Big Update! 2024 Big Game Hunting In Utah, Increased Permits And Regulation Adjustments Announced

DEBARYLIFE – This year, there will be more large game hunting permits available. There will also be changes to the shed antler collection.

Over 71,000 general-season deer hunting permits have been authorized by the Utah Wildlife Board this year, an increase of roughly 10% over the previous year. A healthy deer population, according to the board, has made more licenses possible.

To maintain the population below the 80,000 threshold, the board also authorized a small increase in elk permits. In early May, there were reports of about 80,600 elk in the state.

For large game, such as moose, the Division of Wildlife Resources distributes antlerless hunt permits to control population growth, lower illness rates, and enhance habitat health. Despite the fact that it is lawful, the Wildlife Board decided to dissuade hunters from taking cow moose with calves this year.

Utahns can now harvest shed antlers year-round rather than only during certain seasons thanks to changes in the regulations.

The board will review seasonal collecting again in December, though. Additionally, buyers of antlers for commercial purposes must now register with the state.

SEE MORE – New! Utah Parents And Students Take Stand Against New Bathroom Law

Additionally, there are new rules pertaining to hunt reporting and night vision gadgets. The rule now states that night vision gadgets are “unlawful to possess” rather than “unlawful to use,” so conservation officials can enforce it.

Additionally, bighorn sheep plugging, management bucks, and cactus bucks checking are no longer necessary for hunters. This is to facilitate hunting for hunters and allow for the electronic collection of harvest data.

The whole list of hunting permit numbers is as follows:

–  Buck deer in general season: 71,525
– Deer with limited entry: 1,336
– Antlerless deer: 450

Any bull elk in the general season: 15,000 for adults during the early general season (for muzzleloader hunters and any lawful weapon). Youth and archery hunters are exempt.
Any bull late hunt is unlimited during the general season (sold over the counter).
Spike bulls for the general season: 15,000 (sold over-the-counter, with a maximum of 4,500 permits for multiple seasons)

SEE MORE – Is This Real Case? Graham Hands Over Phone To FBI Over Suspected Hacking Concerns

Elk without antlers: 19,626
Young draw: only any male or hunter-selected elk, up to 750
Bull elk with limited entry: 3,412
Pronghorn buck: 1,506
Pronghorn deer: 210

Nostalgic moose: twelve
Bison: 96
Bighorn desert sheep: 76
Bighorn sheep of the Rocky Mountains: 57
Bighorn sheep ewe hunt in the Rocky Mountains: 5
Goat in the mountains: 95