Turkey Hunting Regulations

What's New?

Apply for crane, grouse and tundra swan hunts: You can apply for greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane, sharp-tailed grouse and tundra swan permits in the same hunt drawing. The application period runs from July 3–17, 2024. To learn more, see page 11.

Hunt drawing for spring turkey permits: If you hope to hunt turkey on a limited-entry unit or CWMU in 2025, the application period runs from Dec. 12–27, 2024. See Types of turkey permits on page 16 for more information.

Download guidebooks and more to your DWR mobile app: You can now download Utah’s hunting and fishing guidebooks using your Utah DWR mobile app. The app makes it easy to read, search and navigate this guidebook and others. You can keep your hunting or combo license, HIP number and any DWR course completion certificates on the app, too. Learn more about the app and download it. Note: You must still carry any printed permit with you in the field.

Brief WMA closures for sponsored pheasant hunts: Some wildlife management areas are closed to the general public each year for sponsored, organized youth and beginner pheasant hunts. Closures this year:

• Oct. 26—Huntington Game Farm (until 3 p.m.)
• Nov. 9—Annabella, Pahvant, Pine Canyon Conservation (also known as Carr Fork) and part of the Ogden Bay WMA.

See online later this summer for more details.

Invalid permits: Utah Legislature H.B. 382 clarified that any original license, permit, tag or certificate of registration becomes invalid when surrendered or forfeited, or when a duplicate or exchanged one is issued.

Requirements for donations, game processing and taxidermy: The Utah Legislature made several changes to the tagging and documentation requirements for protected wildlife, including taxidermist record keeping. Carefully review the information on page 31 for details about these new requirements.

Credit card processing fee: In order to cover our increasing costs for systems and electronic payment processing, the Division will begin charging a 2.2% processing fee on all credit card transactions beginning July 1. The legislature authorized a fee up to 3% to cover these costs in the 2024 legislative session.

Check all season dates: Season dates change every year.

And keep in mind

Turkey limited-entry hunt boundaries: Last year, some limited-entry turkey hunt boundaries changed. Visit online.

Technology rules: Night-vision devices, drones, and recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or sounds are prohibited in turkey and upland game hunting. For details about Utah Wildlife Board changes to trail camera and night-vision device rules in effect this year visit online.

No dog training near grouse leks: Dog training is now prohibited within 1/2 mile of sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse leks (breeding sites) from March 1 to May 31.

Hunting license required: You must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license before you can apply for or obtain a greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill crane or turkey permit. You must also have a valid license in your possession while hunting any upland game species. You can buy your license from a license agent, a Division office or online. You can also purchase your license by calling 800-221-0659.

Get a HIP number online: Registering in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) is mandatory if you plan to hunt migratory game birds—including American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, sandhill crane or white-winged dove—during the 2024–2025 season. To register, visit online.

Trial Hunting program: People who haven’t hunted may be able to try it for the first time without taking Hunter Education.

Harmful algal blooms: In recent years, Utah has experienced recurring toxic algal blooms, which can be fatal for dogs. Visit online for details.

Avian diseases in Utah: Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are typically uncommon in Utah game birds, but there have been more widespread, multi-county outbreaks in recent years. See online for more information.

Upland Game Slam: This year, the Division is continuing the Upland Game Slam program.

Maps and boundaries on Utah Hunt Planner: The Utah Hunt Planner contains detailed information on Utah’s hunting units, including unit maps and boundary descriptions. To learn more, visit online.

Walk-in Access program requirement:

If you plan to hunt on Utah’s Walk-in Access properties in 2024–2025, you’ll need to obtain an authorization number.

Other permits available: Beginning Aug. 1, 2024 at 8 a.m. MDT, you can obtain the free permits required for hunting band-tailed pigeon and white-tailed ptarmigan. Permits are available online and from license agents and Division offices.

Fall turkey management harvest hunt:

Previously referred to as the fall general-season turkey hunt, this hunt is now called the “fall management harvest hunt,” and hunters may apply for three permits (two beardless permits and one either-sex permit per hunter). Note: Fall management harvest hunts are intended to address depredation in targeted areas, encourage the opportunity to harvest female turkeys—often in order to manage nuisance turkey populations—and are held almost entirely on private land. You must obtain documented permission before hunting on private property.

Turkey depredation permits: Up to three vouchers may be allocated per individual in instances where turkeys are causing damage to private property and in other depredation situations. Redeeming a depredation voucher for a permit does not count toward the over-the-counter permit quota per hunter.

Air rifles allowed for specific hunts: Air rifles may be used for hunting and harvesting turkeys during the fall hunts, as well as for cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares.

Options for military members: Active military personnel may be eligible to take advantage of points opportunities if they are deployed during the 2024 application periods for grouse, crane, tundra swan and turkey permits. For details visit online.

Ways to report poachers: Protect Utah’s wildlife and report poachers using the UTDWR law enforcement app, send a text to 847411 or make an online report.

Child support law: There are restrictions on fishing and hunting license purchasers for nonpayment of child support. For additional information—or to arrange a payment schedule—please contact the Office of Recovery Services at 801-536-8500.

Corrections: If errors are found in this guidebook after it is printed, the Division will correct them in the electronic copy that is posted at online.

Protection from discrimination: The Division receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, please write to:

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights

U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240

Private lands: The Division cannot guarantee access to any private land. You must obtain documented permission from the landowner or the landowner’s authorized representative before hunting on private lands.

Division funding: The Division is mostly funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and through federal aid made possible by an excise tax on the sale of firearms and other hunting- and fishing-related equipment.

Basic Requirements

Are you planning to hunt upland game or wild turkey in Utah this year? Before you head into the field, make sure you meet Utah’s hunter education and license requirements. And, if you plan to hunt migratory game birds, you must also obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number. This section explains how to meet these requirements.

Are you old enough?

Utah Code § 23A-4-1001

In Utah, there are no age restrictions for upland game or turkey hunters. If you have passed a Division-approved hunter education course, then you can hunt upland game and turkey in Utah, regardless of your age.

Adults must accompany young hunters

Utah Code § 23A-4-708

While hunting with any weapon, a person age 13 or younger must be accompanied by his or her parent, legal guardian or other responsible person who is 21 years of age or older and who has been approved by the parent or guardian.

A person who is 14 or 15 years old must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older while hunting with any weapon.

The Division encourages adults to be familiar with hunter education guidelines or to complete the hunter education course before accompanying youth into the field.

While in the field, the youth and the adult must remain close enough for the adult to see and provide verbal assistance to the young hunter. Using electronic devices, such as two-way radios or cell phones, does not meet this requirement.

Is hunter education required?

Utah Code § 23A-4-1001 & Utah Admin. Rule R657-23

If you were born after Dec. 31, 1965, you must provide proof that you’ve passed a hunter education course approved by the Division before you can apply for or obtain a hunting or combination license.

The only exception to this law is for individuals who are participating in the Division’s Trial Hunting Program. You can find details about the program online.

