Utah is one of the most scenic states in the western United States, known for its rugged and diverse geography ranging from arid deserts to forested mountain valleys. From the high peaks of the Wasatch Range in the central part of the state to the stunning sandstone arches and pinnacles of the southwest, Utah is a feast for the eyes and home to healthy populations of big and small game. Utah has an impressive variety of big game to hunt, including mule deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, and bison. Utah is especially famous for its large-antlered elk and mule deer. In fact, the largest non-typical elk on record, the “Spider Bull,” was shot in Utah in 2008 and scored 478 5/8 B&C points. Small game and bird hunting is excellent in Utah as well, with pheasants, ducks, geese, rabbits, sage grouse, forest grouse, chukar, doves, and wild turkeys available in good numbers. One of Utah’s most famous hunting areas is the Book Cliffs, a 200-mile-long stretch of wild land that is considered longest continuous escarpment in the world. Most of the Book Cliffs are public lands, making this a popular backcountry hunting destination where a limited number of licenses are available for trophy-class elk and mule deer. Resident and nonresident permits for general hunts, including some over-the-counter elk and deer permits, can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis from license dealers statewide, from DWR offices, and via the internet. These permits are usually valid only for a certain unit. Special hunt permits are allotted via lotteries, with application periods beginning in early January. With some exceptions, hunters in Utah must wear 400 square inches of blaze orange on the head, chest, and back during the rifle seasons. Learn more about Utah’s hunting regulations at here.