The state of Utah conveniently bundles its hunting and fishing licenses together as the Utah Combination License. Without either a hunting or fishing license, the only legal animals to hunt are typically undesirables.
Hunting without a license is considered a crime. Punishments such as fines and prison await violators cited for poaching. It is always better to have a permit to guard against the possibility of legal trouble.
A Utah combination license is an excellent resource for securing your right to hunt most animals and safeguarding against legal penalties.
What is a Utah Combination License?
Most people involved in the outdoors will be involved in hunting and fishing. Each license is available for individual attainment, but those who engage in both activities will find it more affordable to get a combination license, which combines the two.
The hunting license is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors. A combined license allows you to fish in public waters and legally hunt many animals in season.
How Much will a Combination License Cost/Save?
Prices for each license depend primarily on age and veteran status. Prospective hunters can acquire a combination license after proving having passed the Hunters Safety Course from the state.
Hunters purchasing a combination license will only have to pay a few additional dollars more than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. The combination license makes it very convenient for lovers of the great outdoors to legally hunt and fish at an affordable price.
Do I Need a License Before Hunting or Fishing?
All Utah residents and non-residents must purchase a license before trying to catch animals in the wild. The hunting and fishing fees go towards maintaining and furthering the Division of Wildlife Resources’ vision. This includes funding conservation projects, providing income for employees, and advancing research in conserving the environment.
What Can I Catch with a Utah Combination License?
The Utah Combination License allows the holder to hunt most birds and catch most fish.
The Division of Wildlife Resources ensures that unrestricted hunting doesn’t disrupt or destroy natural ecosystems. Over-hunting threatens animal populations with limited numbers. Due to their large populations, there is little risk that smaller animals will be similarly threatened and require no special permit or registration for hunting.
Some fish and animals are under the protection of the state. Hunters cannot hunt protected animals; anglers cannot catch protected fish. If an angler catches a protected fish, they must release it immediately.
Why are Additional Licenses Needed?
The state allots a limited number for hunting for larger, less abundant animals. The state permits hunters to hunt these animals by issuing a hunting tag, provided the hunter notifies the state of any successful hunts.
The state prohibits the hunting of many different animals for the majority of the year. Most babies are born in the winter or early spring and depend on their mother for the first six months of life. The hunting window is during a time of year when the latest batch of babies can survive in the wild without their parents.
The state requires additional permits to hunt any of the following animals:
- Elk.
- Deer.
- Pronghorn.
- Moose.
- Bison.
- Sheep.
- Goats.
- Cougar.
- Bear.
- Turkey.
- Swan.
- Sandhill crane.
- Furbearers.
What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Hunting or Fishing License?
Obtaining a fishing permit is easier than getting a hunting permit. The fishing permit only requires registration with the state and an annual license fee payment.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to be familiar with laws related to fishing, particularly about daily catch limits and location-specific requirements. The general public can find all the information needed for fishing in Utah on the Utah Division of Wildlife Services website.
The requirements for hunting require proof that the bearer has completed a hunter safety course. This one-time course will ensure the bearer is familiar with standard safety practices and basic hunting skills.
To trap or hunt animals in limited supply–such as elk, deer, moose, etc.–additional training may be required, and other permits and licenses will need to be purchased.
What is a HIP Number?
Some animals, primarily birds, don’t make Utah their primary home. Instead, they migrate to warmer climates during the winter.
It is still legal to hunt most migratory birds, but hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). When a hunter kills a migratory animal, the state requires that the animal be registered with HIP so biologists can track migratory patterns for conservation purposes.
A HIP number is good through hunting season. During the spring of every year, those considering hunting migratory birds should renew their HIP number for the following year.
What Happens If I Accidentally Catch or Kill a Protected or Endangered Animal?
Whether setting traps or casting a line, accidents happen. Accidents are okay, so long as the event was a legitimate accident.
Only authorized personnel are allowed to handle protected animals. If you accidentally trap or shoot an endangered animal, you must immediately report it to the Division of Wildlife Resources.
An authorized individual will come to your location to free or dispose of the animal you have caught or killed.
Hunting With Experts at R&K Hunting
Whether you just got your first Utah combination license or are a seasoned hunter with years of experience, R&K Hunting can help you have the trip of a lifetime!
We have tens of thousands of acres of pristine wilderness full of all sorts of wildlife. Our years of experience and knowledge of our land give us an edge over any solo hunts. We have high success rates for trophy animals, including mule deer, elk, moose, and Pronghorn Antelope.
We have experience helping hunters get trophies using rifles and bows. If you want to experience a hunting trip unlike any others you’ve experienced before, contact us and schedule a hunting trip today!
Hunting season may be months away, but tags and times fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on your chance for an unforgettable excursion!