Hunting in Utah: Online Resources and Mobile Apps to Enhance the Field Experience

Hunting has entered the digital age with the development of apps that can enhance the field experience in Utah.

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Here are some of the applications available for today's hunter on a variety of devices that can be used even while in the wilderness.

1. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hunting and Fishing App
Smartphones are everywhere today, and that includes in the pockets of hunters and anglers who even are altering ring tones that quack like ducks or bugle like elks.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has joined the digital frenzy by developing a free hunting and fishing app that can be used on Apple and Android phones. Users can download licenses and permits.

This app also features an alert to when hunting or fishing licenses have expired. Multiple licenses can be saved on a single device.

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The Utah DWR app also shows property boundaries and allows hunters to geo-locate themselves into the safe zone. Animals are illustrated, which helps hunters identify species that can and cannot be hunted. The app also includes hunting rules and other information.

2. Utah Off-The-Grid Maps
Utah Off-The-Grid Maps is a collection of GPS-enabled topographical maps with private and public land boundaries that can be accessed with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

There are no cell towers required to operate these maps, making them handy in the deep bush. 

To use this app, the user downloads the maps to a mobile device for offline use. The map allows users to view topographical images of public land boundaries in Utah, and then also allows access to other United States and world maps.

It shows private property lines and has landowner information. Hunt units are also visible. The hunter can use this app to plan trips and print hard copy maps.

Users can purchase a MicroSD memory card that includes all the maps and allows updated maps the year following purchase.

3. Google Maps
There is a free Google Maps application that allows detailed, clickable topographical and photographic views online. You can use it to zoom into a location and take a virtual hike where you can examine terrain features, waterways and bedding cover. You can also see boundaries.

4. MyTopo
MyTopo is another digital mapping software that allows you to map public land and to see hunting maps. It also has mobile apps that are available for an annual fee.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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