These areas are known for producing large bulls, with past hunts yielding elk scoring between 350” and 400”+. Every season, our team conducts extensive scouting to locate the best bulls, offering both archery and rifle hunts during early and late seasons. For those who have drawn a Limited Entry Bull Elk tag or are interested in landowner tags, we provide expert guidance to maximize your hunting success.

Applying for the Draw| Utah Elk Hunting

Application Period: Opens on March 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. MDT and closes on April 24, 2025, at 11 p.m. MDT.

Drawing Results: Announced on May 15, 2025.

Applying for a limited entry elk hunting permit in Utah involves a structured process managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). You will need to acquire the following:

Hunting License: You must possess a valid Utah hunting or combination license to apply.

Application Fee: A nonrefundable $16 fee per application.

2026 Permit Fees:

• • General Season Resident (OTC): $56
  • General Season Non-Resident (OTC): $849
  • Limited-Entry Resident (Draw Only): $314
  • Limited-Entry Non-Resident (Draw Only): $1,950

To participate in Utah’s limited-entry elk hunts, hunters must apply for permits through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Here’s how the process works:

Obtain a Hunting License: All hunters must possess either a valid Basic Hunting License or a Combination License before applying for a permit.

Apply for the Draw: Applications are typically accepted from late March to late April. Hunters can apply online through the DWR’s application website.

Understand the Point System: Utah uses a bonus point system for limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime hunts. Each year you apply and are unsuccessful, you earn a bonus point, increasing your chances in future draws.

Check Results: Draw results are usually available by the end of May. 

For those who would like help with their applications, we recommend contacting Huntin’ Fool to get applied!

Bonus Point System | Utah Elk Hunting

Utah employs a bonus point system for limited entry draw species like elk.

• • Earning Points: If you apply and are unsuccessful, you earn a bonus point for future draws.
  • Second Chance: If you miss the initial application, you can apply for bonus points during the antlerless application period from June 4–18, 2025. 

General Season vs Limited Entry | Utah Elk Hunting

Utah offers both general season and limited-entry elk hunts, each with its own draw hunt experience. General season elk hunts are obtained by purchasing over-the-counter and allow broader participation, offering solid opportunities for success. Limited-entry elk hunts, on the other hand, are far more competitive, managed for high trophy quality, and typically take many years of applying and building bonus points to draw. These hunts offer better bull-to-cow ratios, older age class bulls, and an elevated experience for hunters seeking a true trophy.

General Season Elk Hunts can be purchased online or through a license vendor. Archery tags are unlimited in quantity and are either sex and rifle tags are on a quota and are bull only, but permits typically take 1-2 weeks to sell out. 

Our general season hunts are located in northern Utah and take advantage of the vast Unita Mountains Wilderness. We access the areas by way of mules and remote wall tent camps to alleviate most of the hunting pressure that is the norm outside of this remote mountain range. We provide a great opportunity to chase rutting bulls during the rut in country that, despite its remote location, is pretty gradual terrain that you don’t need to be a marathon runner to enjoy. We let the mules put in the work to distance you from the crowd of general season hunters and allow you the opportunity to hunt elk on your terms.

Limited-Entry Elk Hunts use a hybrid draw system that combines high point holders guaranteed tag draws and first time applicants a random chance, giving both seasoned and new hunters a shot at drawing. The odds are steep—some of Utah’s top units may take 20+ years to draw—but the payoff is world-class trophy bulls in some of the most remote and scenic terrain in the state. Limited-entry hunts are highly sought after, and nonresidents receive only a small percentage of tags, so it’s vital to apply strategically. We work closely with each hunter to align draw strategy with goals, point levels, and realistic expectations.

Our limited entry elk hunts are conducted in a variety of units in southern Utah. We utilize all forms of transportation to give our clients the best chance at taking the trophy of their dreams home. This can include truck, atv, mules, and of course good old fashioned leg power. The units we hunt encompass a wide variety of topography and we try to accommodate all hunters and put them in the best possible areas for success.

