Utah hunters eager to fill their freezers with locally sourced, sustainable meat should mark their calendars: the application period for the 2025 antlerless big game hunts opens Wednesday, June 4, at 8 AM MDT and runs through June 18 at 11 PM MDT. This annual opportunity allows hunters to apply for permits to harvest antlerless deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep across the state.
“The antlerless big game hunts are a great opportunity to not only harvest meat and make some great memories outdoors, but they also help manage wildlife populations and maintain healthy herds and landscapes,” said DWR Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney. Utah Wildlife Resources
Depending on the species and age, a cow elk can yield between 120 to nearly 200 pounds of boneless meat, while a doe deer provides approximately 40 pounds. This meat can be prepared in various ways, including hamburgers, roasts, steaks, stews, stir-fry, or fajitas.
How to Apply
Starting June 4, hunters can apply online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website or by calling the nearest DWR office. To apply, individuals must be at least 12 years old by the hunt date and possess a valid Utah hunting or combination license.
Permits are available for the following antlerless species:Utah Wildlife Resources
- Deer
- Elk
- Moose
- Pronghorn (does)
- Bighorn sheep (ewes)Utah Wildlife Resources+1Utah Wildlife Resources+1
- Note: Applicants cannot apply for both an antlerless moose permit and a ewe bighorn sheep permit in the same year.
Applications must be submitted by 11 PM MDT on June 18. Drawing results will be available on or before July 3. Any remaining permits will go on sale starting July 29 at 8 AM MDT. Utah Wildlife Resources+1Utah Wildlife Resources+1
What’s New for 2025
Several updates have been implemented for the 2025 hunting season:
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Residency Requirements: To apply for a resident permit, individuals must be Utah residents on the date of application submission. Utah Wildlife Resources
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Late-Season Harvest Reporting: For hunts ending January 16 or later, harvest reports must be submitted by February 15, regardless of whether an animal was harvested. Failure to report will result in a $50 fine and/or exclusion from next year’s hunt drawings.
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Nonresident Fee Increase: Effective July 1, nonresident fees for hunting, fishing, and combination licenses will increase. Additionally, starting September 1, fees for hunting applications and permits will rise. These increases aim to fund the purchase of large land blocks for wildlife habitat and conservation.
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New Hunts: The Utah Wildlife Board has approved 14 new antlerless elk hunts and 7 new doe pronghorn hunts for 2025. Utah Wildlife Resources
Group Applications and Youth Opportunities
Hunters can apply individually or as part of a group. Group applications are accepted for antlerless deer, elk, and pronghorn permits, with up to four hunters per group. However, group applications are not accepted for antlerless moose or bighorn ewe permits. Youth hunters have the opportunity to apply in youth-only groups, with 20% of antlerless permits reserved for youth applicants. Utah Wildlife Resources+2Utah Wildlife Resources+2Utah Wildlife Resources+2Utah Wildlife Resources+1Utah Wildlife Resources+1
Additional Resources
For detailed information on hunting units, boundary descriptions, biologists’ notes, population and harvest statistics, and more, hunters are encouraged to utilize the Utah Hunt Planner. The 2025 Utah Antlerless Application Guidebook and the 2025 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook provide comprehensive regulations and guidelines for the hunting season. Utah Wildlife Resources
Contact Information
For questions regarding the application process or hunting regulations, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at 800-221-0659 or visit wildlife.utah.gov.
