Utah Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

1 bull

Utah elk general firearms season runs Oct 18–Nov 1 for holders of Utah general elk tags issued through the draw; some limited entry units require separate limited entry tags with longer odds. Hunters must possess a valid Utah hunting license and elk permit. Legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, and handguns; muzzleloaders are also legal during the general season. Blaze orange — at least 400 square inches on chest and back — is required. Utah's elk population is concentrated in the Uinta Mountains, Book Cliffs, and Wasatch Plateau — Unit 68 (Manti) and the northern units consistently produce trophy bulls with B&C potential.

Utah mule deer archery season runs Aug 15–Sep 27 for holders of archery deer permits drawn through the Utah Draw; any legal bow is authorized — crossbows are legal only with documented disability. Hunters must possess a valid Utah hunting license and archery deer permit. Utah's general mule deer archery season covers most of the state; limited entry and premium limited entry units require separate draw tags with much lower odds. August archery season in Utah targets bucks still in velvet on high-elevation summer range — glassing alpine parks and north-facing ridgelines at dawn is the most effective scouting and hunting approach.

Utah mule deer general firearms season runs Oct 18–Oct 28 for general season tag holders; general deer tags are available over-the-counter for most units. Limited entry tags for premium units require a draw. Hunters must possess a valid Utah hunting license and deer license. Legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Blaze orange is required. Utah's mule deer rut begins in late October during the firearms season — dominant bucks are mobile and increasingly visible during the transition from pre-rut to active breeding. The Book Cliffs, La Sal Mountains, and Wasatch units hold the highest densities of mature mule deer bucks.

1 gobbler