In a report published August 26, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provided guidance for the 2026 upland game hunting season. Most upland game hunts in Utah do not require additional permits and are open to anyone holding a Utah hunting license.
According to Heather Talley, the DWR Upland Game Coordinator, dove numbers in much of Utah are expected to be similar to or slightly above last year. Mourning and white-winged doves are protected by federal law and require a Harvest Information Program number, which can be obtained for free on the DWR website. The hunting season for these species runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30.
Band-tailed pigeons are considered a secretive species and require a free permit available on the DWR website. While DWR biologists do not perform formal surveys for pigeons, the population has remained relatively stable. The pigeon hunting season is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Sept. 14.
Grouse reproduction has seen overall declines due to a decrease in precipitation during the previous winter and spring. While dusky and ruffed grouse can be hunted with a standard hunting or combination license from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, hunting greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, or white-tailed ptarmigan requires a special permit. The ptarmigan season runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31.
Partridge populations show mixed trends. Chukar numbers are expected to be average or slightly increased in some areas, though drought has caused declines in southern and southeastern Utah. Gray partridge numbers are anticipated to decrease due to two years of limited precipitation. Both partridge seasons run from Sept. 26 to Feb. 15, 2027.
Cottontail rabbit populations are increasing in most parts of Utah, though some areas have not yet recovered from heavy snowfall or dry conditions. Hunters are advised to be cautious of rabbit hemorrhagic disease, though Talley noted that it has not resulted in widespread, permanent losses in observed areas. The rabbit season runs from Sept. 1 to Feb. 28, 2027.
Snowshoe hare populations are currently low throughout the state. These hares can be found in high-elevation forest areas, typically between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. The snowshoe hare season runs from Sept. 1 to March 15, 2027.
Hunters can participate in the Upland Game Slam for an entry fee of $20 for those 18 and older, or $10 for those 17 and younger. The program encourages harvesting a variety of species to fund habitat projects. Additionally, youth hunts are scheduled for chukar and gray partridge from Sept. 19-21, quail from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, and pheasant from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5.
