Elk season is quickly approaching. Elk season is defined as the period in which hunting and killing an elk with a tag is legal. During an elk hunt, strict rules designate what weapons can be used and specific time frames. While elk seasons vary by state and weapon, in this blog post, we’ll discuss all the specifics about elk season in Utah. If you plan on bagging a trophy elk in Utah, it’s good to be familiar with these rules and regulations.
General Utah Elk Season Hunts
Utah’s elk herds are in excellent shape coming into the 2024 season, with the vast majority looking better than in 2023. Because of this, an increase in tags has been issued. Elk have been faring well across Utah, with an estimated herd size of 80,600, which is about 600 over objective. The state has increased public draw limited entry bull elk permits and antlerless elk permits heading into the 2024 season. The General Elk Season hunting dates are as follows:
Archery Any Bull Elk: August 17 – September 18, 2024
Archery Spike Elk: August 17 – September 6, 2024
Any Legal Weapon (rifle) Spike Elk: October 5 – October 17, 2024
Any Legal Weapon (rifle) Any Bull Elk:
- Early Season: October 5 – October 11, 2024
- Late Season: October 12 – October 18, 2024
Muzzleloader Elk: October 30 – November 7, 2024
Youth Rifle Any Bull Elk: September 14 – September 22, 2024
What do hunters need to know about the elk hunting season in Utah?
If you’re new to elk hunting in Utah or hunting in general, you should know a few things. To successfully hunt elk in Utah, you must follow the regulations and guidelines of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR).
Take the time to familiarize yourself with all laws, including bag limits, designated hunting areas, and legal hunting methods. Following these hunting practices not only ensures that you won’t be in trouble with the law but also means you’ll do your part to preserve the natural environment and maintain healthy elk populations.
Elk Hunting Season Dates and Weapon Types
Utah has several different elk hunts based on the hunting unit and the type of weapon used, such as archery, muzzleloader, and rifle. These specific dates are set by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources every year. While the dates can vary depending on the region and type of hunt, they are generally the same time every year. Archery season typically begins in late August and goes to early September, while rifle seasons generally run from October and go into November. Muzzleloader is also in the fall and is often between archery and rifle.
The types of hunt can vary based on hunting units. Utah general season offers tags to any hunter with a valid hunting license and elk tag within a particular unit. The state also provides limited entry hunts, which are more restricted and require hunters to apply for a limited entry permit through a drawing process. These entry hunts are usually in areas with higher elk populations, which gives the hunter better chances of harvesting a bull elk.
Utah Hunting Licenses and Permits
Before applying for an elk permit, hunters must obtain a Utah hunting license. It’s required for all hunters over 12 years old and gives you the legal authority to hunt in Utah. All hunters must acquire this license, including those who hunt on private land with guided elk hunts.
You can apply online for a hunting license by supplying information such as residency status, physical details, and basic hunting safety information. Once you’ve obtained a permit, you can apply for an elk tag. Getting an elk tag lets you hunt for a specific number of elk within a designated hunting season.
More detailed information can be found onUDWR’s website. Once you obtain an elk tag, you must pay all applicable fees. These can vary depending on residency status, age, and tag type. After applying, you can check your drawing status to determine who receives available elk tags. This information is usually announced in early June.
Elk Hunting Regulations in Utah
With each permit comes strict regulations that specifically dictate the number and gender of elk hunters are allowed to harvest. In addition, some tags also specify which antler configurations you are allowed to harvest, such as the spike hunts. As with any hunt, carefully reviewing all regulations is critical to ensure you comply.
Spend Your Elk Hunting Season at West Canyon Ranch
If you’re new to elk hunting and unsure where to start, let West Canyon Ranch help. Our guided elk hunts take the guesswork and uncertainty out of the permitting process because we do all the work for you. Our elk hunts are guaranteed, so we give you a 100% guaranteed shot opportunity. You’ll enjoy first-class accommodations, chef-prepared meals, all the necessary permits, and more when you stay at our ranch. Interested in learning more?
