Utah is one of the most structured and strategic big-game draw systems in the West, and if you’re a non-resident looking to hunt bull elk, mule deer, or pronghorn here, you need to understand how the point systems, timelines, and permit allocations actually work. In this episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down the Utah application process step-by-step so you can build a smart long-term plan with clear expectations. Utah relies on both bonus points and preference points, and while the terminology often sounds similar, each system plays a very different role for non-residents. If you’ve ever stared at Utah’s online application portal and felt unsure where to start, this is the guide that explains what matters, what doesn’t, and how to approach Utah without wasting time or money.

Matt starts with the basics: the requirement for every non-resident to hold a valid hunting or combo license before applying. Unlike other states, Utah’s license is valid for an entire year, which means smart hunters time their purchase to span two application periods. He walks through the March–April application window, the June points-only period, and the July first-come, first-served sale for remaining elk permits. Understanding these windows is critical because missing one season means losing a year of point building, and since Utah rewards persistence, staying consistent is the key to long-term success.

From there, Matt explains Utah’s two-track structure — limited-entry hunts versus general-season buck deer. Limited-entry permits for bull elk and buck pronghorn use Utah’s bonus-point system, where your points are squared to determine how many entries you hold in the draw. Half of the permits in every hunt go to the max-point pool, and the other half go through a weighted random system, which means even first-year applicants have a chance. It’s a system that keeps Utah exciting: no one is locked out forever, but staying in the game every year significantly increases your odds.

General-season buck deer draws use preference points — a true line-up system where the hunters with the most points draw first until all tags are gone. Because Utah rarely awards tags past first choices, your first selection is almost always the only one that matters. Matt explains how most non-residents combine both systems by applying for limited-entry elk or pronghorn while either building preference points or occasionally hunting general-season buck deer to maintain regular time in the field.

Next, Matt covers something most hunters miss: the Utah draw order. Limited-entry deer is processed first, followed by limited-entry elk, then limited-entry pronghorn, and lastly general-season buck deer. This order matters because drawing any limited-entry permit removes you from all subsequent draws that same year. When you apply, you need to rank your priorities — decide which species matters most — because once you pull a permit, you’re done. Understanding that sequence prevents you from accidentally knocking yourself out of the hunt you wanted most.

He then digs into non-resident tag availability. Utah generally allocates around ten percent of limited-entry permits to non-residents, but those tags don’t always appear for every hunt. Small quota hunts sometimes offer just one or two non-resident tags, and occasionally none at all. Before you burn time or points, you need to confirm that a hunt actually offers non-resident permits. Matt explains how bonus-point allocation and the random pool split apply even at tiny quotas and why staying organized year-to-year matters far more than chasing trends.

Group applications also get attention. Utah allows groups of up to four to apply together for general-season deer and limited-entry hunts. Residents and non-residents can even apply in the same group. But group points are averaged and rounded down, and if there aren’t enough tags to cover everyone, the group is skipped. Matt explains how group math works, when group strategy makes sense, and when it’s better to apply solo.

Matt ties everything together by showing how to build a Utah strategy that matches your long-term goals. If trophy elk is your dream, choose a limited-entry unit, build bonus points, and stay in the draw every year. If you want more consistent opportunity, general-season deer offers a clearer path if you keep building preference points. If elk experience matters more than trophy class, consider first-come, first-served any-bull or spike elk tags in July. Utah rewards hunters who think in decades, not years, and who learn to play the long game while still finding ways to get boots on the ground.

Finally, he walks through fees, timing, and housekeeping details that prevent costly mistakes — from license timing and point purchases to credit-card expiration issues that can invalidate your application. He explains how to treat Utah as part of a multi-state strategy by pairing bonus-point species with general-season options, tracking deadlines, and staying active while you build toward limited-entry goals. If you’re serious about applying in Utah, this episode gives you the clarity to know when to apply, how to buy points, what each point type means, and how to structure your priorities so you’re always moving closer to the hunts you care about most.