Proof of hunter education

You can prove that you’ve completed hunter education by obtaining a hunter education card (called a “blue card” in Utah) or if you have a verified hunter education number on file with the Division. The number is assigned when you complete hunter education and your blue card is issued.

How to take hunter education

To get started, you should visit online. You’ll see links to various traditional and online hunter education courses. Follow the instructions on the website to obtain a hunter education registration certificate (required) and to register for a course online.

If you need assistance, please contact your local Division office or call 801-538-4727.

When you finish the course, your instructor will verify your course completion in the online hunter education system. At that point, you will be able to apply for or obtain permits in the Division’s hunt drawings, and your hunter education registration certificate will become your hunting license.

Approximately four to six weeks after you complete the course, you will receive your blue card by mail.

You should also keep the following in mind:

• Hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.
• All hunting regulations, including season dates and bag limits, will apply.
• Hunters who are planning to hunt out of state should allow enough time for their hunter education card to arrive in the mail.

New to Utah?

If you become a Utah resident, and you’ve completed a hunter education course in another state, province or country, you must obtain a Utah blue card before you can buy a resident hunting license. You can obtain a Utah blue card at any Division office by providing proof that you’ve completed a Division-approved hunter education course, or by filling out the online form.

Do you have a license?

Utah Code §§ 23A-4-201 and 23A-5-309 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-54-3

You must possess a valid hunting license or a combination license to hunt upland game in Utah. You must also have one of these licenses before you can apply for or obtain a permit to hunt band-tailed pigeon, greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill crane, white-tailed ptarmigan or wild turkey.

Here’s the difference between a hunting license and a combination license:

• A hunting license allows you to hunt small game, including upland game and waterfowl.
• A combination license allows you to fish and hunt small game in Utah.

It costs less to buy a combination license than it does to buy separate hunting and fishing licenses.

Licenses are available online and from license agents and Division offices. You can also purchase a license by calling 800-221-0659. In addition to the fee for the license, you’ll also be charged a $2 transaction fee for each item you buy.

New this year: The Utah Legislature authorized a fee up to 3% to cover increasing costs for systems and electronic payment processing. Beginning July 1, the Division will charge a 2.2% processing fee on all credit card transactions.

You must carry your license and any applicable permits with you while you’re hunting upland game, and you cannot alter, transfer or lend your license or permit to another person.

Reminder: There are restrictions on fishing and hunting license purchasers for nonpayment of child support. For additional information—or to arrange a payment schedule—please contact the Office of Recovery Services at 801-536-8500.

Do you have a HIP number?

50 CFR 20.20 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-3

In addition to your license, if you’re hunting migratory game birds—American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, sandhill crane or white-winged dove—you must obtain a Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number for Utah.

Obtain your HIP number

Visit online from any computer, smartphone or tablet and complete a few brief questions to obtain a Utah HIP number.

You will need to provide information about any migratory game bird hunts you participated in during the 2023–24 season.

Once the registration process is complete, your new HIP number will appear on the screen. You can also choose to have it emailed to you.

If you need help while registering for a HIP number, please call any Division office (see page

2) from Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Write your HIP number in the space provided on your current hunting license.

You can also save your HIP number to the Utah Hunting and Fishing app. The app is available online.

How to Obtain an Turkey Permit

After you meet Utah’s hunter education and license requirements, you can apply for or obtain a wild turkey permit. You must have a turkey permit before you can hunt turkeys in Utah. This section provides information about the different types of turkey permits, the permit application process, bonus points, applying with a group and important dates for turkey hunters.

Types of turkey permits

There are a variety of wild turkey permits available to hunters:

• Limited-entry permits (spring)
• General-season permits (spring)
• Conservation permits (spring)
• Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) permits (spring)
• Management harvest permits (fall)

Reminder: You may obtain one permit for the spring season.

Important: You must carry the turkey permit on your person while you’re hunting. You cannot alter your permit or transfer it to another person.

Fall management harvest permits: An individual may obtain up to three fall management harvest permits (formerly called fall general-season permits), which may include up to two beardless permits and one either-sex permit per hunter. These hunts are almost entirely on private land.

Turkey depredation permits: Up to three vouchers per individual may be issued in instances where turkeys are causing damage to private property and in other depredation situations. Redeeming a depredation voucher for a permit will not count toward the over-the-counter permit quota per hunter.

Limited-entry permits

Limited-entry turkey permits are available through the state’s turkey permit drawing.

You can enter the permit drawing by applying online during the turkey application period, which will be open from Dec. 12–27, 2024.

If you are successful in the drawing, your limited-entry permit will authorize you to harvest one bearded turkey on a specific limited-entry area during the 2025 limited-entry season.

Most mature male turkeys have a beard, and about 20% of mature female turkeys have one too. Please see page 30 to learn what a beard looks like and where it’s located on a turkey.

Fifteen percent of Utah’s turkey limited-entry permits are reserved for young hunters (those who are 17 years old and younger by July 31, 2025).

If a youth obtains a limited-entry permit but does not harvest during the limited-entry season, he or she will be allowed to continue hunting during the spring general-season youth hunt and the spring general season. During the general-season hunts, the youth may hunt in the statewide general-season area.

Turkey application period

The 2025 turkey application period will be open from Dec. 12–27, 2024. Here’s what you need to know in order to apply for a turkey limited-entry permit or a bonus point (see page 18 for more information about bonus points):

• Before you can apply, you must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license. If you don’t already have one of these licenses, you can buy one online when you apply.
• You can apply online until 11 p.m. MST on Dec. 27.

If you need help with your online application, please call any Division office before 5 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024. A Division employee will be available to help you.

Reminder: There are restrictions on fishing and hunting license purchasers for nonpayment of child support. For additional information— or to arrange a payment schedule—please contact the Office of Recovery Services at 801-536-8500.

Applying as a group

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-25

Instead of applying as an individual hunter, you and your friends and family can apply as a group for limited-entry turkey permits.

Up to four hunters—including both residents and nonresidents—can apply together by using a group code. See online for details. If your group is successful in the drawing, all of the applicants in your group who have valid applications will receive a permit.

Important: If you’re a youth and you want an opportunity to draw one of the wild turkey permits reserved for youth, do not apply in a group with an adult. Up to four youth hunters can apply to hunt together in a youth-only group. This allows youth to hunt wild turkeys with siblings, friends and cousins.

When you apply in a youth-only group for this hunt, all hunters must meet the age requirement for the application to be processed as a youth-only application.

Permit application fees

Utah Code § 23A-4-207 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-6

There is a nonrefundable application fee when you apply for a turkey limited-entry permit or a bonus point.

The nonrefundable application fee is $10 for residents and $16 for nonresidents. The application fee will be charged to your credit or debit card when your application is processed. Permit fees are charged later, if you are successful in the drawing. If you purchase your hunting or combination license during the application process, you’ll also be charged a license fee.

