How many permits
Under the statewide elk plan, the 2026 guidebook lists these general-season elk permit numbers:
- 15,000 permits for the any bull early-season any legal weapon and muzzleloader hunts (combined quota).
- No cap on the any bull late-season any legal weapon hunt.
- 15,000 spike bull permits, with up to 4,500 available as multiseason permits.
- Unlimited youth general-season elk permits, which do not count toward the numbers above.
Sale dates
| Permits | 2026 sale date |
|---|---|
| General-season archery elk, youth general-season elk | July 7 |
| General-season any bull elk | July 9 |
| General-season spike bull elk (including multiseason spike) | July 16 |
2026 seasons
| Units | Weapon | 2026 season |
|---|---|---|
| Any bull units | Archery | Aug. 15 to Sept. 16 No general-season archery elk hunt on the Paunsaugunt unit |
| Any bull units | Early any legal weapon (rifle) | Oct. 3 to 9 |
| Any bull units | Late any legal weapon (rifle) | Oct. 10 to 16 |
| Any bull units | Muzzleloader | Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 |
| Spike units | Archery | Aug. 15 to Sept. 4 |
| Spike units | Any legal weapon (rifle) | Oct. 3 to 15 |
| Spike units | Muzzleloader | Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 |
| Youth | Draw-only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk | Sept. 12 to 22 |
Youth elk
Youth who will be 17 or younger on July 31 can buy an unlimited general-season youth elk permit over the counter. It is valid during all general seasons on both any bull and spike units, following spike-only rules on spike units.
There is also a draw-only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk hunt (EB1007), Sept. 12 to Sept. 22 in 2026, valid only on general-season any bull units. In 2026, 8,068 resident youths applied for 675 permits (1 in 12.0), and 391 nonresident youths for 75 permits.
2026 fees
| Permit | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| General any bull or spike bull elk | $56 | $849 |
| Multiseason general spike bull elk | $200 | $1,255 |
| Draw-only youth any bull/hunter's choice elk | $50 | $749 |
| Youth general elk | $50 | $749 |
Up to three elk permits
A hunter can obtain up to three elk permits a year: at most one bull elk permit, at most one antlerless elk permit through the antlerless drawing, and at most two antlerless elk permits over the counter. Antlerless elk permits may be used only during the season dates printed on the permit.
Questions
Do I need to draw for a general-season elk permit?
No, except the draw-only youth any bull/hunter's choice hunt. The 2026 guidebook lists general-season elk permits as over-the-counter sales in July: archery July 7, any bull July 9, spike July 16.
How many elk permits can I get in a year?
Up to three: at most one bull elk permit, at most one antlerless elk permit through the antlerless drawing, and at most two antlerless elk permits over the counter.
Can I hunt general archery elk on the Paunsaugunt?
No. The 2026 guidebook notes there is no general-season archery elk hunt on the Paunsaugunt unit.
Is this the official site?
No. Utah Draw Guide is independent and not affiliated with Utah DWR. Buy permits only through DWR.
Utah DWR, 2026 Big Game Application Guidebook, pages 8, 13, 15, 28 and 39.
Utah DWR youth elk drawing odds report, 2026: PDF.
Updated Sept. 24, 2026. Verify all dates and rules with DWR before applying. Found an error? [email protected].