Utah Draw Odds

Utah uses a bonus point system. Bonus points increase your chances of being drawn but do not guarantee selection. More points = more entries in the random draw. Utah splits every limited-entry permit into a 50/50 pool: half the tags go to the top bonus-point holders, half are squared and drawn from the entire applicant pool. That structure rewards point patience without freezing out new applicants the way a strict preference state would. Utah's premium hunts — Henry Mountains bison, Pauns, Beaver, San Juan elk — are some of the hardest tags in North America, with sub-1% odds even for max-point holders. The unique Utah gotcha: separate point banks for general-season deer, limited-entry deer, limited-entry elk, premium limited-entry elk, and once-in-a-lifetime species. A hunter can have 18 elk points and zero deer points, and the systems do not cross over. Build the bank that matches the hunt you actually want, not the species you happen to read about most.

The Utah draw application deadline is typically March. Results are usually posted Late April. Always verify dates with the Utah wildlife agency as they can change annually.

Utah offers draw permits for: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison. Some species like elk and deer may have both general and limited-entry options depending on the unit.

Utah charges $10 per point application. Points can be purchased during the application period and are typically valid for future years.

Utah elk draw success rates range from 2.7% to 10% depending on unit type. Statewide units have the best odds at approximately 10%.