Licenses
Let's go fishing!
Let's go fishing!
Fishing information
Fish

Licensing, rules and
year-round hotspots.

Hunting information
Hunt

Learn about Utah's
great hunting opportunities.

Licenses & permits
Discover

Find out more about Utah's amazing wildlife.

Fishing information
Fish

Have
you been fishing yet?

Hunting information
Hunt

Learn about Utah's
great hunting opportunities.

Licenses & permits
Discover

Find out more about Utah's amazing wildlife.

Fishing information
Fish

It's time
to go fishing.

Hunting information
Hunt

Learn more about
Utah hunting.

Licenses & permits
Discover

Find out more about Utah's amazing wildlife.

Guides, outfitters and spotters

Hunter loading shells in a shotgun

During the 2025 legislative session, a new law (SB149) was passed allowing the Utah Department of Natural Resources to regulate hunting guides and outfitters in the state effective July 1, 2025. Previously, guides and outfitters were regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.

The law requires a guide, outfitter or spotter — someone who is being paid to assist individuals in hunting or fishing activities — to obtain a certificate of registration and pay a fee to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

General requirements

  • Apply for a DWR certificate of registration (coming soon).
  • Applications must be renewed annually on March 31.

Fees

Resident fees:

  • Resident outfitters for big game and bear: $500
  • Resident outfitters providing services for anything except big game and bear: $350
  • Resident guides for big game or bear: $250
  • Resident guides providing services for anything except big game and bear: $175
  • Resident spotters: $125

Nonresident fees:

  • Nonresident outfitters for big game and bear: $1,500
  • Nonresident outfitters providing services for anything except big game and bear: $1,000
  • Nonresident guide for big game and bear: $750
  • Nonresident guide providing services for anything except big game and bear: $500
  • Nonresident spotter: $375
Frequently asked questions

What are the field requirements for hunting outfitters, guides and spotters?

  • No more than two individuals may be assigned to a client while hunting or fishing for protected wildlife, and no more than three individuals may be assigned to a client while hunting for a once-in-a-lifetime species.
  • Individual hunting guides and spotters must be assigned to a specific outfitter.

What happens if a guide or outfitter violates wildlife laws?

A violation of Utah law, rule or terms of a certificate of registration may result in:

  • Revocation of the certificate of registration.
  • Suspension of the outfitter's, guide's or spotter's privilege to hunt and/or fish.

Will I lose my official licensing and accreditation as an outfitter or guide through this new process?

The certificate of registration is the new official process and documentation for guides, outfitters and spotters in Utah.

Fishing and hunting licenses and permits

Information about how to get licensed and stay legal

Buy permits and licenses

Buy a remaining permit

Purchase available deer and elk permits, or buy fishing and hunting licenses. A credit or debit card is required for online purchases.

Apply for available hunt drawings

Many hunts have more applicants than there are available permits. To give everyone a fair chance, we hold drawings for these permits. Check your already submitted applications.

License, permit and fee information

Fees for various fishing and hunting permits vary significantly and may change from year to year.

Lifetime license information

Answers to frequently asked questions about lifetime licenses.

Surrendered permits and refunds

Information on surrendering licenses, permits and certificates of registration and, when possible, obtaining refunds.

Hunting application and season calendar

See our calendar of upcoming wildlife events for a brief rundown of important hunt drawing application periods and hunting season dates.

Hunting & fishing guidebooks

These guidebooks contain the official rules, regulations and other information governing hunting and fishing in Utah.

HIP registration numbers

If you hunt mourning doves, band-tailed pigeons, sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, coots or snipes, you are required to register in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program. There is no charge to register for a HIP number.

Certificates of Registration (COR)

Find commonly requested Certificate of Registration (COR) information and application forms.

Natural Resources Bookstore

Buying a license or permit? The Natural Resources Map & Bookstore at 1594 W North Temple in Salt Lake City sells useful maps and books to help plan your hunting or fishing trip.

ADA Licensing Opportunities

We encourage people with disabilities to take advantage of Utah's natural resources. The DWR has many licensing opportunities specifically tailored to meet the needs of hunters and anglers with disabilities.

Licenses or permits?

Do you know the difference between a license and a permit? They're similar but different things.

Inside
Wildlife Blog: Views from DWR employees
» Wildlife Blog
Report poachers — 1-800-662-3337
» Report poachers
Wildlife dates
» Important dates
Hunter, angler mobile app
The Natural Resources Map & Bookstore: discover hands-on resources
» DNR Map & Bookstore