A Utah elk hunt can cost about $2,000 for a nonresident who buys an over-the-counter permit and hunts public land on their own, or $15,000 to $28,500 for a guided hunt on a CWMU. Limited-entry guided hunts fall in between. Here’s where the money goes.
License and permit costs (2026)
These fees are from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
| Item | Nonresident | Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting license (ages 18–64) | $144 | $40 |
| General-season any-bull, spike, or archery elk permit | $849 | $56 |
| Total, general-season hunt | $993 | $96 |
| Limited-entry bull elk application fee | $21 | $10 |
| Limited-entry bull elk permit (if drawn) | $1,950 | $314 |
| Total, limited-entry hunt | $2,115 | $364 |
| CWMU bull elk permit | $1,950 | $314 |
| Youth general elk permit | $749 | $50 |
Draw applications also carry a 2.2% transaction fee. You pay the permit fee only if you draw.
The cost of building points
If you’re building points for a limited-entry hunt, each year you apply costs a nonresident about $165: the $144 hunting license plus the $21 application fee. If you also apply for deer or another species, the license covers all of them, so the yearly cost per species is lower. Many hunters apply for a limited-entry point and hunt a general-season unit in the same year.
DIY hunt: what to budget
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| License and general-season permit | about $1,000 |
| Travel (gas or flights, rental) | $400–$1,500 |
| Food and camp supplies for a week | $150–$400 |
| Lodging if not camping | $0–$1,200 |
| Meat processing | $300–$600 |
| Shipping or hauling meat home | $0–$500 |
| Trip total, not counting gear | about $1,850–$5,200 |
These ranges are estimates. Gear is extra, and a good pack frame for hauling meat is a must.
Guided hunt prices
Here are real examples from Utah outfitters’ published prices. Licenses and permits are not included.
| Hunt | Example price |
|---|---|
| General-season (OTC) elk, 5 days, wall tent camp | $3,750 |
| Limited-entry elk, 5 days, 1-on-1 | $6,955 |
| Limited-entry elk, 7 days, 1-on-1 | $9,000 |
| Private-land elk, 5 days, 1-on-1, ranch shared with one other hunter | $8,950 |
| CWMU elk, early archery, 5 days, 1-on-1 | $15,000 |
| CWMU elk, rifle, 5 days, 1-on-1 | $16,500 |
| CWMU elk, 5 days, 2-on-1 to 1-on-1 | $17,000–$18,500 |
| CWMU trophy elk, any weapon, 5 days, 1-on-1 | $28,500 |
Some outfitters charge extra for catered meals on general-season hunts (one listed $1,000) or for private-land add-ons (one listed $2,500). The general-season price above is from a listing with 2022 season dates, so confirm current pricing.
What’s usually NOT included in a guided hunt
- Your hunting license and elk permit
- The CWMU permit fee ($1,950 for a nonresident), even when the outfitter supplies the voucher
- Travel to and from Utah
- Meat processing and shipping
- Taxidermy
- Tips. Outfitters we reviewed suggested 15–20% of the hunt price for the guide, plus a cook tip.
- Observers, if you bring a non-hunting partner
Ways to save
- Hunt a general-season unit. It’s the cheapest way into Utah elk country, and you can do it every year.
- Try a spike hunt. Spike units often hold more elk, and a spike is a great first elk.
- Go semi-guided or DIY. Browse DIY and self-guided hunts.
- Look for openings. CWMU and limited-entry outfitters sometimes have a cancellation. See discount guided hunts.
- Bundle your license. One hunting license covers point applications for every species.
Compare prices
See Utah elk outfitters and what they charge
Contact outfitters directly through their Horn & Fin listings.
Related: How Utah draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Utah Elk Hunting Guide · Guided vs. DIY elk hunting · How to apply for the elk draw
License and permit fees are from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 2026. Guided hunt examples are from outfitters’ published price lists and can change at any time.