Utah Hunting Laws
Utah sets no minimum rifle caliber for big game — any centerfire rifle firing expanding bullets qualifies — but bans 'smart' firearms equipped with computerized targeting systems that calculate a firing solution and discharge automatically. Handguns need at least .24 caliber and 500 ft-lb of energy; muzzleloaders need at least .40 caliber.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in Utah
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
All weapons
5 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
At least one primarily hunter-orange garment (hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater) is required while hunting big game, with exceptions for archery/muzzleloader-only hunts, once-in-a-lifetime/conservation/sportsman hunts, and cooperative wildlife management units. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"An individual shall wear a hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater made of primarily hunter orange material and so the item can be seen while hunting any species of big game" |
R657-5-49 | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Elk |
At least one primarily hunter-orange garment (hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater) is required while hunting big game, with exceptions for archery/muzzleloader-only hunts, once-in-a-lifetime/conservation/sportsman hunts, and cooperative wildlife management units. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"An individual shall wear a hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater made of primarily hunter orange material and so the item can be seen while hunting any species of big game" |
R657-5-49 | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Moose |
At least one primarily hunter-orange garment (hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater) is required while hunting big game, with exceptions for archery/muzzleloader-only hunts, once-in-a-lifetime/conservation/sportsman hunts, and cooperative wildlife management units. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"An individual shall wear a hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater made of primarily hunter orange material and so the item can be seen while hunting any species of big game" |
R657-5-49 | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Pronghorn |
At least one primarily hunter-orange garment (hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater) is required while hunting big game, with exceptions for archery/muzzleloader-only hunts, once-in-a-lifetime/conservation/sportsman hunts, and cooperative wildlife management units. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"An individual shall wear a hat, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater made of primarily hunter orange material and so the item can be seen while hunting any species of big game" |
R657-5-49 | Aug 2026 needs review |
| All species | Suppressors are not listed among Utah's prohibited hunting weapons/devices in R657-5-7, and are widely reported as legal for big game hunting by anyone who may lawfully possess one under federal law — but this is an inference from the absence of a prohibition rather than an affirmative statement found in the rule text. | R657-5-7 (prohibited weapons list — suppressors not listed) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Handgun
8 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Deer/pronghorn handguns: at least .24 caliber, centerfire, expanding bullet, developing at least 500 ft-lb of energy at the muzzle.
"is a minimum of .24 caliber ... fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet ... develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle" |
R657-5-9(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Deer/pronghorn handguns: at least .24 caliber, centerfire, expanding bullet, developing at least 500 ft-lb of energy at the muzzle.
"is a minimum of .24 caliber ... fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet ... develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle" |
R657-5-9(1) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Deer/pronghorn handgun loads must develop at least 500 ft-lb of energy at the muzzle. | R657-5-9(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Deer/pronghorn handgun loads must develop at least 500 ft-lb of energy at the muzzle. | R657-5-9(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Elk/moose (and bighorn sheep/goat/bison) handguns: at least .24 caliber, centerfire, expanding bullet, developing at least 500 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards (a tougher standard than the muzzle-energy test for deer/pronghorn).
"is a minimum of .24 caliber ... fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet ... develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards" |
R657-5-9(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Elk/moose (and bighorn sheep/goat/bison) handguns: at least .24 caliber, centerfire, expanding bullet, developing at least 500 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards (a tougher standard than the muzzle-energy test for deer/pronghorn).
"is a minimum of .24 caliber ... fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet ... develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards" |
R657-5-9(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Elk/moose handgun loads must develop at least 500 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards. | R657-5-9(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Elk/moose handgun loads must develop at least 500 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards. | R657-5-9(2) | Aug 2026 |
Muzzleloader
12 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Muzzleloaders must be single-barrel with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. | R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Muzzleloaders must be single-barrel with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. | R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Muzzleloaders must be single-barrel with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. | R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloaders must be single-barrel with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. | R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Muzzleloaders for big game must fire a lead or expanding bullet/projectile of at least .40 caliber.
"A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used." |
R657-5-10(2)(a) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Muzzleloaders for big game must fire a lead or expanding bullet/projectile of at least .40 caliber.
"A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used." |
R657-5-10(2)(a) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Muzzleloaders for big game must fire a lead or expanding bullet/projectile of at least .40 caliber.
"A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used." |
R657-5-10(2)(a) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Muzzleloaders for big game must fire a lead or expanding bullet/projectile of at least .40 caliber.
"A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used." |
R657-5-10(2)(a) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Unlike some states, Utah does not restrict muzzleloader scopes — open sights, peep sights, and magnifying scopes are all permitted.
"has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope" |
R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Unlike some states, Utah does not restrict muzzleloader scopes — open sights, peep sights, and magnifying scopes are all permitted.
