Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH — Utah hunters who missed out in the big game drawing earlier this year will have one more opportunity to snag a permit for deer, elk, or bison this fall. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will open sales for remaining 2025 big game permits beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

“These permits are first come, first serve,” said DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney. “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.”

Permits will be available online, at DWR offices, and through licensed agents across the state. A valid hunting or combination license is required to purchase a permit.

Elk Permits

General-season archery elk permits (unlimited): Available July 8 at 8 a.m.
Youth general-season elk permits (unlimited): Available July 8; open to hunters 17 or younger on July 31, and valid for all general-season elk hunts (excluding limited-entry units).
General-season any-bull elk permits: On sale Thursday, July 10 at 8 a.m.
- Early-season rifle hunt (Oct. 4–10): 15,000 permits
- Late-season rifle hunt (Oct. 11–17): Unlimited
- Muzzleloader hunt (Oct. 29–Nov. 6): Included in the 15,000 total
Spike bull elk permits (15,000 total, including 4,500 multiseason): Available Thursday, July 17 at 8 a.m. for any-legal-weapon, muzzleloader, and multiseason hunts.

Deer Permits

General-season buck deer permits: Available July 8
- 3,117 remaining (archery, muzzleloader, and restricted muzzleloader).
Youth general-season archery deer permits: Available July 8.
Limited-entry buck deer permits: Available July 8
- 20 remaining permits.

Bison Permits

Over-the-counter bison permits for the Nine Mile unit (unlimited) will be available July 8. Hunters must complete an online orientation course before purchase. The season runs Aug. 1 through Jan. 31, 2026.

Varney emphasized the importance of mentoring young hunters during these hunting opportunities: “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.”

How to Buy

Permits can be purchased online at the DWR website, at a DWR regional office, or through a licensed sales agent.

A virtual waiting room will manage online traffic starting at 8 a.m. daily during sales. Customers are advised not to refresh their browser or navigate away from the queue page, as doing so could result in losing their spot.

Hunters should consult the 2025 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook before planning their hunt and check the DWR website for details about available permits and hunting unit information.