Opportunity to harvest local elk or deer meat this fall

For Utahns looking to put healthy, locally sourced meat on the dinner table while spending time in the great outdoors, an exciting opportunity is just around the corner. Beginning Wednesday, June 4, applications will open for the 2025 antlerless big game hunts across the state.

These hunts allow for the harvesting of antlerless animals such as cow elk, doe deer, antlerless moose, doe pronghorn, and ewe bighorn sheep. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, June 18 at 11 p.m.

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, harvesting an antlerless animal can provide a significant supply of lean, high-protein meat. A single cow elk can yield between 120 to 200 pounds of boneless meat, ideal for roasts, steaks, stews, and more. A doe deer typically yields around 40 pounds.

“These hunts are a great opportunity not only to gather nutritious meat and enjoy time outdoors but also to help manage local wildlife populations,” said Lindy Varney, DWR licensing coordinator. “They’re part of our ongoing efforts to maintain healthy herds and habitats.”

The number of doe deer hunts remains limited and highly targeted, with permits focused on addressing specific issues such as overpopulation, habitat health, public safety, and conflicts on private land.

How to apply

Interested hunters must be at least 12 years old by the date of their hunt and hold a valid Utah hunting or combination license. Applications can be submitted online or by calling the nearest DWR regional office. Detailed maps, harvest statistics, and biologist notes are available via the Utah Hunt Planner on the DWR website.

Drawing results will be available by July 3, and any remaining permits will go on sale starting July 29 at 8 a.m.

Key updates for 2025

Hunters should take note of several updates and policy changes for this year’s application period:

• Residency requirements: Applicants must be Utah residents on the day they apply, not just when purchasing the license.
• Late-season harvest reports: Hunts ending on or after Jan. 16 must have a harvest report submitted by Feb. 15, whether an animal was harvested or not.
• Mandatory reporting: Harvest reports must be filed within 30 days of the season’s end to avoid a $50 fine or exclusion from next year’s drawings.
• Nonresident fee increase: As of July 1, nonresident license fees will increase to help fund wildlife habitat purchases. Permit fees will follow suit starting Sept. 1.
• New mule deer management plan: A revised plan will guide herd management through 2030, including updated buck-to-doe ratios and strategies for increasing hunter satisfaction.

How to learn more

For full details and to apply, visit the 2025 Utah Antlerless Application Guidebook on the DWR website. Additional regulations for all big game hunts can be found in the 2025 Utah Big Game Field Regulations Guidebook.

If you have questions about the process, contact the DWR at 800-221-0659 or your local regional office.