Welcome to a fascinating sneak peek at the 2023 Utah Turkey Season! As they prepare for an incredible hunting journey in Utah, turkey hunters and outdoor lovers are in for a treat. Utah, renowned for having a variety of scenery, including expansive mountains and huge deserts, provides a mesmerizing setting for an amazing turkey hunting experience. Hunters may anticipate new possibilities, revised rules, and a chance to experience nature while hunting these majestic birds in the upcoming 2023 season. So gather your supplies, hone your techniques, and get ready to go turkey hunting in Utah’s gorgeous wilderness!
Utah Turkey Season 2023
With proposed season dates running from April through May 2023, prepare for an exciting Utah Turkey Season. Hunters may increase their chances of having a special hunting experience by applying for licenses and participating in the drawing for the restricted-entry turkey hunt.
UT Spring Turkey Hunt
| UT Spring Turkey Season | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 limited-entry hunts | 8-Apr-23 | 27-Apr-23 |
| Spring 2023 youth hunt | 28-Apr-23 | 30-Apr-23 |
| Spring 2023 general- season hunts | 1-May-23 | 31-May-23 |
UT Fall Turkey Hunt
| UT Fall Turkey Season | Season Start Date (*TBC) | Season End Date (*TBC) |
|---|---|---|
| Northern, central, south- eastern and southern regions | 1-Oct-22 | 28-Feb-23 |
UT Turkey Licenses
| Licenses | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Limited-entry /general-season | $35.00 | $115.00 |
| CWMU wild turkey | $35.00 | $115.00 |
| Youth wild turkey | $25.00 | $115.00 |
Turkey Hunting Regulations
- Hunters may now buy one permit to harvest a male or female turkey. Fall turkey hunts are designed to reduce turkey damage in some locations. This year’s hunts are on private property only. Hunters must get formal permission from landowners before hunting on private property.
- Hunters may now take part in this exceptional opportunity thanks to the Parker Mountain sage-grouse hunt, which has been reinstated for the current season.
- In Utah, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are rare in-game birds, although there have been more widespread outbreaks in numerous counties in recent years. Report deceased game birds, scavengers, or raptors to the closest DWR office, including their location. Prevent handling or picking up birds to prevent dangers. Reporting such discoveries helps monitor and control Utah’s bird illnesses.
- The Utah Wildlife Board has approved air rifles for rabbit, hare, and autumn turkey hunting. Air rifles are forbidden for shooting protected upland game and turkey since there is no excise fee to pay for conservation efforts. Utah’s hunting seasons change annually. To comply with hunting season dates, verify the latest information.
- Hunting permits for greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill crane, and turkey in Utah need a valid Utah hunting or combination license. When hunting the upland game, you must have a license. To buy a license, visit a licensing agent, Division office, or wildlife.utah.gov. Calling 1-800-221-0659 for a license is another option.
- On November 12, 2022, planned and funded youth and beginning pheasant hunts close to Annabella, Pahvant, and part of Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area in Utah. Hunt-specific closures exclude the public. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/upland-game-youth-hunts.html in summer for additional information. Upland game hunters may also enjoy the Upland Game Slam program this year. Wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner has unit maps and border descriptions. Utah’s Walk-in Access properties need an authorization number for 2022-2023 hunting. Page 26 of the published literature explains this need.
- From July 28, 2022, at 8 a.m. MDT, hunters may get the requisite free licenses for hunting band-tailed pigeons and white-tailed ptarmigans. Wildlife.utah.gov, licensing agents, and Division offices sell these permits. Active military troops deployed during the 2022 Turkey permit application season may get points. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/military for military facts and alternatives.
- Utah’s hunter education and licensing requirements must be met before hunting upland game or turkey. Utah upland game and turkey hunters of any age may take a Division-approved hunter education course. Hunters under 13 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult 21 years or older authorized by the parent or guardian. Hunters 14–15 must be accompanied by a 21-year-old. Adults accompanying young hunters should know hunter education rules or take the course. The adult and kid must hunt near enough for the adult to see and help. Radios and mobile phones don’t count.