You can use American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA credit or debit cards as payment. You can also use a pre-paid credit card. Your application can be voided if your credit or debit card is invalid or refused. Please keep in mind that the Division is not responsible for any bank charges incurred for the use of credit or debit cards.

All credit or debit cards must be valid through February 2025. To change the credit or debit card associated with your application, call 800-221-0659 or visit online.

New: A processing fee of 2.2% will apply to all credit card transactions.

Remaining permits

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-14

Starting March 6, 2025 at 8 a.m. MST, any remaining turkey limited-entry permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If available, these permits will be listed online.

Important: If you purchase a remaining limited-entry permit, you will lose any bonus points you’ve accrued for wild turkey.

Waiting periods

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-25

Waiting periods do not apply to turkey limited-entry permits.

Bonus points

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-8

A turkey bonus point system was started in 2000 to increase your chance of drawing a limited-entry turkey permit.

Here’s a quick look at how your bonus points work in the drawing:

• Fifty percent of the permits (rounded up) for each limited-entry hunting unit are reserved for applicants who have the greatest number of bonus points.
• You receive a random drawing number for your current turkey application and a random drawing number for every turkey bonus point you have. Your lowest random number is then used in the drawing. (The lower your number, the better your chance at drawing a permit.)

How bonus points are earned:

• You receive a bonus point each time you’re unsuccessful in drawing a limited-entry turkey permit.
  
• If you don’t plan to hunt a turkey during the upcoming limited-entry season, you may apply for a bonus point only. Simply select the appropriate hunt choice code (TKY) on the application and pay the application fee.
  
• You may apply for either a limited-entry turkey permit or a bonus point, but not both.

You cannot apply for or receive a bonus point if your hunting privileges are suspended for turkey or small game.

Once you draw a limited-entry or CWMU permit—or obtain a remaining limited-entry permit—you lose any bonus points you’ve accumulated. You’ll start earning bonus points again the next time you apply for a limited-entry or CWMU turkey permit and are unsuccessful in that year’s drawing.

Note: You will not lose your bonus points if you purchase a turkey general-season permit.

Surrendering your permit

If you need to surrender your limited-entry wild turkey permit—and your hunting season hasn’t started—you should consider surrendering the permit as soon as possible. If you surrender early enough, you’ll be able to keep your bonus points.

Reminder: If you surrender a limited-entry turkey permit at least 30 days before the start of the season, you’ll get all of your previously accrued bonus points back, but you will not earn a point for the current year.

Important: If you surrender your permit less than 30 days before the season opens, you will lose all of your previously accrued bonus points, and you will not earn a point for the current year.

To learn more about surrendering a permit, visit online.

Group surrender

Reminder: If you obtain a limited-entry wild turkey permit through a group application—and then you decide to surrender it—you will not have your bonus points reinstated unless your entire group meets the following conditions:

• All group members must surrender their permits
• Permit surrenders must occur at least 30 days before the start of the season

Note: Even if you meet the above conditions, you will not earn a point for the current year.

Important: If some of your group members surrender their permits less than 30 days from the season opener, all group members will lose all of their bonus points for that species.

Members of the group may not surrender their permits individually unless the surrender occurs because of:

• Activation in the military
• An injury or illness that will prevent the individual from hunting
• Death

General-season permits

Utah Admin. Rule R657-54-20

Utah will again hold general-season turkey hunts (now called management harvest hunts) in the fall of 2024. These hunts will be in addition to the spring general-season hunt of 2025. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining permits for the general-season hunts.

Fall 2024 management harvest hunts

The fall turkey hunt was established to decrease nuisance turkey issues and depredation that result in damage to private property.

A hunter may purchase up to for three fall management harvest turkey permits (two beardless permits and one either-sex permit per hunter).

There will be a limited number of permits for three management harvest turkey hunts in the following areas:

• Central Region
• Northern Region
• Southeastern Region

Important: Only specified areas within each of these regions will be open to hunting during the fall. A permit allows you to hunt all of the specified areas within a region. These hunt areas are almost entirely on private property and you must obtain documented permission before hunting on private property. To see hunt boundary maps, visit online in August 2024.

Permits for the fall 2024 management harvest turkey hunts will be available beginning Sept. 10, 2024. Visit online in August to see purchase times and locations.

Fifteen percent of Utah’s fall management harvest turkey permits are reserved for youth (those who are 17 years old and younger by July 31, 2024).

Keep in mind: The fall turkey hunt is designed to reduce turkey populations and address conflicts between turkeys and landowners. Permit numbers are set solely with this goal in mind. For this reason, female harvest is encouraged. You may obtain up to three fall management harvest turkey permits (two beardless permits and one either-sex permit per hunter). You do not need to harvest a bearded turkey.

Spring 2025 general-season hunt

Spring general-season permits will be available beginning at 8 a.m. on March 6, 2025 online and from license agents and Division offices.

You may obtain a spring general-season turkey permit if you meet the basic hunting requirements, and you didn’t obtain a limited-entry turkey permit for the spring 2025 season.

Young hunters who obtain general-season turkey permits will have the opportunity to participate in the youth hunt.

Permit refunds

Utah Code § 23A-4-207 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-42

The Division rarely issues refunds for licenses or permits, but there are some exceptions. To see if you’re eligible for a refund, visit online.

Reminder: If you are eligible for a refund, you must submit all required forms and accompanying paperwork within 90 days of the season ending in order to qualify for a full refund.

Forfeited permits

Any original license, permit, tag or certificate of registration becomes invalid when surrendered or forfeited, or when a duplicate or exchanged one is issued.

Turkey hunting opportunities for youth

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-25 and R657-54-20

If you’re a youth hunter, make sure you understand all of the opportunities you have to hunt and harvest a wild turkey.

You may obtain one permit for the spring season (limited-entry or general-season) and three permits for the fall season.

Limited-entry permits for youth

Fifteen percent of Utah’s turkey limited-entry permits have been set aside for young hunters.

If you’ll be 17 years old or younger on July 31, 2025, you’ll be eligible for the youth permit drawing when you apply for your permit.

You can submit an application as an individual hunter or as a member of a youth-only group. For more information on applying as part of a youth-only group, see Applying as a group, below.

With a turkey limited-entry permit, you can hunt only the unit listed on your permit from April 12–24, 2025. And, if you don’t harvest a turkey during the limited-entry season, you may participate in the spring general-season youth hunt and the spring general season. Once the general-season hunts begin, you may hunt in the statewide general-season area.

General-season permits and the youth-only hunt

If you’re a youth who obtains a turkey general-season permit, you can participate in Utah’s Youth Turkey Hunt from April 25–27, 2025. This hunt will be restricted to youth who are 17 years old or younger on July 31, 2025.

If you do not harvest a turkey during the youth hunt, you can continue to hunt during the turkey general season, which runs from April 28–May 31, 2025.

Fifteen percent of the fall management harvest permits will also be set aside for youth.

Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the field.

Important dates for turkey hunters

Utah Admin. Rule R657-62-25

Please note the following dates if you want to obtain a turkey limited-entry (spring), general-season (spring) or management harvest (fall) permit.

