Applications for Utah’s Coveted 2025 Sportsman Permits Open October 16
You can apply for a 2019 sportsman permit starting Oct. 24. If you draw the permit for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, you'll have plenty of days and plenty of places to find the animal of your dreams.
Utah residents who dream of a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience can start applying for the highly sought-after 2025 sportsman permits starting on Monday, October 16. These permits, offered by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), allow hunters to pursue some of the state’s most prized wildlife species on almost every hunting unit in Utah.
Applications can be submitted online or by calling your nearest DWR regional office. The application window runs until November 6, with online submissions closing at 11:00 p.m. and phone applications by 5:00 p.m. on that day.
Lindy Varney, DWR’s Wildlife Licensing Coordinator, emphasizes the unique nature of these permits: “The season dates are much longer, and you can hunt on multiple units for the species you draw. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience.”
Available Species for Sportsman Permits
Applicants can apply for as many species as they like, but only one sportsman permit is issued for each of the following:
- Bison
- Black bear
- Buck deer
- Buck pronghorn
- Bull elk
- Bull moose
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Mountain goat
- Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
- Wild turkey
Application Process and Fees
There is a non-refundable $10 application fee for each species. Permit fees, if drawn, range from $40 to $564, depending on the species. For those interested, permit costs are listed on the DWR website.
To apply, you must be at least 12 years old by the end of 2025 for big game hunting and have a valid Utah hunting or combination license. However, turkey hunting has no age restriction. It’s important to note that bonus points are not used in the sportsman permit drawing, and only Utah residents are eligible to apply.
Notification of Drawing Results
Hunters will be notified of the drawing results by November 13 via email. Results will also be available on the DWR website or by calling 800-221-0659.
For more information, including residency requirements and permit details, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the hunt of a lifetime!
