts in Utah require only a hunting or combination license, permits are also required to pursue some of the state’s rarer bird species.

Permit applications are accepted through July 16 at 11 p.m. via the Utah DWR website. Drawing results will be released by July 31.

“These permits provide a unique opportunity for hunters to pursue species that aren’t found everywhere,” said Jason Jones, DWR Migratory Bird Coordinator. “Utah is one of only nine states that allows swan hunting, and sage-grouse can only be found in the western United States. It’s a great chance for people to do something different and have an incredible experience in the outdoors.”

Hunters who don’t plan to hunt in 2025 can still apply for a preference point, increasing their odds of drawing a permit in future years.

Sandhill Crane Hunting in Utah

Utah is issuing 555 permits for sandhill crane hunting this year. The hunt is regulated due to both ecological and agricultural concerns.

“Sandhill cranes are opportunistic eaters, grazing on plants, grains, insects, snakes, and mice,” said Faith Jolley, spokesperson for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. “For farmers, this can be frustrating, as the cranes can damage crops by digging up tubers and agricultural seeds. Changes in weather patterns that cue migration could mean a significant increase in the number of sandhill cranes that become semi-permanent residents in certain parts of Utah, especially in the winter months, which can result in property damage.”

Crop damage is one of the main reasons that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Pacific Flyway Council have approved sandhill crane hunting in Utah, according to Jolley.

Tundra Swan Permit Requirements

Applicants for a tundra swan permit must first complete the 2025 swan hunting orientation course, a mandatory step that helps ensure hunters can accurately identify swans and avoid accidentally harvesting a trumpeter swan, which are illegal to hunt in Utah.

Season Dates

Hunting seasons for permitted bird species are as follows:

• Greater sage-grouse: Sept. 27–Oct. 19

• Sharp-tailed grouse: Sept. 27–Oct. 19

• Tundra swan: Oct. 4–Dec. 14

• Sandhill crane:

  • Cache and Rich counties: Sept. 6–15

  • East Box Elder County: Sept. 6–Nov. 4

  • Uintah Basin (Early): Sept. 27–Oct. 16

  • Uintah Basin (Middle): Oct. 17–Nov. 5

  • Uintah Basin (Late): Nov. 6–25

Other permitted species include band-tailed pigeons (Sept. 1–14) and white-tailed ptarmigan (Sept. 1–Oct. 31). Permits for those birds are available for free starting July 31 through the DWR website or any license agent.

Additional Requirements

In addition to a permit and hunting license, Utah hunters must:

• Register for the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) to hunt any migratory species, including cranes, swans, ducks, and geese. Registration is free and can be completed online.

• Purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (“duck stamp”) if they are 16 or older and plan to hunt waterfowl. Stamps cost $30 and can be purchased on the DWR website starting July 1, at post offices, by phone, or through license agents.

New to Hunting?

Utah’s Trial Hunting Program allows newcomers to hunt upland game or waterfowl under the supervision of a licensed hunter aged 21 or older for up to three years before completing hunter education.

For more details on hunting seasons, permits, and eligibility, refer to the 2025–26 Utah Upland Game & Turkey Guidebook or the 2025–26 Utah Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Guidebook, both available on the DWR website.