Photo: Department of Wildlife Resources.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Hunters hoping to harvest big game in Utah this fall should mark their calendars: the application period for 2026 hunts opens March 19.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will begin accepting applications for most 2026 big game permits at 8 a.m. MDT on March 19, with the deadline set for 11 p.m. MDT on April 23.

Hunters can apply online through the DWR website, visit a regional DWR office, or call the hunt-drawing helpline at 855-UTDRAWS (855-883-7297) to submit an application. Drawing results are expected to be released by May 31, and applicants will be notified by email. Results will also be available online.

Big game species included in the draw

Utah offers big game hunts for several species each year, including:

Bighorn sheep (desert and Rocky Mountain)
Bison
Elk
Moose
Mountain goat
Mule deer
Pronghorn

While most big game hunts are included in the spring drawing, general-season bull elk permits will go on sale in July instead.

Hunters who don’t plan to hunt in 2026 can apply for bonus or preference points, which improve odds in future drawings. Applications for points must also be submitted by April 23.

“We don’t have the data from the winter big game captures, the previous fall hunt harvest rates, and other big game surveys until March each year,” said Lindy Varney, administrative services assistant chief for the DWR. “After we receive that data, we put together the permit recommendations for the upcoming fall big game hunting seasons.”

Varney said the drawing is held in April so hunters can review proposed permit numbers before applying. Proposed numbers for each hunting unit will be available on the Utah Hunt Planner beginning in April, with final permit numbers scheduled for approval by the Utah Wildlife Board during its April 30 public meeting.

Changes for the 2026 season

The Utah Wildlife Board approved several updates for the 2026 hunting season in December, including:

Chronic wasting disease testing requirement: Hunters with an Ogden unit general-season, any-legal-weapon buck deer permit must submit a sample for testing.

Bison hunt updates: Adjustments were made to existing hunts and the creation of a new cow bison hunt for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Natural disaster relief options: New measures for hunters whose permits are affected by natural disasters.

Hunters should also note that Utah has a new draw application system, meaning the website and contractor handling the drawing have changed from previous years.