Utah is one of the few states that supports truly wild, free-ranging bison herds. The Henry Mountains and Book Cliffs/Bitter Creek herds are fully self-sustaining and spend nearly their entire lives on public lands open to hunting. The Book Cliffs Little Creek herd is more transitional, moving between public BLM lands and the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. Recent tag reductions and the elimination of some hunts have allowed bison numbers on public land in this area to rebound compared to the past few years.
This year, non-residents can choose from four bison hunts: three in the Henry Mountains (including one cow hunt) and one in the Book Cliffs (Little Creek). Both areas offer opportunities for mature bulls, but neither is an easy hunt. Success typically requires significant time and miles on foot or horseback. An outfitter is strongly recommended for all of these hunts and is essential for Little Creek unless you have your own horses or mules.
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In 2020, Utah introduced an over-the-counter bison hunt along the Green River in Desolation Canyon. While the inaugural season was successful, harvest rates have dropped sharply over the past three years, making this hunt largely unproductive. It was designed to limit bison movement from reservation onto public lands, and that objective appears to have been met. This hunt should only be considered by hunters with very few bison points, as purchasing the permit forfeits all accrued points and prevents future bison applications.
Utah’s bison population remains relatively lean compared to the early 2000s, but there are still enough animals on the landscape to offer quality hunts. That said, bison hunts are consistently challenging, and success often depends on time, effort, and professional support. For non-residents already applying for other species, adding a bison application is certainly worth considering.
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For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, then join today and access the best research tools for hunting Bison in Utah including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
The Utah big game application period deadline is 11:00 p.m. MST on April 23, 2026.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Non-Resident Hunting License | $147.17 |
| Youth (17 and younger) Non-Resident Hunting License | $44.97 |
| Application Fee per Species | $21.46 |
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| Bison | $4,946.48 |
Utah Bison Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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