What the Nonresident Combination License Covers

Utah's Nonresident Combination Hunting and Fishing License is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish in the state during the same calendar year. You do not need to buy separate licenses for each activity — one license covers both. The permit is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it.

This license gives you the legal right to hunt most game species and fish in Utah's public waters. It does not include waterfowl, turkey, or certain other species that require separate permits called endorsements. Those cost extra and are purchased separately, even with the combination license in hand.

The combination license is designed for people who plan to do both activities during their visit or residency period. If you only want to fish, or only want to hunt, Utah also sells single-activity licenses at a lower price.

Key Takeaways

  • The combination license covers both hunting and fishing for the full calendar year and costs less than buying two separate annual licenses.
  • Waterfowl, turkey, and some other species require additional endorsement permits that you purchase separately, even with the combination license.
  • You must carry your license with you while hunting or fishing, and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officers can ask to see it at any time.
  • The license is issued immediately when you purchase it online or at a vendor, so you can start hunting or fishing the same day.
  • Nonresidents must also follow Utah's specific season dates, bag limits, and gear restrictions for each species and region.

How to Purchase the License

You can buy the nonresident combination license online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state. The online purchase is the fastest option — you receive your license immediately as a digital file that you can print or display on your phone.

To purchase online, you will need a valid form of identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a credit or debit card, and an email address. You must also provide your name, date of birth, and address. The entire process takes about five minutes.

If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit any authorized license vendor in Utah. These include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and some convenience stores. Call ahead to confirm they have the license in stock, since smaller vendors may not carry all permit types.

Cost and Validity Period

The price of the nonresident combination license varies depending on whether you are a resident of a neighboring state or a resident of a state farther away. Utah charges different rates for residents of Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona compared to all other states. Check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website for the exact current price, as fees change annually.

Once you purchase the license, it is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you buy it. If you purchase in November, your license expires on December 31 of that same year. If you purchase in January, it remains valid through December 31. You cannot carry a license forward into the next year.

The license is non-refundable once purchased, even if you do not use it. If you lose your license, you can request a replacement through the Division of Wildlife Resources, though a replacement fee may apply.

What Requires Additional Permits Beyond the Combination License

Several hunting activities require separate endorsement permits even if you hold the combination license. Waterfowl hunting requires a federal Duck Stamp (purchased from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) plus Utah's waterfowl endorsement. Turkey hunting requires a turkey endorsement. Antelope hunting requires a separate antelope permit, which is issued through a drawing system.

Some fishing activities also have additional requirements. If you want to fish for certain species in specific areas, you may need to purchase a special use permit or pay an additional fee. Check the current Utah fishing guidebook or the Division of Wildlife Resources website to confirm what your target species requires.

Archery and muzzleloader hunting do not require separate endorsements — they are covered under the general hunting license. However, you must follow the specific season dates and gear rules for each method.

Regulations You Must Follow

Carrying your license is mandatory. You must have your physical license or a digital copy on your phone whenever you are hunting or fishing. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officers can stop you at any time and ask to see your license. Hunting or fishing without a valid license is a violation and can result in fines and confiscation of your catch or game.

Season dates vary by species and region. Deer seasons, elk seasons, and fishing seasons all have specific opening and closing dates that change year to year. Bag limits — the number of fish or game animals you can take per day — also vary. Before you hunt or fish, download the current Utah hunting or fishing guidebook from the Division of Wildlife Resources website to confirm the dates and limits for your target species and location.

Certain methods and gear are restricted or prohibited. For example, some waters are fly-fishing only, and some hunting areas have restrictions on the type of firearm or ammunition you can use. Violating these rules can result in citations and fines.

Nonresident Residency Requirements

To purchase a nonresident license, you must not be a Utah resident. Utah defines residency based on where you have your primary home and where you pay property taxes or rent. If you have moved to Utah within the past 60 days, you may still be considered a nonresident for licensing purposes, but this varies by situation.

If you are a Utah resident, you must purchase a resident license instead, which costs significantly less. Resident licenses are also available as combination permits and cover the same hunting and fishing activities.

Military personnel stationed in Utah may be treated as residents or nonresidents depending on their duty status and home of record. Contact the Division of Wildlife Resources directly if you are unsure of your status.

Where You Can Hunt and Fish With This License

The combination license is valid on all public lands and waters in Utah where hunting and fishing are permitted. This includes national forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, state wildlife areas, and some private lands where the owner allows public access. It does not grant you access to private property — you must have the landowner's permission to hunt or fish on private land.

Some areas have special restrictions or closures. Certain wildlife areas are closed during specific seasons, and some regions require a special permit in addition to your license. Check the Division of Wildlife Resources website or call their office before planning a trip to confirm access and any area-specific rules.

Utah's major fishing destinations include the Green River, the Colorado River, Bear Lake, and numerous mountain lakes and streams. Major hunting areas include the Uinta Mountains, the Henry Mountains, and the Wasatch Range. Each area has different species, seasons, and access points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a nonresident combination license if I own property in Utah?

Owning property in Utah does not automatically make you a resident for licensing purposes. You must establish residency by living in Utah as your primary home. If you own a vacation home but live elsewhere, you still purchase a nonresident license. Contact the Division of Wildlife Resources if your situation is unclear.

What happens if I lose my license while hunting or fishing?

Request a replacement through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or by calling their office. A replacement fee applies. Until you receive the replacement, you cannot legally hunt or fish. If you are stopped by an officer without a valid license, you can face a citation.

Do I need a separate license for each family member?

Yes. Each person who hunts or fishes must have their own valid license. Children under 12 may be exempt from licensing requirements in some situations, but this varies by activity. Check the current hunting and fishing guidebooks for age-specific rules.

Can I purchase a combination license for only part of the year?

No. Utah does not sell short-term combination licenses. You purchase for the full calendar year, even if you only plan to hunt or fish for a few weeks. If cost is a concern, you can buy a single-activity license (hunting only or fishing only) instead, which costs less.

What if I move to Utah after buying a nonresident license?

Your nonresident license remains valid through the end of that calendar year. Once the year ends, you must purchase a resident license if you have established Utah residency. Residency is typically established after 60 days of living in the state, though this can vary.