On October 13, 2021, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced the application date for the coveted sportsman permits.
Prized among hunters, a sportsman permit allows the holder to hunt on nearly every open unit for the animal they draw a permit for. During the announcement, Lindy Varney, DWR Licensing Coordinator, indicated that sportsman permits offer hunters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to scout and harvest their chosen species in a variety of different locations throughout Utah.
How to Apply
Utah residents may submit their applications for the sportsman permits beginning on October 20, 2021. You may apply for a sportsman permit for more than one species, but only one sportsman permit will be awarded per animal.
Applications will be taken online through the DWR website or by calling the DWR regional office nearest you. Both phone and online applications must be submitted by November 10, 2021. Phone applications must be in by 5 p.m. and online applications by 11 p.m.
Sportsman permits are available for the following species:
- Bison
- Black bear
- Buck deer
- Buck pronghorn
- Bull elk
- Bull moose
- Cougar
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Mountain goat
- Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
- Wild turkey
This year, two sportsman permits will be offered for cougars. Hunters who apply for permits may apply for the 2021-22 and the 2022-23 seasons, and if they draw, they can receive both permits.
Sportsman Permit Requirements
To apply for a Utah sportsman permit, you must:
- Meet the residency requirements for Utah
- Turn 12 in the year for which the permit is issued
- Hold a Utah combination or hunting license
Applicants will pay a $10 application fee for each species they apply for. Those awarded a sportsman permit should pay the species permit fee, ranging from $35 for wild turkey to $513 for several big game species.
No bonus points can be earned or used in the sportsman drawing.
The drawing results will be announced on or before November 17, 2021, through email. The results of the sportsman drawing can also be found online or by calling the DWR office near you.
