Search Wildlife
- Blue Ribbon Fisheries program allocates $450K to enhance some of Utah's best fishing spots during 2025-26 projects
- See hummingbirds up close at banding event in northeastern Utah
- Want the chance to hunt big game this fall? Remaining 2025 deer, elk permits to be sold beginning July 8
- Want the chance to hunt cranes, grouse or swans in Utah this fall? Apply for 2025 permits starting July 2
- See osprey at upcoming DWR viewing event at Flaming Gorge
- Visiting Antelope Island this summer? How to avoid conflicts with bison
- DWR unveils new viewing platform, trail at Eccles Wildlife Education Center
- Utah Wildlife Board approves updates to WMA license requirement rule, guide and outfitter requirements and other changes
History of hunter education
Hunter safety courses have saved lives and prevented accidents.
Utah's program began in 1957. During that year the state experienced 126 hunting-related accidents. Of those accidents, 22 were fatal. This sort of accident rate was not tolerable.
The Utah Hunter Education program began as a voluntary program, and in 1960, the program became mandatory. Any resident under the age of 21 wanting to purchase a hunting license was required to complete this course. That law stayed in effect until 1987, when the law changed to require anyone, non-resident or resident, born after December 31, 1965 to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
This law is working; since 1996 Utah has averaged less than seven hunting accidents per year. During that time, Utah has had only seven hunting firearm-related fatalities. Hunting is safe and getting safer.