"has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope" |
R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Unlike some states, Utah does not restrict muzzleloader scopes — open sights, peep sights, and magnifying scopes are all permitted.
"has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope" |
R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Unlike some states, Utah does not restrict muzzleloader scopes — open sights, peep sights, and magnifying scopes are all permitted.
"has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope" |
R657-5-10(1) | Aug 2026 |
Rifle
16 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
No minimum or maximum caliber for big game rifles — any centerfire rifle firing expanding bullets is legal.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
No minimum or maximum caliber for big game rifles — any centerfire rifle firing expanding bullets is legal.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
No minimum or maximum caliber for big game rifles — any centerfire rifle firing expanding bullets is legal.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
No minimum or maximum caliber for big game rifles — any centerfire rifle firing expanding bullets is legal.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Big game rifles must fire expanding-type bullets.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Big game rifles must fire expanding-type bullets.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Big game rifles must fire expanding-type bullets.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Big game rifles must fire expanding-type bullets.
"A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets." |
R657-5-8(1) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
'Smart' firearms/scopes with computerized targeting systems that mark a target, calculate a firing solution, and automatically discharge the firearm are prohibited for taking big game.
"a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target" |
R657-5-7(2)(c) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
'Smart' firearms/scopes with computerized targeting systems that mark a target, calculate a firing solution, and automatically discharge the firearm are prohibited for taking big game.
"a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target" |
R657-5-7(2)(c) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
'Smart' firearms/scopes with computerized targeting systems that mark a target, calculate a firing solution, and automatically discharge the firearm are prohibited for taking big game.
"a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target" |
R657-5-7(2)(c) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
'Smart' firearms/scopes with computerized targeting systems that mark a target, calculate a firing solution, and automatically discharge the firearm are prohibited for taking big game.
"a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target" |
R657-5-7(2)(c) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Rifles are reported to allow no attachment capable of electronic function other than an illuminated reticle — this narrower clause is pending direct re-confirmation against the current official rule text (the broader computerized-targeting-system ban above is independently verified). | R657-5-8 (electronic attachment clause) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Elk | Rifles are reported to allow no attachment capable of electronic function other than an illuminated reticle — this narrower clause is pending direct re-confirmation against the current official rule text (the broader computerized-targeting-system ban above is independently verified). | R657-5-8 (electronic attachment clause) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Moose | Rifles are reported to allow no attachment capable of electronic function other than an illuminated reticle — this narrower clause is pending direct re-confirmation against the current official rule text (the broader computerized-targeting-system ban above is independently verified). | R657-5-8 (electronic attachment clause) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Pronghorn | Rifles are reported to allow no attachment capable of electronic function other than an illuminated reticle — this narrower clause is pending direct re-confirmation against the current official rule text (the broader computerized-targeting-system ban above is independently verified). | R657-5-8 (electronic attachment clause) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Shotgun
6 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Shotguns for big game must be 20 gauge or larger (i.e., no smaller-bore than 20 gauge), loaded with 00 buckshot or larger, or slugs.
"A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition." |
R657-5-8(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Shotguns for big game must be 20 gauge or larger (i.e., no smaller-bore than 20 gauge), loaded with 00 buckshot or larger, or slugs.
"A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition." |
R657-5-8(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Shotguns for big game must be 20 gauge or larger (i.e., no smaller-bore than 20 gauge), loaded with 00 buckshot or larger, or slugs.
"A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition." |
R657-5-8(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Shotguns for big game must be 20 gauge or larger (i.e., no smaller-bore than 20 gauge), loaded with 00 buckshot or larger, or slugs.
"A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition." |
R657-5-8(2) | Aug 2026 |
| Wild Turkey |
Turkey shotgun loads must be shot size BB or smaller (finer) in diameter. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"a shotgun, firing shot sizes BB and smaller diameter" |
R657-54a-4 | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Waterfowl |
Nontoxic shot is required statewide for waterfowl, snipe, coot, and sandhill crane. Quoted text confirmed via a Cornell LII mirror of the Utah Admin. Code; pending independent confirmation against the official rules.utah.gov domain text.
"Only nontoxic shot may be in possession or used while hunting waterfowl, snipe, coot; and sandhill crane." |
R657-9-9 | Aug 2026 needs review |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in Utah on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
Utah Admin. Code R657-5-49 — Hunter Orange Exceptions
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (mirror of Utah Admin. Code) · retrieved August 30, 2026
Utah Admin. Code R657-54a-4 — Authorized Weapons (Wild Turkey)
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (mirror of Utah Admin. Code) · retrieved August 30, 2026
Utah Admin. Code R657-5 — Taking Big Game
Utah Office of Administrative Rules · retrieved August 30, 2026
Utah Admin. Code R657-9-9 — Nontoxic Shot (Waterfowl)
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (mirror of Utah Admin. Code) · retrieved August 30, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official Utah hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact Utah Division of Wildlife Resources directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.