September 10: Fall 2024 management harvest permits available

Permits for the fall 2024 management harvest turkey hunts will be available beginning Sept. 10, 2024 at 8 a.m. MDT.

Please remember that license agents have different hours of operation. You should verify that an agent is open before you attempt to purchase a turkey management harvest permit.

You can find a list of participating license agents online.

December 12: Apply online

From Dec. 12–27, 2024, residents and nonresidents can apply for a turkey limited-entry permit, a CWMU permit or a bonus point online. You can also apply by calling any Division office.

To apply for a resident permit, you must be a resident on the date the permit is purchased. January 8, 2025 is considered the purchase date.

When applying for a turkey limited-entry permit, you may select up to five hunt choices. Please list your hunt choices in order of preference.

Remember, you may apply with a group for limited-entry permits. Up to four hunters—including both residents and nonresidents—can apply together. If your group is successful in the drawing, all of the applicants in your group who have valid applications will receive a permit.

December 27: Application deadline

Your application for a turkey limited-entry permit, a CWMU permit or a bonus point must be completed online and submitted no later than 11 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024.

For assistance with your online application, you can call any Division office until 5 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024. Please remember that you must have a hunting license or a combination license to apply for a permit or bonus point.

December 27: Deadline to edit and resubmit your application

If you make a mistake in your online permit application, simply go online and click the View, Edit, and Withdraw button at the bottom of the page. Any edits must be made before 11 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024.

In order to edit your application, you must have the confirmation number from your original application, customer ID and date of birth. You will not be charged any additional fees, unless you completely withdraw and resubmit your application.

If you need help editing your online application, please call any Division office before 5 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024.

December 27: Deadline to withdraw your application

If you decide not to hunt, you can withdraw your online permit application until 11 p.m. MST on Dec. 27, 2024. Application fees are not refundable.

January 8: Drawing results available

You’ll be notified of the turkey drawing results on or before Jan. 8, 2025. You can also learn the drawing results by visiting online or calling 800-221-0659.

Note: Drawing results are not final until you receive an official notification email. If you draw a turkey permit, you’ll receive it in the mail by the middle of February.

Please be aware that if the debit card or credit card you used for payment is refused, the Division will attempt to contact you multiple times to obtain a valid card number. If you realize that your card number is no longer valid, please call 800-221-0659 or visit online to provide a different card number.

March 6: Spring general-season permits and remaining limited-entry permits available

Any limited-entry permits remaining after the drawing—as well as the spring general-season permits—may be obtained beginning at 8 a.m. MST on March 6, 2025 online and from license agents and Division offices.

Remaining limited-entry permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you purchase a remaining limited-entry permit, you will lose any turkey bonus points you’ve accumulated.

Spring general-season permits will be available for purchase through May 31, 2025.

You can find a list of participating license agents online. Please remember that license agents have different hours of operation. You should verify that an agent is open before you attempt to purchase a remaining permit.

Additional turkey permits

In addition to limited-entry and general-season permits, other types of turkey permits are available.

Conservation permits

Utah Admin. Rule R657-41

You may obtain conservation permits in addition to any other turkey permit you’ve obtained.

Turkey conservation permits are available from nonprofit conservation organizations. The organizations usually sell the permits at fundraising banquets. A list of organizations selling conservation permits for Utah’s 2025 turkey season will be available online by late December 2024.

Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit permits

Utah Admin. Rule R657-37

You can enjoy hunting turkeys on private property in Utah through the state’s Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) program. Here’s how the CWMU program works:

Private lands can become CWMUs if the landowners work with the Division to manage the land for turkeys. Private landowners who own land that qualifies as a CWMU are given permits they can sell to hunters. In return, the landowners agree to allow an equal number of public hunters—those who obtain CWMU permits through the state’s drawing—onto their CWMUs to hunt.

You can obtain a CWMU permit in one of two ways: you can either apply for one in the turkey drawing, or you can contact a CWMU operator directly to inquire about purchasing a permit. For a list of CWMU operators, visit online.

For more information about obtaining a CWMU permit, contact the nearest Division office.

Public land in CWMUs: Public land use is restricted only for those species the CWMU is enrolled in each season (such as elk or turkey). If you are hunting upland game, you may hunt upland game on public lands in CWMU properties; all season dates and bag limits apply.

Field Regulations

While hunting upland game or turkey in Utah, you should know the requirements for carrying and using firearms, crossbows and archery tackle. You should also know the different hunting methods you may use and what you’re required to do with any game you take.

Firearms, crossbows and archery tackle

50 CFR 20.21, Utah Code § 23A-5-309 and Utah Admin. Rule R6576-6, R657-6-7 and R657-54-4

Several rules apply to the types of firearms, crossbows, archery tackle and ammunition that you may use to take upland game and wild turkeys in Utah.

Wild turkey

You may hunt and harvest a turkey with any of the following:

• Archery equipment, including a draw lock, using broadhead-tipped arrows.
• A crossbow, using broadhead-tipped arrows or bolts.
• Any shotgun firing shot BB or smaller diameter.
• Rimfire firearms (during the fall turkey season only).
• Air rifles (during the fall turkey season only).

Also called a pre-charged pneumatic air rife, an air rife must:

• Fire using compressed air released from a chamber built into the rife.
• Be pressurized at a minimum of 2,000 per square inch from an external high-compression device (such as a hand pump, compressor or scuba tank).
• Fire a single broadhead tipped bolt or arrow.

And must fire a pellet or slug that:

• Is .25 caliber or larger.
• Weighs 18 grains or more.
• Is fired at a velocity to produce at least 30 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.

Loaded firearms in a vehicle

Utah Code §§ 76-10-502, 76-10-504, 76-10-505 and 76-10-523 You may not carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle unless you meet all of the following conditions:

• You own the vehicle or have permission from the vehicle’s owner.
• The firearm is a handgun.
• You are 18 years of age or older.

A pistol, revolver, rife or shotgun is considered to be loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge, shell or projectile in the firing position.

Pistols and revolvers are also considered to be loaded when an unexpended cartridge, shell or projectile is in a position whereby the manual operation of any mechanism once would cause the unexpended cartridge, shell or projectile to be fired.

A muzzleloading firearm is considered loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder(s).

Are you allowed to possess a weapon?

Utah Code §§ 76-10-503 and 76-10-512

It is illegal under Utah Code §§ 76-10503 and 76-10-512 to possess or use a firearm, muzzleloader or any other dangerous weapon if you have been charged or convicted of certain offenses.

The purchase or possession of any hunting license, permit, tag or certificate of registration from the Division does not authorize the holder to legally possess or use a firearm, muzzleloader or any other dangerous weapon while hunting if they are otherwise restricted from possessing these weapons under Utah Code.

To determine whether you are allowed to possess a weapon, please review the Utah Code sections listed above or contact the law enforcement agency that oversees your case.

Hunter orange requirements

Although there are no regulations that govern what you should wear on an upland game or turkey hunt, your choice of clothing could affect your safety.

