How to join the program

STEP 1: Submit an online application

To join the program, submit an online application for Dedicated Hunter within the annual Big Game permit drawing application, which is typically late March and April each year.

Selecting a hunt choice

Within the application, you'll have the option to select the general season unit that you'd like to hunt. There are no Limited-entry areas available to Dedicated Hunters.

The online application will allow you to apply for up to five different units. You'll only draw one unit, and won't be able to switch to a different unit during the program — only select a unit you want for the entire three-year period.

Group applications

If you decide to select more than one hunt unit choice, applying as a group is the only way to ensure that you, and your hunting companions draw the same unit. The application will allow up to four hunters to apply together in a group.

Know the rules

In the Application process, you'll check a box to verify that you understand all of the rules regarding the hunts you're applying for. You'll need to review Administrative Rule R657-38 before applying.

STEP 2: Be successful in the drawing

There are limited spaces open each year to join the program. Depending on the unit you apply for, it might take more than one year to draw. Drawing results are typically available by the end of May.

If your drawing result is unsuccessful, you'll receive a Dedicated Hunter preference point. This point improves your odds of joining the program in a future drawing. Read more about preference points.

If you are successful in the drawing, you'll be enrolled in the program and charged one of the following (non-refundable) fees:

The program fee is nonrefundable except as provided by Utah Administrative Rule R657-42. This fee includes your Certificate of Registration (program fee) and your deer permit fees for all three years.

Want to know more?

• Check out the common questions and answers
• Contact the DWR

Learn more about the Dedicated Hunter Program

Dedicated Hunter participants who complete their annual requirements may hunt a designated general season unit during all of its open seasons (archery, muzzleloader and any legal weapon (rifle) hunts), using the appropriate weapon type for each season.

Dedicated Hunters participating in a habitat project.

Dedicated Hunters working together on a habitat project.

Dedicated Hunters may also participate in the general season extended archery deer hunt (only within the special extended archery area boundary), when available.

Commitment

Upon joining the Program, a Dedicated Hunter is enrolled for a three-year period and agrees to:

• Complete 32 service hours of DWR-approved service projects.
• Harvest no more than two general season deer during the three years in the program (with a maximum of one deer per year).
• Complete an online conservation and ethics training course.
• Maintain a current Utah hunting or combination license.
• Pay the program Certificate of Registration fee.
• Not obtain any other type of Utah General Season Buck Deer permit while enrolled in the program.

Expectations

Projects

Dedicated Hunters serve through DWR-approved service projects. Many projects will have a wildlife habitat focus, but all forms of wildlife are important and often interconnected, so the DWR often offers a variety of other types of opportunities for service. Habitat projects tend to occur in remote locations. Dedicated Hunters should join the program with the expectation that projects may be two or three hours away from home — and that the travel time to and from a project is not counted toward the service requirement.

Participation

Dedicated Hunters who find the most success in the program, visit the service project web page frequently (once or twice each week) and complete their service in the spring, when projects are most abundant.

Due to unexpected life events or situations, some Dedicated Hunters are unable to participate in the program as they had originally intended.

Learn more about withdrawing early from the program.