Get Ready For Utah’s Antlerless Big Game Permit Applications

If putting locally sourced, nutritious meat on the table while enjoying Utah’s great outdoors sounds like your kind of adventure, mark your calendar: applications for Utah’s 2025 antlerless big game hunts open Wednesday, June 4 at 8 a.m. MDT.

Each year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) issues antlerless permits to help manage wildlife populations and habitats. Cow elk, for example, can yield between 120 and 200 pounds of boneless meat, while a doe deer provides about 40 pounds. The meat can be used in a variety of meals, from roasts and steaks to fajitas and stews.

Read More: DWR Proposes Increase In Deer Hunt Permits

“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,” DWR Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney said in a press release.

Moose Or Bighorn Sheep?

Applicants can apply for permits to hunt antlerless deer, elk, moose, pronghorn does, or ewe bighorn sheep. However, hunters must choose between applying for a moose or a ewe bighorn sheep permit — not both. Applications must be submitted by 11 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, June 18 to be included in the drawing. Results will be available by July 3.

Hunters must be at least 12 years old by the date of their hunt and have a valid Utah hunting or combination license before applying. Licenses can be purchased online, over the phone, or through a local license agent.

There are several updates for 2025, including new residency requirements, late-season harvest reporting deadlines, and increased nonresident fees. Starting July 1, nonresident fees for licenses will increase, followed by hunting application and permit fee hikes on September 1. These changes support land acquisitions for wildlife conservation.

The DWR reminds all hunters that mandatory harvest reporting is required, with fines imposed for noncompliance. For detailed unit information, regulations, and application guidance, hunters should consult the online 2025 Utah Antlerless Application Guidebook and the Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook.

For questions, visit the DWR website or call 800-221-0659.