Utah Legislation Update: Changes to Wildlife Division Fees for Non-Resident Hunting
As of March 2025 the Agency Fund bill (Senate Bill 8) and was signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox on March 25, 2025. The increases will take effect on July 1, 2025 for license fees. License fees have been changed for non-resident hunters and will began on July 1, 2025. Changes to draw application fees and permit fees will not take effect until September 1, 2025. See below for more information.
Utah Increases Hunt Costs for Non-Residents
A recent legislative change in Utah has brought updates to non-resident hunting fees under the Wildlife Division. Senate Bill 8 (SB0008) introduces adjustments that aim to manage resources effectively while ensuring the sustainability of Utah's wildlife. The key change involves an increase in fees for non-residents applying for hunting permits. These adjustments are intended to support the Wildlife Division’s conservation efforts by generating additional funds for habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and other critical initiatives.
This modification reflects Utah's efforts to balance hunting access with the preservation of local ecosystems. Non-residents interested in
hunting in Utah are encouraged to review the new fee structure outlined below before planning their future hunts. According to a press release from Utah DWR, “We’re reviewing the intended goals of the legislation and are evaluating each fee based on the relevant market values of neighboring states and the opportunities we offer,”
DWR Director Riley Peck said. “This legislation is intended to increase revenue to allow us to purchase public land for the specific use of protecting wintering wildlife populations. The legislature also allocated $50 million to the DWR, specifically for the purchase of large land parcels to secure hunting and fishing on these properties into the future.”
Breakdown of Utah Fee Changes For Non-Residents
Pages 128-137 of SB0008 provide a detailed overview of the adjustments made to the fee structure specifically for non-resident hunting permits in Utah. The section outlines revised costs applicable to various hunting categories, reflecting the state's commitment to funding conservation programs through fair and calculated changes. Changes to nonresident license fees will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and changes to drawing application fees and hunting permits will go into effect Sept. 1, 2025.
Non-residents planning to hunt in Utah should carefully review these changes to ensure compliance with the adjusted structure. For a complete review of these updates, refer to the enrolled
version of SB0008.
Wildlife Resources - Department of Natural Resources
All nonresident fees for the Division of Wildlife Resources were passed as
may not exceed, but may be less than, the amounts stated in the division's fee schedule.
Questions? Call us at 435-865-1020 or Submit a Contact Email
| Non-Resident License |
2019 Fees |
2020 Fees |
July 1, 2023 Fees |
beginning July 1, 2025 Fees |
| Hunting License (adult) |
$65 |
$72 |
$120 |
$144 |
| Hunting License (youth) |
$25 |
$29 |
$34 |
$44 |
| Hunting+Fishing License (adult) |
$85 |
$98 |
$150 |
$190 |
| Hunting+Fishing License (youth) |
$29 |
$33 |
$38 |
$58 |
| Non-Resident App / Permit Fees |
2019 Fees |
2020 Fees |
July 1, 2023 Fees |
beginning Sept 1, 2025 Fees |
| Draw Application / Point Fee (per species) |
$10 |
$15 |
$16 |
$21 |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep (ram) |
$1,518 |
$2,200 |
$2,244 |
$3,988 |
| Rocky Bighorn Sheep (ram) |
$1,518 |
$2,200 |
$2,244 |
$3,988 |
| Bull Moose (bull) |
$1,518 |
$2,200 |
$2,244 |
$3,488 |
| Mountain Goat |
$1,518 |
$2,200 |
$2,244 |
$3,488 |
| Bison |
$1,518 |
$2,200 |
$2,420 |
$4,840 |
| Elk (limited-entry or CWMU bull) |
$800 |
$1,000 |
$1,050 |
$1,950 |
| Elk (limited-entry multi-season bull) |
$1,505 |
$1,805 |
$1,855 |
$2,655 |
| Elk (general bull or spike) |
$393 |
$593 |
$613 |
$849 |
| Elk (general multi-season bull) |
$700 |
$800 |
$830 |
$1,255 |
| Elk (youth general season / any-bull hunter's choice draw) |
$393 |
$593 |
$613 |
$749 |
| Mule Deer (limited-entry or CWMU buck) |
$468 |
$650 |
$670 |
$1,070 |
| Mule Deer (limited-entry multi-season buck) |
$845 |
$1,100 |
$1,130 |
$2,260 |
| Mule Deer (premium limited-entry buck) |
$568 |
$768 |
$798 |
$1,398 |
| Mule Deer (premium limited-entry multi-season buck) |
$1,025 |
$1,330 |
$1,330 |
$2,330 |
| Mule Deer (general season) |
$268 |
$398 |
$418 |
$599 |
| Mule Deer (dedicated hunted program adult) |
$1,047 |
$1,047 |
$1,067 |
$1,248 |
| Mule Deer (dedicated hunted program youth) |
$814 |
$814 |
$834 |
$915 |
| Pronghorn (buck) |
$293 |
$337 |
$371 |
$571 |
| Mountain Lion |
$258 |
$297 |
n/a |
n/a |
| Black Bear |
$308 |
$354 |
$389 |
$600 |
| Black Bear (multi-season) |
$475 |
$546 |
$566 |
$889 |
| Turkey / Swan |
$100 |
$115 |
$125 |
$175 |
| Bighorn Sheep (ewe) |
- |
$1,000 |
$1,100 |
$2,100 |
| Moose (antlerless) |
$713 |
$1,000 |
$1,100 |
$2,200 |
| Elk (antlerless) |
$218 |
$251 |
$350 |
$649 |
| Mule Deer (doe) |
$93 |
$107 |
$118 |
$236 |
| Pronghorn (doe) |
$93 |
$107 |
$118 |
$236 |
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