Utah DWR Proposes 80,600 Deer Hunting Permits For 2025 Season: Public Input Invited

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has released its proposed big game hunting permit numbers for the 2025 season, along with several changes to big game hunting regulations. The agency is seeking public feedback on these proposals through a series of Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings and an upcoming Utah Wildlife Board meeting.

Deer Permits To See An Increase

One of the key highlights of the proposal is an increase in general-season deer permits. According to a press release from the DWR, favorable weather conditions, habitat improvements, and predator management have contributed to a positive trend in deer populations. As a result, the DWR is recommending 80,600 general-season buck deer permits for 2025—an increase of 9,075 permits compared to the previous year.

DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus explained that deer populations are primarily driven by factors such as fawn survival, fawn production, and the survival of adult does. He clarified that the number of bucks harvested does not significantly impact overall deer populations, contrary to common misconceptions. The agency follows the Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan, which was updated in December 2024, to guide its permit recommendations.

The 2025 recommendations include changes that affect eight hunting units where proposed adjustments exceed 20% of last year’s permit numbers. These units include Beaver, East; Beaver, West; Cedar/Stansbury; La Sal, La Sal Mountains; Monroe; North Slope; Ogden; and Oquirrh/Tintic. The DWR is also introducing a new extended-archery-only hunt.

Elk Permits Will Also Increase

In addition to deer permit adjustments, the DWR is recommending a slight increase in limited-entry bull elk permits. While Utah’s current elk population is estimated at 82,140—above the statewide management objective of nearly 80,000—an increase in antlerless elk permits is also proposed to help manage population levels. Other proposed changes include an increase in pronghorn, moose, and bison permits.

Beyond permit numbers, the DWR is also suggesting modifications to hunting regulations. Proposed changes include new deadlines for mandatory harvest reporting, allowing additional antlerless hunts around the town of Alton to address deer encroachment, and expanding hunting opportunities for youth with restricted rifle permits. Additionally, the agency is revising rules for importing antlered big game skulls from states with chronic wasting disease to simplify compliance while maintaining disease prevention efforts.

Southern Utah Residents Invited To Give Input

The public can provide input on these proposals at the upcoming RAC meetings or through online comments. The Southern Utah RAC meeting will take place on April 15 at 5 p.m. in the Charles R. Hunter room of the Hunter Conference Center at Southern Utah University, located at 351 W. University Blvd. in Cedar City. Online comments for this meeting must be submitted by April 10 at 11:59 p.m.

The Utah Wildlife Board meeting is scheduled for May 1 at 9 a.m. at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington. Online comments for that meeting will be accepted until April 24 at 11:59 p.m. More details on how to participate can be found on the DWR website.

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These proposals reflect the DWR’s ongoing efforts to balance hunting opportunities with sustainable wildlife management, ensuring healthy big game populations across the state.