What to Expect | Utah Elk Hunting

Our elk hunts in southern Utah typically run through the fall, when bulls are on the move and the rut is kicking off. Weather conditions during this time can vary widely, from dry, sunny days to early snowstorms, but we hunt regardless of the forecast. Each day begins early, glassing vast basins, locating vocal bulls, observing track and sign, and executing on a plan. Depending on the hunt, we use mules, trucks, ATVs, and hiking to access remote, high-quality elk country efficiently.

Late-season elk hunts bring a new level of challenge as colder weather sets in and elk behavior changes. These hunts require patience, sharp glassing skills, and the ability to adjust with the conditions—but they also offer some of the best chances to find a big, mature bull. Every hunt is tailored to your physical ability and personal goals, providing a truly memorable and rewarding elk hunting experience in the rugged landscape of southern Utah.

LIMITED ENTRY ELK HUNT DATES

Archery Only
Early: Aug 16 – Sept 16
Late: Nov 29-Dec 14

Muzzleloader Only
Sept 22 – Oct 3

Any Legal Weapon
Early: Sept 17-21
Mid-Season: Oct 4-16
Late: Nov 8-16

Hunts Include | Utah Elk Hunting

At Jake Bess Hunting, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalized elk hunting experience. Every hunt is fully guided and designed to give you the best possible chance at success while making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Below is a list of what’s included with your hunt to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

• • All field transportation during the hunt
  • Opportunity to harvest one bull elk
  • Field dressing, quartering, skinning, and caping of your elk
  • Food and lodging
  • Can facilitate donation of game meat

What’s NOT Included:

• • Utah hunting licenses/ permits

  • Weapons

  • Personal hunting gear

  • Processing of game

Preparing For Your Hunt|Utah Elk Hunting

Before hunting in Utah, ensure compliance with state regulations:

• • Hunter Education: Individuals born after December 31, 1965, must complete a hunter education course approved by the DWR. 
  • Licenses and Permits: A valid hunting license is required, and specific permits must be obtained for elk hunting. Licenses and general elk permits can be purchased online or at authorized vendors. Limited entry elk permits must be obtained through the draw.
  • Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Utah Big Game Field Regulations to understand season dates, legal hunting methods, and other important rules.

  Elk hunt gear list: 

  • • All licenses, tags, etc.
    • Quality hiking boots with good ankle support
    • Layered clothing as temperatures can vary greatly
    • Headlamp
    • Backpack w/ frame
    • Water bottle (nalgene)
    • Knife
    • Check with the guide prior to departure for all other recommendations based on hunt conditions and weather.

  For more information on hunter’s education or licensing, contact Utah Department of Fish and Game.

The Utah Elk Hunting Experience

Utah is home to some of the most exciting elk hunting in the West. With its rugged mountain ranges, sprawling plateaus, and a blend of open meadows and dense timber, this state provides prime habitat for growing and holding mature bulls. A combination of healthy elk populations, quality forage, and effective wildlife management has made Utah a consistent destination for elk hunters seeking both opportunity and trophy potential.

Elk hunting here delivers a classic Western experience. Depending on the season and terrain, hunts may involve navigating alpine meadows, making long treks through thickly timbered canyons, or carefully stalking through aspen groves. Whether you’re chasing rutting bulls in September or tracking late-season elk in the snow, each day in the field is filled with challenge and excitement.

The elk herds in Utah remain strong, with solid bull-to-cow ratios and good numbers of mature bulls in our limited entry units. Hunters often encounter bulls scoring between 320 and 350 inches, and with persistence, there’s always the potential to turn up a true giant. Our General Season hunt area also has a great population and good chance at success, but average size bulls are more in the 2-5 year old bull range. Success rates are high for those willing to put in the effort, and all of our guided hunts are fully customized to each hunter’s experience level and physical capabilities to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding hunt.

Whether you’re after your first bull or chasing the elk of a lifetime, we offer an unforgettable hunting adventure in some of the most scenic and wild country Utah has to offer.

Additional Hunts | Utah Hunting

Mule Deer Hunts

Black Bear Hunts