SALT LAKE CITY — Waterfowl hunts open soon, be prepared before you go! Here's what to expect for this year's season.
All waterfowl hunts are open to anyone who has a Utah hunting license, with the exception of swans which requires a permit from the hunt drawing that took place in July.
National and statewide surveys were canceled this year due to COVID-19, but based on observations, Division of Wildlife Resources biologists believe duck and geese numbers look good for the hunting season.
Hunters are required to have a "Harvest Information Program" number. Register for a free number here.
In addition, people over the age of 15 need a federal duck stamp.
Ducks:
- General season opens October 3 in the northern zone and October 17 in the southern zone.
- Youth hunts open September 19 in the northern zone and October 3 in the southern zone.
Geese:
- The light geese general season opens on Oct. 26.
- The dark geese season opens on Oct. 3 in the northern goose area, the eastern Box Elder goose area, and the Wasatch Front goose area, and on Oct. 17 in the southern goose area.
- Youth hunts allow dark goose hunting and will be held on Sept. 19 for the eastern Box Elder, northern and Wasatch Front goose areas, and on Oct. 3 for the southern goose area.
- Check the guidebook for specific zone boundaries and season dates.
- If hunting on private property (where most light goose hunting takes place) make sure to get written permission from landowners using this form.
Phil Douglass, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Swans:
- The general swan season opens on Oct. 3
- Youth with swan permits may hunt swans during the youth waterfowl hunt in the northern zone on September 19.
- There is a federal quota of 20 trumpeter swans that can be harvested in Utah each year. Hunters are discouraged from taking the trumpeter swans.
- Hunters with a permit can legally take one trumpeter or tundra swan during the 2020 season.
To read the full guidebook for this year's season, click here.
