Guides, outfitters and spotters

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.