While Utah’s overall elk quality is down slightly compared to historical highs prior to 2023, this has had very little impact on the quality of hunting. Despite Utah lowering its management age-class objectives in 2023, the state continues to offer excellent opportunities for harvesting mature bulls across most units. Many hunters initially believed this change marked the beginning of the end for Utah’s trophy elk hunting, but the state has proven resilient and continues to produce good quality.
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| Spike | Aug 15–Sept 4, 2026 |
| Any Bull | Aug 15–Sept 16, 2026 |
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| Any Legal Weapon First Hunt | Oct 3-Oct 9, 2026 |
| Any Legal Weapon Second Hunt | Oct 10-16, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 28-Nov 5, 2026 |
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| Any legal weapon | Oct 3-Oct 15, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 28-Nov 5, 2026 |
| Multi-season | Aug 15-Sept 4, Oct 3-Oct 15, Oct 28-Nov 65, 2026 |
A large part of this success can be attributed to additional management changes, most notably the redistribution of tags into less favorable harvest periods. Utah shifted the bulk of rifle tags to mid-season October hunts, pulling pressure away from the early September rifle season when bulls are at their most vulnerable during peak rut activity. As a result, most units now award few (if any) preference tags for early rifle hunts, which has helped maintain age structure and trophy potential statewide despite more permits being issued.
These changes have increased the number of limited-entry elk tags and overall hunting opportunities, which is a positive development. However, demand still far exceeds supply, and draw odds and point creep continue to worsen. Because of this, Utah is extremely difficult to recommend as a short to mid-term strategy—even looking over the twenty-year horizon. That said, Utah does allocate half of its limited-entry elk tags through a random draw, which includes all applicants unsuccessful in the preference draw. These are true lottery-style odds, but they offer the possibility of drawing a world-class elk hunt in your very first year of applying. One of Utah’s strongest selling points is that even units managed for the lowest bull age class still rival or exceed the quality of most elk hunts elsewhere in the West.
Most Utah elk units offer three rifle seasons: an early rifle hunt in mid-September, a mid-season rifle hunt in early October, and a late rifle hunt in mid-November. The early rifle hunt is clearly the premier opportunity, coinciding with peak rut activity and providing the best chance at encountering a mature bull. The mid-season rifle hunt overlaps with the general spike-only elk season, has the highest number of tags, and is typically the most difficult rifle hunt for finding mature bulls. The late rifle hunt issues fewer tags and can be physically demanding due to weather and terrain, but if hunters can locate where bulls have settled, it can still be productive for mature animals.
Most units also feature two archery seasons. The early archery season runs from mid-August through the second week of September. Early in this hunt, success can be challenging without thorough scouting, as bulls are often still in bachelor groups and relatively quiet. As September approaches, rut activity increases, and bulls become more vocal, improving hunting conditions. The late archery season, introduced in 2023, runs in early December and has proven to be a very difficult hunt in terms of harvest success. However, the advantages include extremely low tag numbers and minimal competition; it is often the only hunt occurring at that time. Stalking can be challenging due to crunchy snow and large groups of bulls, but draw odds for this hunt are exceptionally good.
Most units also offer a muzzleloader season during the last week of September. This is one of the best-timed elk hunts in the state. Since Utah returned to open sights or 1x scopes only, random draw odds have improved slightly. However, similar to the early rifle hunt, tag numbers are very limited and require a mountain of points to draw a preference tag.
Utah also has a separate category of elk units known as “handgun-archery-muzzleloader-shotgun straight walled rifle-only (HAMS). These units operate on different seasons, with an archery hunt running the entire month of September and a late HAMS weapon season covering most of November. HAMS units generally have lower elk densities and often include significant amounts of private land. While they can produce mature bulls, they are typically difficult hunts and should be applied for cautiously.
Although drawing an elk tag in Utah remains a long shot for most applicants, if you are already applying in the state, the additional $21 application fee makes the risk well worth the potential reward.
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Utah has four options available for general elk permits: archery, muzzleloader, any weapon, and multi-season. The multi-season hunt is only available for the spike-only units. There is a 15,000-permit quota in place for the rifle and muzzleloader seasons for spike-only hunting, but there is a 4,500-permit cap on multi-season spike permits. For general any-bull units, there are two seven-day rifle seasons that take place at the beginning of October. These hunts will be back-to-back, with the first starting October 3 and the second ending October 16. The permits for these hunts are sold over the counter, but only the first hunt is subject to the 15,000-permit quota. The second hunt has an unlimited quota. The first rifle and muzzleloader hunts make up the 15,000-permit quota. The archery permit is still an either-sex tag and has an unlimited quota.
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The Utah Big Game application period deadline is 11:00 p.m. MST on April 23, 2026. The bonus point/preference point application period will be open during the antlerless application period.