For Utah’s upland game hunts, we strongly encourage you to wear hunter orange in the field. It will make you more visible to other hunters at a time of year when there are many different hunts in progress.

For Utah’s turkey hunts, we discourage you from wearing hunter orange. Hunters sometimes mistake bright colors for the head of a turkey.

Areas with special restrictions

Although many areas are open to hunters, some areas are closed or have specific restrictions.

Areas closed to upland game hunting

Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-21

You may not hunt upland game in any area posted closed by the Division or in any of the following areas:

• Salt Lake International Airport is closed to hunting within posted airport boundaries.
• Many Utah towns, cities and incorporated municipalities have laws that restrict hunting and the discharge of firearms within city limits. Contact the city’s administrative office for specific laws and boundaries.
• All national wildlife refuges in Utah are closed to crow hunting and to most other hunting, unless they have been declared open by the managing authority. For example, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is only open to chukar partridge, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit hunters.
• The Goshen Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is closed to all hunting.
• Some WMAs are closed to the general public each year for sponsored, organized youth and beginner pheasant hunts. This year those areas are Huntington Game Farm on Oct. 26 until 3 p.m., and the Annabella, Pahvant and Pine Canyon Conservation (also known as Carr Fork) wildlife management areas—and part of the Ogden Bay WMA— on Nov. 9. For details visit online.
• Military installations, including Camp Williams, are closed to hunting and trespassing.

Some waterfowl management areas are open, but they have weapon, ammunition and season restrictions.

Areas closed to turkey hunting

Utah Admin. Rule R657-54-14

You may not hunt wild turkeys in any area posted closed by the Division or in any of the following areas:

• Salt Lake International Airport boundaries as posted.
• Many Utah towns, cities and incorporated municipalities have laws that restrict hunting and the discharge of firearms within city limits. Contact the city’s administrative office for specific laws and boundaries.
• All state waterfowl management areas, except Brown’s Park and Stewart Lake.
• All national wildlife refuges, unless they have been declared open by the managing authority. For example, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is only open to youth turkey hunters during the 2024 turkey season.
• Military installations, including Camp Williams, are closed to hunting and trespassing.

State parks

Utah Code § 76-10-508 and Utah Admin. Rule R651-614-4

Hunting of wildlife is allowed within the boundaries of all state park areas, except those areas and hunts specifically closed by the Utah Division of State Parks in Utah Admin. Rule R651-614. For more information, visit online.

State laws regarding the possession and discharge of dangerous weapons apply in state park areas open to hunting. For information about discharging a dangerous weapon or firearm in a state park, see the Areas where you cannot discharge a firearm section below or review Utah Code § 76-10-508.

Areas where you cannot discharge a firearm

Utah Code § 76-10-508

You may not discharge a dangerous weapon, crossbow or firearm under any of the following circumstances:

• From a vehicle
• From, upon or across any highway
• At power lines or signs
• At railroad equipment or facilities, including any sign or signal
• Within Utah state park camp or picnic sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps or developed beaches
• Without written permission from the owner or property manager, within 600 feet of:
• A house, dwelling or any other building
• Any structure in which a domestic animal is kept or fed, including a barn, poultry yard, corral, feeding pen or stockyard

Areas with motorized vehicle restrictions

Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-14

Motorized vehicle travel on all state wildlife management areas is restricted to county roads and improved roads that are posted open to vehicles.

Trespassing

Utah Code §§ 23A-5-317 and 23A-5-310

While taking wildlife or engaging in wildlife-related activities, you may not—without documented permission—enter or remain on privately owned land that is:

• Cultivated
• Properly posted
• Fenced or enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders In addition, you may not:
• Enter or remain on private land when directed not to do so by the owner or a person acting for the owner.
• Obstruct any entrance or exit to private property.

“Cultivated land” is land that is readily identifiable as land whose soil is loosened or broken up for the raising of crops, land used for the raising of crops, or a pasture that is artificially irrigated.

“Permission” means documented authorization from the owner or person in charge to enter upon private land that is cultivated or properly posted. Permission must include all of the following details:

• The signature of the owner or person in charge
• The name of the person being given permission
• The appropriate dates
• A general description of the land

“Properly posted” means that signs prohibiting trespass—or bright yellow, bright orange or fluorescent paint—are clearly displayed at all corners, on fishing streams crossing property lines, and on roads, gates and rights-of-way entering the land. Or, they are displayed in a manner that is visible to a person in the area.

You may not post private property you do not own or legally control or land that is open to the public as provided by Utah Code § 23A-6-402. In addition, it is unlawful to take protected wildlife or its parts while trespassing in violation of Utah Code § 23A-5-317.

You are guilty of a class B misdemeanor if you violate any provision described in this section. Your license, tag or permit privileges may also be suspended.

Checkpoints and officer contacts

Utah Code §§ 23A-5-207 and 77-23-104

To help the Division fulfill its responsibility as trustee and guardian of Utah’s wildlife, Division conservation officers monitor the taking and possession of wildlife, and the required licenses, permits, firearms and equipment used for hunting. You should expect to encounter conservation officers and biologists in the field and at checkpoints.

If you’re contacted by a conservation officer, you must provide the officer with the items they request, including any licenses and permits required for hunting, any devices used to participate in hunting and any game that you’ve taken. These contacts allow the Division to collect valuable information about upland game and turkeys in Utah.

Hunters with disabilities

Utah Admin. Rule R657-12

Utah provides special hunting accommodations for people with disabilities. For a complete copy of these accommodations and what’s required to qualify for them, please visit online or call any Division office.

Hunting methods for upland game and turkey

Several rules apply to the methods you can use to hunt upland game and wild turkeys in Utah.

Baiting upland game and wild turkey

50 CFR 20.11 and 20.21, Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-13 and 54-9, Utah Code § 23A-5-309

Baiting is an illegal activity that involves the spreading of shelled, shucked or unshucked grain, feed or salt to lure, attract or entice birds to an area for the purposes of hunting them. You may not hunt upland game or wild turkey by baiting, and you may not hunt in an area where you reasonably should have known that the area is or has been baited.

An area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the bait has been completely removed from the area.

You can take upland game or wild turkey on or over any of the following lands or areas, so long as these areas have not been baited:

• Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics)
• Standing, flooded or manipulated natural vegetation
• Flooded harvested croplands
• Lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation or normal soil-stabilization practice
• From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed
• Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys or retrieving downed birds

For example, a farmer working his land after harvesting a crop does not render his field “baited” — so long as the post-harvest manipulation of the farmer’s field is a normal agricultural process. To see detailed information about normal agricultural processes, visit online. For the hunter, the presence of rows, piles or other concentrations of grain should raise questions about the legality of the area for upland game or wild turkey hunting.

In addition to the provisions above, you cannot take sandhill crane on or over lands where standing crops have been manipulated to distribute or scatter grain or other feed on the land where it was grown. You can take other upland game species and wild turkey on or over lands where standing crops have been manipulated to distribute or scatter grain or other feed on the land where it was grown, if the area is not otherwise baited.

