Hunting in Utah
Hunting is a traditional American activity which was a source of food for the early settlers and for sportsmen today. Wildlife herd sizes are generally larger than many years ago, and truly endangered species are not legally hunted. In Utah, Department of Wildlife Resources studies show there are more antelope, moose, bighorn sheep and elk in the state than there were in 1964, but mule deer and pheasant populations are lower.
State wildlife biologists use hunting as a tool to manage the herd size to keep it at a level that can be supported by natural food sources during the harsh winter months. Without hunting, thousands of animals would starve to death in the winter, and thousands more suffer horribly from inadequate food supplies.
Nearly 90% of the funds that support
wildlife conservation efforts come from hunting and fishing licenses.
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"There is little doubt that hunting is an important part of Utah's economic and cultural heritage. Though about 143,000 Uthans hunt each year, analysis of a survey conducted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies showed that the sport creates an economic impact of $306.6 million in Utah each year, resulting in 4,831 jobs. Hunting is also an important fall ritual for thousands of Utah families. Though the rifle deer hunt is no longer as popular as it once was because hunter numbers are limited, many families still plan vacations around the opening of the season. The most important of these hunts are elk and deer. More hunters spend more money and time to pursue these two big game species than on any other species." (Source- Tom Wharton, Salt Lake City Tribune October 6,
1998)
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Want to read more? Click on these newspaper accounts:Hunting enthusiasts bag big game -- for big, big bucks (Salt Lake Tribune April 27, 2003)
Utah Tops in Conservation Tag Money (Salt Lake Tribune April 27, 2003)
Hunter Program Helps to Preserve Wildlife (Salt Lake Tribune December 24, 2000)
Deer Hunting: A Utah Family Tradition (Ogden Standard Examiner October 23, 1999)
The Family that Hunts Together (Ogden Standard Examiner October 14, 1999)
Pheasant Hunters Forever (Logan Herald Journal October 19, 1999)
Utah Hunters Paying for the Privilege (Ogden Standard Examiner, September 21, 1999)
Wild animals are beautiful to observe in their natural habitat, and sure are good to eat!
Hunter Safety Courses
Hunters must pass a Hunter Safety course before getting a hunting license
in Utah.
These courses are taught all over the state. Spanish
language classes are available.
Course cost is generally under $10.00 and classes
meet one or two nights a week for three to six weeks.
The Department of Wildlife resources provides a list of Hunter
Safety Course Schedule and Locations
Season info
Hunting seasons are changed as necessary to assure
the future of protected wildlife for its
intrinsic, scientific, educational and recreational values. Professional
wildlife biologists do this working with recommendations from the Regional
Advisory Councils.
Click here for latest
information on hunting seasons
License info
For complete information on what licenses are required for hunting and fishing
in Utah, check the Department of Wildlife Resources License
and Fee information page
Environmental Protection info