For those looking to maximize their chances, we can also assist with landowner and conservation tags, providing access to premium areas without the long wait of public draws. No matter your hunting goals — whether it’s a mature general-season buck or a trophy buck— we’re is committed to delivering a high-success, high-quality mule deer hunting experience tailored to your abilities and expectations.

Applying for the Draw | Utah Mule Deer Hunts

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 mule deer 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 Include:

• Resident General Deer: $46
• Nonresident General Deer: $599
• Resident Limited Entry Deer: $94
• Nonresident Limited Entry Deer: $1,070

To participate in Utah’s Mule Deer 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 hunts. General Deer hunts use a preference point system. Each year you apply and are unsuccessful, you earn a bonus or preference point, increasing your chances in future draws.

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

Applying in Utah for mule deer can be a little intimidating because of the different options that are available to applicants. We love to help all of our clients through this process of which hunts to select. This can be determined by hunters expectations, physical ability, number of points, etc. We can take the stress out of selecting which unit is right for you with a brief conversation or we also work with Huntin’ Fool and their hunt advisors to help our clients select which hunt is right for you to apply for. The most important part is having a goal and working your way toward that goal by acquiring points now to go on a great hunt later.

General Season vs Limited Entry 

Limited Entry and General Season deer have separate draws with a separate point system for each. General season permits are easier to draw and allow for broader participation, while limited-entry hunts offer higher trophy potential but require more bonus points and patience due to their competitive nature. 

Utah’s General Season deer hunts use a preference point draw system that rewards applicants with the highest points with tags (successful applicants typically draw these hunts between one and seven points depending on the hunt). This is the absolute best opportunity for mule deer hunters in Utah. Our general mule deer hunt opportunities give clients an exceptional opportunity at harvesting top end bucks while getting away from the general season crowds.

• • Pine Valley General Hunt: Our remote backcountry camps in this unit are accessed by using mules to get you and your gear into remote areas safely and not be worn out from long taxing hikes in. The area we hunt receives very little hunting pressure and on average has a higher density of mature bucks to select from. We use wall tent style tents that provide comfortable accommodations with wood stoves for heat. This is our most productive hunt for finding mature bucks on general season units.

• • Panguitch General Hunt: This is a drive in camp where we utilize either comfortable camper or wall tent accommodations for lodging. Hunters also have the option of booking their own lodging (check with outfitter for recommendations based on areas they will be hunting) at a discount hunt rate because of the close proximity to town. This is more a typical general season hunt that can have heavy hunting pressure at times. Mature bucks can be tougher to find on this hunt but genetics are great and always has a chance at running into a great buck.

• • Beaver west General Hunt: We work with our hunters to find a nice motel/VRBO for lodging on this hunt. This is the most effective way to hunt this area and take care of the clients needs. Mule deer populations in this area are smaller on average but with the aid of guides that have intimate knowledge of the area it can be a highly productive hunt. With this area being a primitive weapon area, as well as having fewer tags, expect lower hunting pressure and some unique hunt methods to seal the deal on these desert bucks. 

Utah’s limited entry deer hunts uses a hybrid draw system that combines a random draw with a bonus point system, giving both new and veteran applicants a chance at success. Draw odds are extremely long for these high end trophy hunts and can take 20+ years to obtain the deer permit.

• • Paunsaugunt: This is a drive in camp where we utilize either comfortable camper or wall tent accommodations for lodging. Hunters also have the option of booking their own lodging (check with outfitter for recommendations based on areas they will be hunting) at a discount hunt rate because of the close proximity to town. This is among the top producing trophy hunt units for mule deer in the state. This is our backyard and we have spent countless hours, days, and years in this unit not only before and during deer seasons but all winter long running mountain lions and finding honey holes that deer reside in that most outfitters don’t even know exist. Navigating the cliff bands and finding the migration routes through canyons while trailing mountain lions has given us an edge in understanding and knowing the terrain on another level than most and helps separate us from the rest. We have helped past clients harvest some of the biggest bucks to ever come out of this unit.

Nonresidents are allotted a small percentage of tags, making it especially important to apply wisely and consider units/hunts with better odds. It’s crucial to review individual hunt goals with us to make sure you are best utilizing your points for the best hunting opportunity. Once submitted, applicants can modify or withdraw their application until the deadline. Successful applicants are notified in late May. Preference and bonus points will be awarded annually to improve future draw odds for those not selected in the draw. 

We highly recommend reaching out to Huntin’ Fool to discuss units, hunt goals, draw odds, point allocation and applying for your hunts!

What To Expect | Utah Mule Deer Hunts

Our mule deer hunts typically run through the fall, when bucks are actively feeding and preparing for the rut. Weather conditions can vary during this time, from warm, dry days to early snowfalls, but we hunt no matter what the forecast brings. Each day starts early, glassing high basins, cutting tracks, and covering ground to locate mature bucks. Depending on the terrain and conditions, we utilize trucks, ATVs, and hiking to access prime hunting areas efficiently.

Later season mule deer hunts can present a different challenge as colder weather moves in and deer behavior shifts. These hunts demand patience, glassing skills, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions — but they also offer some of the best opportunities to find a heavy, rutting buck. We customize every hunt based on your physical ability and personal goals, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience in the heart of mule deer country.

LIMITED ENTRY DEER HUNT DATES

Archery Only: Aug 16 – Sept 12
Muzzleloader Only: Sept 24 – Oct 2
Any Legal Weapon: Paunsaugunt Oct 18 – 31, Paunsaugunt Management Nov 1-20

Hunts Include | Utah Mule Deer Hunts

At Jake Bess Hunting, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalized mule deer 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 mule deer buck

  • Field dressing, quartering, skinning, and caping of your deer

  • 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 Mule Deer Hunt

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, which can be obtained online or through an authorized dealer. Mule deer permits must be acquired through the draw.

Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Utah Big Game Field Regulations to understand season dates, legal hunting methods, and other important rules.

Mule deer 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.

The Utah Mule Deer Hunting Experience

Southern Utah is home to some of the finest mule deer hunting in the West. With its rugged mountains, vast plateaus, and a mix of open country and thick timber, this region provides ideal habitat for growing big, mature bucks. The combination of healthy deer herds, excellent forage, and predator management has made Southern Utah a consistent producer of quality deer year after year.

Hunting here is a true Western experience. Early mornings are spent glassing from high vantage points, covering wide expanses of country in search of a trophy buck. Depending on the area and season, hunts may involve long hikes across rocky ridges, patient sits overlooking canyon basins, or quiet stalks through thick pinyon and juniper stands. No matter the approach, every day in the field is packed with the excitement of chasing one of North America’s most iconic big game animals.

The mule deer population in Southern Utah remains strong, with steady recruitment of younger bucks and a good number of mature bucks. Hunters can expect to see plenty of deer throughout their hunt, with strong chances of locating a buck scoring between 160 and 190 inches — and with some effort and a little luck, even bigger. Success rates in this region are consistently high for hunters willing to put in the work, and our guided hunts are tailored to match each hunter’s abilities and goals to maximize every opportunity.

Whether you’re looking to notch a tag on a solid representative buck or are in pursuit of a true trophy, Southern Utah offers an unforgettable mule deer hunting experience in some of the most breathtaking country the state has to offer.

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