This distinction is important primarily for wildlife food plots where seed or grain is not harvested as part of a normal agricultural process. For example, if a farmer were to mow a crop without first harvesting it, that field would be considered baited for sandhill crane, but it would not be considered baited for other upland game species or wild turkey.

Using dogs to hunt

Utah Admin. Rules R657-6-20 and R657-54-13

Dogs may be used to locate and retrieve upland game or wild turkeys during open hunting seasons.

Although dogs are generally allowed on state wildlife and waterfowl management areas (WMAs), they are prohibited on many WMAs from March 10 to August 31 or as posted by the Division. You can see the complete list of WMAs that are seasonally closed to dogs in Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-20.

Live decoys and electronic calls

50 CFR 20.21 and Utah Admin. Rules R657-6-22 and R657-54-8

You may not take migratory game birds (crows, doves, pigeons or cranes) with:

• the use or aid of live birds as decoys;
• recorded or electronically amplified migratory game bird calls or sounds, or recorded or electronically amplified imitations of migratory game bird calls or sounds; or
• drones or other airborne vehicles or devices.

Likewise, you may not use drones, live decoys, recorded turkey calls or sounds, or electronically amplified imitations of turkey calls to take wild turkeys.

Spotlighting

Utah Code §§ 23A-5-309, 76-10-504, 76-10-523 and Utah Admin. Rules R657-6-24 and R657-54-16

You may not use a spotlight, headlight or other artificial light to locate any protected wildlife while having in your possession a firearm or other weapon or device that could be used to take or injure protected wildlife.

The use of a spotlight or other artificial light in any area where protected wildlife are generally found is considered probable cause of attempting to locate protected wildlife.

The provisions of this section do not apply to the use of the headlights of a motor vehicle, illuminated sight pins on a bow or other artificial light in a usual manner where there is no attempt or intent to locate protected wildlife.

In addition, the above restrictions do not apply to concealed firearm carriers, provided the person is not using the concealed firearm to hunt or take wildlife.

Using falconry to hunt upland game

Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-12

If you’re interested in using falconry to hunt upland game, you must obtain a hunting or combination license and a falconry certificate of registration (COR). Falconers who are interested in hunting band-tailed pigeon, greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane, sharp-tailed grouse or white-tailed ptarmigan must also obtain a permit for the bird(s) they wish to hunt.

The areas open and the bag and possession limits for falconry are the same as those listed in the hunt table and the Wildlife Management Area Rules. The only differences are as follows:

• Falconers may take pheasants of either sex.
• The daily bag limit for mourning dove and white-winged dove is three birds and the possession limit is nine birds. If you have any migratory bird species in your daily bag limit, you may keep a maximum combined total of three birds.

Falconry season dates for upland game are as follows:

• All upland game—except American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove and white-winged dove—may be taken by falconry from Sept. 2, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025.
• American crow may be taken by falconry from Sept. 2–30, 2024 and from Dec. 2, 2024–Feb. 28, 2025.
• Band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove and white-winged dove may be taken by falconry from Sept. 2–Dec. 16, 2024.
• Sandhill crane may be taken by falconry during the season listed on your permit, and the bag limit is one bird.

For additional information, please see the Falconry Rule.

Using falconry to hunt wild turkey

Utah Admin. Rule R657-54-7

In order to hunt a wild turkey using falconry, a falconer must have a fall management harvest turkey permit and follow the same rules and boundaries that apply to those who are hunting with archery tackle, a crossbow or a shotgun.

A falconer may only release a raptor on a wild turkey during the fall hunting season listed on their permit. Using falconry to hunt a turkey during the spring is prohibited.

Sitting or roosting turkeys

Utah Admin. Rule R657-54-10

You may not take any turkey that is sitting or roosting in a tree or any structure.

What is a beard?

A cluster of hair-like feathers called a beard grows from the center of the chest on male turkeys. A small percentage of hens also grow a beard.

During all turkey seasons, the head—and beard if present—of a turkey must remain attached during transport to help conservation officers confirm the sex of the bird.

Possession of upland game and turkey

Once you’ve harvested an upland game species or a wild turkey, several rules apply to the use of the game you’ve taken.

Waste of upland game or turkey

Utah Code § 23A-5-314 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-18 , R657-54-15 and R657-54-18

You may not waste any upland game or turkey, or permit it to be wasted or spoiled. Waste means to abandon the game or to allow it to spoil or be used in a manner not normally associated with its beneficial use. For example, using the meat as fertilizer or for trapping bait is not considered a beneficial use of the meat.

In addition, you may not kill or cripple any upland game or turkey without making a reasonable effort to retrieve it. Any game you’ve wounded must be immediately killed and included in your bag limit.

Safety tips for turkey hunters

To stay safe during the turkey hunt, follow the recommendations of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF):

• Select your calling spot in open timber rather than thick brush; turkeys are hesitant to walk into thick brush.
• Select a stump, tree trunk or rock— taller and wider than you are—to lean back against while calling; this will protect your back if another hunter moves in behind you.
• Eliminate the colors white, red, orange, black and blue from your hunting outfit; these are the colors of most gobblers.
• Listen for the alarm cries of birds or squirrels; these sounds can alert you when another hunter begins moving into your area.
• When nearby songbirds or your turkey go suddenly silent, take a careful look around. There’s a good chance another hunter is moving in on your bird.
• Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter to your location. Remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.

For more information about hunting wild turkeys, visit the NWTF’s website.

Tagging requirements

Utah Code § 23A-4-709 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-16 and R657-54-11

You must tag the carcass of a greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane, sharp-tailed grouse or wild turkey immediately upon taking possession of the carcass.

To tag a carcass, completely detach the tag from the permit and completely remove the appropriate notches to correspond with the date the bird was taken. Then attach the tag to the carcass so that the tag remains securely fastened and visible.

Your tag also includes a notch that indicates the sex of the bird. You are only required to remove this notch if you harvested a turkey.

You may not remove more than one notch indicating the date the bird was taken, or tag more than one carcass using the same tag.

Reminder: You may not hunt or pursue greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane, sharp-tailed grouse or wild turkey after any of the following has occurred:

• Shooting and retrieving the bird
• Detaching the tag from the permit
• Removing any of the notches from the tag

Identification of species and sex

Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-17 and R657-54-12

When you are transporting any upland game bird or migratory game bird, one fully feathered wing must remain attached to each bird you’ve taken. Keeping the wing attached allows wildlife officers and biologists to determine the species and sex of each bird.

When you are transporting a turkey, both the head and beard (if applicable) of the turkey must remain attached to the bird.

Possession of live upland game

50 CFR 20.38, Utah Code § 23A-5-302, and Utah Admin. Rule R657-4 and R657-6-15

A hunting license does not give you authority to possess live upland game. You must immediately kill any upland game you’ve wounded and include it in your bag limit.

