The Utah mule deer hunt(s) mule deer hunts in the world. Utah has some of the largest mule deer in the world. Utah has multiple seasons that can be applied for on the Utah Division of Wildlife’s website or bought over the phone or at local stores like Walmart. So if you put into the lottery system for a Utah mule deer hunt, how much does it cost? There is an initial application fee of $10. Then if you draw the tag costs $50 for general season hunts and $80 for limited entry hunts if you are a resident of Utah. Nonresidents are charged $650 for limited entry hunts and $398 for general season hunts.
General Season VS Limited Entery Utah Mule Deer Hunts
Utah mainly has two types of deer hunts that you can apply for. The first is the general season hunt. This hunt usually doesn’t require a large number of points to draw them. These hunts usually have deer with smaller antlers and can be a lot harder to find deer to shoot. The second is the limited entry hunts. These hunts have a lot more deer in them and their antlers are usually a lot bigger. These hunts can take anywhere from 12 to 25 years to draw a tag depending on where you are putting in. In most of these areas, you will be able to have a chance to harvest a “trophy mule deer buck”, which Utah defines as a deer that has antlers 24 inches of width between the two antlers.
Utah Mule Deer Hunt Area Maps
Utah maps out different areas for hunts, these can be found on the Divisions of Wildlife maps page found here. On the website, you can look up all the different hunting seasons for all different animals. It will also tell you when your hunt dates are if you click on the area you are hunting. You can also find these maps in the guidebooks that come out every year.
Utah’s Dedicated Hunter Program/ Tags
The dedicated hunter program allows a hunter to have 3 years to kill 2 deer out of whichever general season tag you apply for. To get this though you have to complete a certain amount of service hours for the Divison of Wildlife Resources. These service hours can be a lot of different service projects like helping the Division teach kids how to fish or constructing guzzlers. You can apply for the dedicated hunter program by visiting the Utah Division of Wildlife’s page here.
Utah’s Trial Hunting Program
One awesome program that is offered in Utah is the trail hunting program. This program allows a person who has not ever hunted to go out into the field with someone that is over 21 and completed hunter safety and hunt. This trial period lasts 3 years. During this 3 year period, the applicant can apply to any general season hunt. However, the applicants cannot apply for any limited entry units. Those applying have to be at least 11 years old and turning 12 before the hunts start. You can sign up for this trial program on the Division of Wildlife’s website here.
Utah Mule Deer Archery Hunts
The Utah mule deer archery hunt starts in the last 2 weeks of August and runs to mid September. To hunt this hunt you will need to have a bow with a draw weight of 35 pounds. Arrows need to be at least 16 inches long and the broadheads need to be able to cut at least 7/8 inch at their widest point. Once the normal archery hunt ends, there is an extended archery hunt that allows hunters to hunt from mid September to the end of November. This hunt allows you to hunt the mule deer rut. You can find out more about that hunt here. Make sure to check for updates on all big game hunts by checking the regulations guide book published by the Division of Wildlife every year. You can find it here.
Utah Mule Deer Muzzleloader Hunts
The Utah muzzleloader hunt lands usually in the last weeks of September to the first week of October and lasts about 9 days. There are also late season muzzleloader hunts that you can apply for that start in November. To hunt with a muzzleloader must be loaded from the muzzle and can only shoot one shot. The barrel needs to be at least 18 inches long and shoot a lead bullet that is at least a 40 caliber bullet. Even though this is a rifle hunt you are not required to wear orange. Make sure to check for updates on all big game hunts by checking the regulations guide book published by the Division of Wildlife every year. You can find it here.
Utah Mule Deer Any Weapon Hunts
The any weapon hunt lands anywhere from mid October to the last 9 days of October. This hunt runs for 9 days and it is required for the hunters to wear hunter’s orange. This hunt allows you to use any weapon that Utah deems legal to hunt big game with. This includes crossbows, air guns, and shotguns. Make sure to check for updates on all big game hunts by checking the regulations guide book published by the Division of Wildlife every year. You can find it here.
Utah Mule Deer Hand Gun, Archery, Muzzleloader, Shotgun Hunts (H.A.M.S Hunt)
The H.A.M.S hunt (hand gun, archery, muzzleloader, shotgun hunt) is a limited entry hunt that runs in November. This hunt allows the hunter to hunt the mule deer during the rut. There are currently only a few of these hunts that happen right now (2021) due to it being a newer hunt. Also not very many tags given out for these hunts making it really hard to draw. There are also a few adjustments to the weapons you can use. Normally a muzzleloader is allowed a scope, during the hams hunt you are not allowed to have a magnifying scope attached to your muzzleloader. Make sure to check for updates on all big game hunts by checking the regulations guide book published by the Division of Wildlife every year. You can find it here