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2026 Non-Resident Utah Elk Hunting Fees|
Includes all fees |
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| Adult 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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| Limited-Entry Elk | $1,992.90 |
| Multi-Season Limited-Entry Elk | $2,713.41 |
| Youth Draw-Only Any Bull Elk | $765.48 |
| General Bull/Spike Elk (adult or youth) | July issue |
| Multiseason General Spike Elk (adult or youth) | July issue |
Utah Elk Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
How much is an elk tag in Utah?
In Utah, non-residents can hunt elk with various tag options. The tag cost is $649 for a cow elk tag, $849 for a general bull tag, $1,255 for a multi-season general spike elk tag, $1,950 for a limited entry elk tag, and $2,655 for a multi-season limited entry elk tag. Additionally, non-residents must purchase a hunting license for $144 and pay an application fee of $21 per species. (Prices do not include a 2.2% processing fee for CC)
How does the Utah elk draw work?
The Utah elk draw works with different systems for various types of hunts. For Limited Entry hunts, antlered elk use a hybrid point system, while antlerless elk use a preference point system. For General Elk hunts, there is no draw. Rifle tags are available over the counter (OTC) on a first-come, first-served basis, and archery tags are also OTC with no limit on availability.
When do I need to apply for Utah elk hunts?
For Utah elk hunts, applications for the Big Game Draw are due by late April, with results announced in mid-May. For the Antlerless Draw, the application deadline is mid-June, and results are released at the beginning of July.
Are there any special application considerations?
There are a few special application considerations for Utah elk hunts. Party applications are limited to four hunters. Applicants must be at least 12 years old by the end of the year to be eligible. Additionally, all applicants must purchase a nonrefundable hunt license to apply or buy a hunt tag.
How hard is it to get an elk tag in Utah?
The time it takes to obtain a Utah elk hunting tag varies greatly between general and limited entry hunts. For General Elk hunts, rifle and muzzleloader tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis in early July, with the first rifle/muzzleloader any bull and spike hunt tags selling out in about 3-4 weeks, while the second rifle any bull hunt is unlimited. Archery elk tags are OTC and unlimited. For Limited Entry elk hunts, the easiest archery unit currently requires about 16 years to draw, but starting now, it could take 25+ years, with most archery hunts needing 19+ points right now. The easiest rifle hunt currently requires 17 years to draw, but starting now, it could take 30+ years, with most rifle hunts needing 23+ points right now.
How much does a guided Elk hunt in Utah cost?
The cost of using an outfitter for elk hunting in Utah varies. For hunts with drawn tags, prices range from $6,500 to $8,000. General hunts cost between $4,000 and $7,000, while Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) hunts can range from $20,000 to $40,000, CWMU units come with a landowner tag. Pricing may differ slightly depending on the outfitter.
What are the trophy and size expectations for elk in Utah?
In Utah, trophy and size expectations vary by hunt type. For Limited Entry elk hunts, bulls typically range from 320 to 370+ inches. In General Elk hunts, any bull hunt can yield anything from a spike to a 3-year-old bull, while spike bull hunts are limited to spike bulls. General archery elk hunts generally produce smaller bulls or cows.
Can non-residents hunt elk in Utah?
Yes, non-residents can hunt elk in Utah. They need to apply for the necessary draw, which include non refundable application fees, a nonresident hunting license, and the appropriate tag fees depending on the type of elk hunt they are pursuing. Non-residents can participate in both Limited Entry and General Elk hunts (just not in the same year), subject to the same application processes and draw systems as residents. There is no nonresident/resident quota in place for General Elk hunts.
What areas of the state have the best draw odds?
The best draw odds for elk hunting in Utah are not specific to particular areas but are influenced by the management of the units. Units managed for older age class bulls are harder to draw. General elk tags are available over the counter (OTC).
What areas of the state have the highest success rate?
In Utah, areas managed for older age class bulls typically have the highest success rates. Most limited entry elk units boast over a 75% harvest rate for rifle hunts and a 40-60% success rate for archery hunts.
What areas of the state have the best trophy quality?
In Utah, the best trophy quality is found in units managed for older age class bulls. Any Limited Entry unit offers a chance for a big, mature bull, as trophy quality is closely linked to the management of the unit.
What areas of the state have the easiest access?
Limited Entry units generally offer good to great public access. For General Elk hunts, spike units have the best public access among general hunt areas. Any Bull units vary, with most having poor to decent public access to areas with better elk numbers, except for the Uinta Mountains, which has good public access but is mostly wilderness area.
Are there any additional area-specific considerations?
For Limited Entry hunts, overlapping general elk and deer hunts during archery and mid-season rifle hunts can lead to unexpected crowding. Wilderness, terrain, and season dates vary by unit, and details are covered in Huntin’ Fool magazine.
Are there any additional opportunities and/or disclaimers?
Because applicants must purchase a nonrefundable hunt license, they can apply for additional species for just the application fee of $21. General deer offers a quicker turnaround for drawing a tag within the next five years. Adults can mentor their tags to youth but must be present during the hunt. Youth antlerless elk, deer, and antelope hunts receive 20% preference. Additionally, there are separate points for antlered and antlerless applications.
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