Processing and taxidermy of protected wildlife

Utah Code § 23A-4-709 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-5-17

New this year: A butcher or owner/employee of a locker or storage plant may not receive the carcass of protected wildlife unless the animal is properly tagged or there is a valid donation slip. Taxidermists must keep records of all received protected wildlife parts—including the date of receipt and documentation of the associated hunting license or permit—for at least three years.

Donating and transporting upland game or turkey

50 CFR 20.36, 20.37 and 20.40, Utah Code § 23A-1-205, and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6 and R654-54

The following are the only places where you may donate, or give, upland game or turkey (or their parts) to another person:

• The residence of the donor
• The residence of the person receiving upland game, turkey or their parts
• A meat locker
• A storage plant
• A meat-processing facility

New this year: The Utah legislature made several changes to the rules about donating protected wildlife. You may donate, or give, harvested upland game and turkey (or their parts) to another person, as long as proper documentation of the donation is kept with the protected wildlife parts.

The documentation of the donation must include:

• The number and species of the wildlife or parts donated
• The date of donation
• The license or permit number of the donor
• An image or picture of the wildlife or wildlife parts donated

In addition to the information required above, if you’re donating migratory game birds, or another person is transporting migratory game birds for you, the birds must be tagged with your address and the dates the birds were killed. You must also tag any migratory game birds that have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

Shipping harvested migratory game birds

50 CFR 20.53 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-23

You may not ship migratory game birds (crows, doves, pigeons or cranes) unless you possess a shipping permit. Shipping permits are available from the Division offices listed on page 2. You must also write all of the following information on the outside of the package the birds are shipped in:

• Your name and address
• The name and address of the recipient
• The number and species of the birds contained in the package

Exporting harvested upland game or turkey from Utah

50 CFR 20.53 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-23 and R657-54-17

You may only export harvested upland game or turkey (or their parts) from Utah if one of the following conditions applies:

• You harvested the upland game or turkey and possess a valid license or permit corresponding to the tag.
• If you’re not the person who harvested the upland game or turkey, you must obtain a shipping permit from the Division.

Visit online for more details about these rules.

Importing harvested migratory game birds

50 CFR 20.61–20.66

For the complete list of rules governing the importation of migratory game birds harvested in another state or country, see the Code of Federal Regulations 50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66.

Here are some of the primary rules that apply:

• One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the point of entry and your home or to a migratory bird preservation facility (i.e., a facility where birds are taken to be cleaned and prepared for the table).
• You may not import migratory game birds harvested in any foreign country, except Canada, unless the birds are dressed (except as required by Canadian regulations), drawn and the head and feet are removed.
• You may not import migratory game birds that belong to another person.
• Federal bag and possession limits apply, regardless of the number of states or provinces you may have hunted in during your trip. For example, if you hunt doves in two states, the total number of doves you take cannot exceed a single federal bag or possession limit. (For example, if the federal bag limit is 15 doves, and you take eight doves in the first state and then travel to another state and hunt the same day, you can take only seven doves in the second state.)

Wildlife Management Area Rules

Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-8 and R657-6-9

Certain state wildlife and waterfowl management areas and national wildlife refuges are intensively managed for upland game and waterfowl production. As such, each area has restrictions on the use of firearms, crossbows, archery tackle and ammunition. Please use the table below to help you understand the restrictions at each area you plan to hunt.

* Specified hunting seasons are authorized by the Utah Wildlife Board. You can find information about the hunting seasons in Utah’s hunting and fishing guidebooks. These guidebooks are available from license agents and Division offices and online.

† May hunt mourning dove with a shotgun using nontoxic shot and during the season dates listed below.

§ Weapons are restricted to only shotguns and archery tackle on the Willard Bay WMA and at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge. For details about upland game hunting at Fish Springs, visit online.

^#National wildlife refuges have many unique regulations. Please visit their websites and know the regulations before you hunt.

Hunt Tables and Habitat Maps

Shaded areas on the following reference maps indicate the general distribution of each species in Utah.

Wild turkey (Limited-entry hunts)

• Season dates: April 12–24, 2025
• Areas open: Central (TK1003), Northeastern (TK1004), Northern (TK1005), Southeastern (TK1006) and Southern (TK1007) units.* Boundary maps are available online.
• Permit requirement: The limited-entry hunt requires a wild turkey permit distributed through Utah’s turkey drawing. See page 16 for more information. You may take only 1 bearded turkey within the season and the unit listed on your permit.
• Notes: To apply for a bonus point, use the code TKY in your online application. If you are a youth with a limited-entry permit and you don’t harvest during the limited-entry season, you may continue to hunt during the youth hunt and the spring general-season hunt.

Wild turkey (Spring general-season hunts)

• Season dates: April 28–May 31, 2025 Wild turkey (Colors show limited-entry hunt boundaries) Northern area Southern area Northeastern area Central area Southeastern area
• Youth hunt: April 25–27, 2025.
• Areas open: Statewide*
• Permit requirement: The spring general-season hunt requires a wild turkey permit that you can purchase over the counter. You may take only 1 bearded turkey within the season on your permit.

Wild turkey (CWMU hunts)

• Season dates: The Utah Wildlife Board establishes the timeframe for turkey hunting on CWMUs, which runs from April 12–May 31, 2025. Within this timeframe, the CWMU operator allows at least five hunting days. If you draw a permit, it is your responsibility to contact the CWMU operator to confirm your season dates.
• Areas open: Pahvant Ensign (TK1018) and East Zion (TK1021). Visit online for maps and contact information.
• Permit requirement: The CWMU hunt requires a wild turkey permit distributed through Utah’s turkey drawing. During the hunting period established by the CWMU operator, you may take only 1 bearded turkey.

*Excludes closed areas and Native American trust lands • Red indicates areas of special note or significant changes.

Shooting Hours

Utah Admin. Rules R657-6-10

Shooting hours for all upland game species begin 30 minutes before official sunrise.

Shooting hours end at different times, depending on the species you’re hunting:

• For pigeon, dove, crow and crane, shooting hours end at official sunset.
• For turkey and for all other upland game species, shooting hours end 30 minutes after official sunset.

Official sunrise and sunset times are different, depending on the day and your location. Please consult the table at the right and the time zone map below to learn the differences. You must also follow one other shooting-hour rule:

• You may not discharge a firearm on state-owned lands adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, on state waterfowl management areas or on federal refuges after official sunset or sooner than 30 minutes before official sunrise.

Time zone map

Species Identification

Wild turkey

Weight: Male, up to 18 pounds; Female, less than 10 pounds

Length: Male, 48 inches; Female, 36 inches

The wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, is a large dark-colored bird that is expanding its range within Utah. There are two subspecies of wild turkey in Utah, the Merriam’s wild turkey and the Rio Grande wild turkey. Merriam’s were first introduced to Utah in 1952 and Rio Grande in 1984.

Wild turkeys inhabit high-elevation ponderosa pine forests, oak tree forests, cottonwood tree bottoms, and pinyon/juniper habitats. Adult males are called toms or gobblers, one-year-old males are called jakes, adult females are called hens, and one-year-old females are called jennies. Chicks are called poults.

