What a Utah Combination License Covers
A combination license in Utah lets you hunt and fish with a single permit instead of buying them separately. The license covers both freshwater fishing and most hunting seasons in the same calendar year, so you do not need to track multiple expiration dates or purchase documents.
The combination license is not a discount bundle — it costs the same as buying a hunting license and a fishing license on their own. What it does is simplify your paperwork and give you one document to carry. Utah residents and non-residents can both purchase combination licenses, though the price differs between the two groups.
You still need to purchase individual tags or stamps for specific animals you plan to hunt — a combination license does not include those. For example, if you want to hunt deer, you buy the combination license first, then purchase a separate deer tag. The same applies to waterfowl stamps and other special permits.
Key Takeaways
- A combination license covers both hunting and fishing for the calendar year, but you still buy tags separately for specific game animals.
- Utah residents pay one price for a combination license; non-residents pay a higher rate, and prices vary depending on your age.
- You can purchase a combination license online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- The license is valid from January 1 through December 31, so the timing of your purchase affects how long you can use it.
Resident and Non-Resident Pricing
Utah residents and non-residents pay different rates for a combination license. Residents pay less than non-residents, and both groups have reduced rates for youth (ages 11–17) and seniors (ages 65 and older). Children under 11 do not need a license to fish or hunt in Utah when supervised by a licensed adult.
Prices change periodically, so the exact dollar amount varies from year to year. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources publishes current pricing on its website before each calendar year begins. When you purchase your license, the vendor will show you the current rate for your category before you complete the transaction.
If you plan to fish and hunt only occasionally, compare the combination license price to buying a single-activity license. In some cases, purchasing only what you need costs less than the combination rate, though most people who do both activities find the combination license more convenient.
How to Purchase Your License
You can buy a combination license through three main channels: the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at a physical vendor. The online method is fastest — you can complete the purchase in minutes and print or save your license immediately to your phone or computer.
To purchase online, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website and navigate to the licensing section. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one, provide your personal information, select the combination license option, and pay by credit or debit card. Your license is valid as soon as the transaction completes.
If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and some convenience stores across Utah. Call ahead to confirm they have combination licenses in stock. You can also call the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources directly during business hours to purchase over the phone using a credit card.
License Validity and Expiration
A combination license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. If you buy your license in June, it remains valid through the end of that same calendar year — you do not get a full 12 months from your purchase date. This timing matters if you plan to fish or hunt in early January, because you will need to purchase a new license for the new calendar year.
Your license is valid immediately upon purchase, whether you buy it online, by phone, or in person. You do not need to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail to start fishing or hunting — your digital copy or receipt is sufficient proof of purchase. If you prefer a physical card, the Division mails those separately, but they are not required to fish or hunt legally.
Keep your license with you whenever you fish or hunt. Game wardens and other enforcement officers can ask to see it at any time. If you lose your physical license, you can print a replacement from your online account or contact the Division to request a duplicate.
Tags, Stamps, and Additional Permits You Still Need
A combination license covers your right to fish and hunt, but it does not include tags for specific animals or stamps for waterfowl. You must purchase these separately, and they have their own seasons, quotas, and rules. For example, a deer tag, elk tag, or waterfowl stamp each require a separate purchase and have different application deadlines.
Some tags are available over-the-counter year-round, while others require you to enter a drawing or apply during a specific window. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources publishes a hunting and fishing guidebook each year that lists which tags are available, when to apply, and what the current fees are. Check this guide before you plan your trip, because tag availability changes by season and by hunting unit.
Fishing does not require tags, but certain waters have special regulations — some are catch-and-release only, some have slot limits, and some are restricted to specific methods. Your combination license covers the right to fish, but you must follow the rules for each water you visit. The Division's website and printed guides list these regulations by location.
What Happens If You Fish or Hunt Without a License
Fishing or hunting without a valid license is a violation of Utah law. Game wardens patrol fishing and hunting areas and can stop you to check your license at any time. If you cannot show a valid combination license (or the appropriate single-activity license), you face a citation, fines, and possible loss of hunting and fishing privileges.
Penalties vary depending on the violation and whether it is your first offense. Fines can range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, and repeat violations carry steeper penalties. In addition, the Division may suspend your hunting and fishing privileges for a period of time, which means you cannot purchase a license during that suspension.
Carrying your license is simple — keep a digital copy on your phone, print a copy to carry in your wallet, or request a physical card from the Division. The small effort to have proof with you prevents a costly citation and ensures you can fish or hunt legally without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a combination license if I only plan to fish or only plan to hunt?
Yes, but it may not be the best choice. If you plan to do only one activity, a single-activity license costs less. Compare the current prices on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website to see which option saves you money based on what you actually plan to do.
Do I need a combination license if I am under 11 years old?
No. Children under 11 do not need a license to fish or hunt in Utah as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. Once you turn 11, you will need a license to fish or hunt on your own.
What if I buy a combination license in December — is it valid in January?
No. A combination license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it. If you buy one in December, it expires on December 31. You will need to purchase a new license for January of the following year.
Can I use my combination license to fish in other states?
No. Your Utah combination license is valid only in Utah. If you plan to fish or hunt in another state, you will need to purchase that state's license. Each state has its own licensing requirements and regulations.
Do I need a combination license if I only fish on private land?
Yes. Utah requires a valid fishing license for all fishing, regardless of whether the water is public or private. The only exception is for children under 11 supervised by a licensed adult.