- If you were born after December 31, 1965, you must complete a Division-approved hunter education course to get a hunting or combination license in Utah. Only Division Trial Hunters are exempt. A hunter education card (“blue card”) or Division-verified hunter education number proves completion. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation for conventional and online hunter education. Register for a hunter education course and get a certificate. Your teacher will certify your course completion online, enabling you to apply for permits and utilize the registration certificate as your hunting license. The blue card will arrive in four to six weeks. An adult must accompany hunters under 16, and all hunting laws apply, including season dates and bag limitations. Allow time for the mail-ordered hunter education card if hunting out of state.
- Utah requires a hunting or combination license to hunt upland games. Applying for licenses to hunt band-tailed pigeon, greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill crane, white-tailed ptarmigan, or wild turkey requires this. In Utah, a combo license lets you fish and hunt small game. Wildlife.utah.gov, licensing agents, Division offices, or 1-800-221-0659 sell these licenses. Each purchase incurs a $2 transaction fee and licensing cost. Hunting upland game requires a license and any necessary permissions, which cannot be altered, transferred, or lent. For further information or to set up a payment plan, call the Office of Recovery Services at 801-536-8500. Child support arrears may prohibit fishing and hunting permits.
- In Utah, migrating game birds must be hunted with a license and a migrating Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/uthip from any device and complete a few brief questions regarding your 2021-2022 migratory game bird hunts to get a HIP number. Your new HIP number will be displayed or sent to you after registration. Any Division office can help throughout business hours. The HIP number must be recorded on your hunting license and saved on the Utah Hunting and Fishing app at wildlife.utah.gov/mobileapp.
Note: For a complete list of UT Turkey regulations, you review it on the regulations website.
FAQs on Utah Turkey Season
When does the spring turkey hunting season in Utah begin?
The spring turkey hunting season in Utah for 2023 is divided into different periods. The limited hunts shall run from April 8 through April 27, 2023. Young hunters will have the chance to participate in the youth hunt, which will take place from April 28 to 30, 2023. The general-season hunts will last from May 1 to December 31, 2023, allowing hunters to go after turkeys all around the state. These dates indicate the authorized timeslots for Utah’s spring 2023 turkey hunting.
Are there different subspecies of turkeys found in Utah?
Utah is home to the Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkey subspecies.
How many wild turkeys are estimated to be in Utah?
Between 25,000 and 35,000 wild turkeys are said to be present in Utah.
How can I obtain a turkey permit in Utah?
You must first fulfil Utah’s hunter education and licensing requirements to be granted a turkey permit. You may apply for a turkey permit via the state’s drawing for turkey permits or get a general-season permit after meeting these qualifications. Limited-entry permit applications typically open in December, while general-season permit purchases may be made during designated selling times.
How many turkey permits can I obtain?
One permit is available for the spring season, while three permits are available for the fall season.
Are young hunters eligible for any special permits?
Yes, 15% of Utah’s limited-entry turkey licenses are set aside for young hunters who turn 17 before July 31 of the hunting season. Youth may hunt during the general spring season and the spring youth hunt if they have a limited-entry permit but do not harvest during the limited-entry season.
Are there any special permits for young hunters?
Regulations for hunting turkeys in Utah are covered in full in the Utah DWR Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook. It provides raapid access to the laws and regulations regulating upland game and turkey hunting in the state for hunters.
How can I apply for a turkey permit or obtain bonus points?
You may apply for a turkey limited-entry permit or bonus points through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website. Usually beginning in December and ending before the year is through, the application period. Before applying, you must have a current Utah hunting or combination license. Contacting any Division office will get you to help with the online application.
Can you go turkey hunting without a permit?
No, you must possess a current turkey hunting permit to hunt turkeys in Utah. While turkey hunting, it’s crucial to keep the permit on your person and avoid altering or giving it to someone else.
What are the bag limits for turkey hunting in Utah?
One male turkey per permit is often the bag limit for turkey hunting in Utah during the spring hunting season, and one bird of either sex is usually allowed per permit during the autumn hunting season. However, it is always advisable to refer to the most recent hunting laws for precise information and any modifications to bag restrictions.