Determining a Spring Turkey's Age

Juveniles, or jakes (sub-adult male turkeys less than one year old), can be distinguished from adult gobblers by the coloration (barring) on their wings, the length of their beards and spurs, and the shape of their tail feathers.

Wings

Adults have white barring to the tips of the two outermost wing feathers. These bars are absent at the tips of jakes’ two outermost wing feathers. Also, the tips of the adults’ two outermost feathers are more rounded than the tips of jakes’ two outermost feathers.

Beards

Turkeys’ beards (top) become longer as turkeys age

Tail Feathers

Spurs

Definitions

50 CFR 20.11, Utah Code § 23A-1-101 and Utah Admin. Rule R657-6-2

Bag limit means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of protected wildlife that one person may legally take during one day.

Bait means shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed that lures, attracts or entices upland game or wild turkey.

Baited area means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for upland game to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for birds to, on or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

Certificate of registration (also known as a COR) means a document issued under the Wildlife Resources Code, or any rule or proclamation of the Wildlife Board, granting authority to engage in activities not covered by a license, permit or tag.

CFR means the Code of Federal Regulations.

Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit means a generally contiguous area of land open for hunting small game, waterfowl or big game, which is registered in accordance with the rules and proclamations of the Wildlife Board.

Domicile means the place:

• where an individual has a fixed permanent home and principal establishment;
• to which the individual if absent, intends to return and has an actual plan, method, and means to return to the individual’s domicile within six months;
• in which the individual and the individual’s family voluntarily reside, not for a special or temporary purpose, but with the intention of making a permanent home; and
• is a place where the individual resides for the majority of the individual’s time. To create a new domicile an individual must:
• abandon the old domicile; and
• be able to prove that a new domicile has been established.

Drone means an autonomously controlled, aerial vehicle of any size or configuration that is capable of controlled fight without a human pilot aboard.

Falconry means the sport of taking quarry by means of a trained raptor.

HIP means Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program.

Hunting means to take or pursue a reptile, amphibian, bird or mammal by any means.

Limited-entry permit means any permit obtained for a limited-entry hunt by any means, including conservation permits and sportsman permits.

Migratory game bird means, for purposes of this guidebook, American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, white-winged dove and sandhill crane.

Night-vision device means anything that enhances visible and non-visible light and includes the use of night-vision devices, thermal-imaging devices, infrared-imaged devices and other electronic devices that enhance the visible and non-visible light spectrum.

Nonresident means a person who does not qualify as a resident.

Nontoxic shot means soft iron, steel, copper-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, zinc-plated steel, bismuth, tungsten and any other shot types approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lead, nickel-plated lead, copper-plated lead, copper and lead/copper alloy shot have not been approved.

Permit means a document, including a stamp, which grants authority to engage in specified activities under the Wildlife Resources Code or a rule or proclamation of the Wildlife Board.

Possession means actual or constructive possession.

Possession limit means the number of bag limits one individual may legally possess.

Pre-charged pneumatic air rife means a rife that fires a single projectile with compressed air released from a chamber built into the rife, and be pressurized at a minimum of 2,000 per square inch from an external high-compression device (such as a hand pump, compressor or scuba tank) firing a single broadhead tipped bolt or arrow.

Resident means a person who:

• has a domicile (fixed permanent home and principal establishment) in Utah for six consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of a license or permit, AND
• DOES NOT claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

An individual retains Utah residency if he or she leaves Utah to serve in the armed forces of the United States, or for religious or educational purposes, and does NOT claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

Members of the armed forces of the United States and dependents are residents as of the date the member reports for duty under assigned orders in Utah if:

• the member is NOT on temporary duty in Utah and does NOT claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.
• the member presents a copy of his or her assignment orders to a Division office to verify the member’s qualification as a resident.

A nonresident attending an institution of higher learning in Utah as a full-time student may qualify as a resident if the student has been present in Utah for 60 consecutive days immediately preceding the purchase of the license or permit and does NOT claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

A Utah resident license or permit is invalid if a resident license for hunting, fishing or trapping is purchased in any other state or country. An individual DOES NOT qualify as a resident if he or she is an absentee landowner paying property tax on land in Utah.

Tag means a card, label or other identification device issued for attachment to the carcass of protected wildlife.

Take means to hunt, pursue, harass, catch, capture, possess, gather, angle, seine, trap or kill any protected wildlife; or attempt any action referred to above.

Transport means to ship, carry, export, import, receive or deliver for shipment, conveyance, carriage, exportation or importation.

Trail camera means a device that is not held or manually operated by a person and is used to capture images, video, or location data of wildlife using heat, or motion to trigger the device.

Upland game means pheasant, quail, chukar, partridge, gray partridge, greater sage-grouse, ruffed grouse, dusky grouse, sharp-tailed, grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, white-tailed ptarmigan, and the following migratory game birds: American crow, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, white-winged dove and sandhill crane.

Waste means to abandon protected wildlife or to allow protected wildlife to spoil or to be used in a manner not normally associated with its beneficial use.

Wild turkey as used in this rule means a wild, free-ranging turkey and does not include a privately-owned wild turkey, domestic turkey or wild-domestic hybrids.

Youth means a person who will be 17 years of age or younger on July 31.

Ways to report poachers

Utah Admin. Rule R657-51

If you witness an in-progress wildlife violation—or you’re aware of a previously committed wildlife crime—you have several ways to contact our conservation officers. These options make it easy to report wildlife crimes, and you can do so anonymously, if needed.

Visit online to learn more about your four contact options, which are listed below in order of urgency:

1. Text a conservation officer at 847411
2. Call our hotline at 800-662-3337
3. Submit a tip through the UTDWR law enforcement app
4. Submit an online report

Visit online to access the download links for the UTDWR app and see which regional office code you should include in a text to officers. (The codes ensure that texts get to the regions and officers who are in the best position to respond.)

We encourage you to report any poaching activities immediately and truly appreciate your help in protecting Utah’s wildlife.

Tips on Hunting Turkeys

Turkey hunting is fun, but it requires some know-how

Spring is a Great Time to be Outside. The temperatures are perfect, nature is waking up from its winter nap and the turkey hunting is fantastic.

Here are the dates for Utah's spring general-season turkey hunts in 2025:

• Youth hunt: April 25–27 (for youth who are 17 years old or younger on July 31, 2025)
• Spring general-season hunt: April 28–May 31

If you haven't hunted turkeys before, a little preparation is in order. Wild turkeys have stable populations in Utah, but a successful hunt is still a challenge. Fortunately, it's easier than you might think. A little research, a shotgun, the right clothing, mastering a few turkey-calling techniques and, most important, patience is all you really need.

Of course, you'll also need a permit, but that's the easy part — buy a turkey permit today.

To help you get started, we've put together five short how-to videos. They'll provide an introduction to one of Utah's best and most rewarding hunting opportunities.