Can Non-Residents Apply for Limited Entry Elk Tags?

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Limited Entry Elk tags in Utah as a Non-Resident, you must have completed a hunter education course approved by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and obtain a Utah hunting license. Non-Residents must apply through the Utah Online Licensing System, which typically opens in June for the following year’s hunt. Be prepared to provide information such as your Utah hunting license number, a valid credit card, and a valid email address.

Limited Entry Elk Tag Application Process

The Limited Entry Elk tag application process involves a random drawing based on the number of available tags and the preference points system. Non-Residents can apply for up to six species, but only one Limited Entry Elk tag per species per year. It’s essential to submit your application before the deadline, as late applications will not be accepted. The application fee is $10 for Non-Residents, while the tag fee varies depending on the hunt unit and species. For example, the 2023 Limited Entry Elk tag fee for Non-Residents in Hunt Unit 23 was $475.

Hunt Unit Selection and Preference Points

When applying for a Limited Entry Elk tag, Non-Residents must select a specific hunt unit where they would like to hunt. Hunt units in Utah vary in terms of elk density, terrain, and accessibility. To increase their chances of drawing a tag, Non-Residents can accumulate preference points by applying for a Limited Entry Elk tag in a specific hunt unit for multiple years. For example, if you apply for a Limited Entry Elk tag in Hunt Unit 23 for five consecutive years and don’t draw a tag, you will have five preference points. These preference points will be applied to your application in future years, giving you a higher chance of drawing a tag.