A new access requirement went into effect July 1, 2026, for individuals visiting Wildlife Management Areas in four Utah counties. Visitors 18 years of age or older must now present either a purchased hunting or fishing license or a free digital access permit to enter designated areas within Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties.
Phased Statewide Implementation Plan
Details of the rollout process for Utah's WMAs
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced that the new mandate follows state law established through H.B. 30. The legislation requires a phased statewide rollout of the permit requirement over the next three years to ensure all Utahns are aware of the changes in access protocols for 'class one' and 'class two' counties.
While the July 1 implementation affects the four most populous counties, the Division noted that the expansion will continue across the state. For those visiting areas in these specific counties, the digital access permit can be obtained by watching an instructional video provided by the agency.
Specific Regional Access Requirements
How county lines impact permit needs
The requirement specifically targets certain portions of various management areas depending on their geographic location. For instance, in Weber County, access to parts of the Cinnamon Creek WMA, Harold Crane WMA, and Willard Bay Upland Game Area requires a permit or license. Similarly, in Utah County, visitors to the Santaquin WMA, Spencer Fork WMA, and West Hills WMA are subject to these same regulations.
A fishing license is sufficient to fulfill the access requirement for any WMA. However, the Division of $Wildlife Resources noted that individuals seeking a hunting or combination license must first complete an approved Hunter Education program.
Conservation Mission and Funding
The purpose and history of Utah's WMAs
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources manages 132 Wildlife and Waterfowl Management Areas (WMAs) across the state, covering more than 622,340 acres. These lands serve multiple conservation purposes, including protecting critical wildlife habitats, providing winter ranges for big game animals to find food and shelter, and mitigating wildlife damage on private property.
The agency's history of land management dates back to 1901 with its first property purchase, while the formal establishment of WMAs began in the 1920s. These areas are primarily funded through federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment and the sale of Utah hunting and fishing licenses, rather than state tax revenue.
Diverse Management Area Regulations
Variations in acreage and usage rules
The management areas vary significantly in scale and specific usage restrictions. Some locations, such as the Book Cliffs Roadless WMA, encompass over 56,000 acres, while others like Bear River Bottoms WMA consist of fewer than 50 acres. Certain areas have strict prohibitions on motorized vehicles or seasonal closures to protect wildlife.
For example, the Blackhawk WMA is noted as being closed for the 2025-2026 season. Other areas, such as the Bear River Bottoms WMA and Bud Phelps WMA, are designated as walk-in access only with no motorized vehicle use permitted.
Supporting Wildlife Conservation
Ways for the public to contribute
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources continues to encourage public support for these lands through donations, which can be directed toward specific WMAs or statewide conservation efforts. All license sales are dedicated to the ongoing acquisition, management, and habitat restoration of Utah's fish and wildlife resources.
