Utah Elk Hunting
Cool-Weather in Utah that keeps elk active during the day may be all that’s needed to make this Fall’s general hunt one of Utah best in years. The largest herds in Utah are found on the Manti unit in central Utah with about 12900 elks. The Plateau unit in southwest Utah has about 7800 elks. And the Wasatch Mountains unit in north-central Utah sees about 6,000 elks. With the beautiful terrain and huge elk, Utah elk hunting is a not miss destination for elk hunting enthusiasts.
Elk Hunting Season in Utah
Elks are more active during the day, because of cooler temperatures and high humidity levels. Utah’s general season hunting is done on spike bull units, and plenty of spike bulls await hunters every year.
Archery Any Bull Aug. 17 to Sep 13
Archery, Spike Elk Aug. 17 to Sep 6
Youth Firearm, Bull Elk Sep. 14 to Sep. 22
General Spike/Bull Elk Oct. 5 to Oct 17
Muzzleloader Oct. 30 to Nov. 7
Elk License in Utah:
Non-residents for a single season permit is $393 for the Elk permit plus $65 for a Hunting License for a total of $458.
3 Best Places to Elk Hunt in Utah
Following are 3 places to consider next time you prepare for hunting in Utah:
1. Ashley National Forest
Wild Open Spaces also named Ashley National Forest one of the best places in America for hunting elk. Some Hunters explains, with a herd of over 68,000, Utah is the place to kill an elk.
2. Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
This forest gets its 3 names from 3 different places, Uinta which means pine tree in Native American, Wasatch derived from the Ute Indian phrase low place in high mountains, and the French word cache describes caves where trappers hid their furs. According to some hunters, this area is one of the most rewarding hunting areas in Utah for deer, elk, and moose.
3. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
For hunting in waterfowl, it is tough to beat Bear River. This refuge encompasses 74000 acres and comprises of plenty of uplands, mudflats, marsh, and open water. All are great places to find plenty of waterfowls and tons of fish. The popularity of this area with visitors for its 12-mile auto tour.
Hunting Gear
List in Utah:
Below is a list of good gear for your hunting in Utah:
- Hunting License, Driver’s License or other Id’s
- Utah Guide if Non-Resident
- Camera and Smartphone
- Belt, lightweight pair of gloves
- Billed or Brimmed Hat
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Lightweight vest
- Hunting Boots
- Socks
- Lightweight Backpack Rain Cover.
- Small Flashlight
- Rangefinder
- Quality Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Bow or Rifle with Scope
- Ammo and Ammo Case
- Hunting Knife and Sharpener
- Toilet Paper and Dry Towel
- Black Diamond Strom Headlamp
- Sleeping Bag
- Cooking Kit
- Water Cooler
Utah Elk Hunting Firearms
For Rifles, Shotguns, Airguns, and Crossbows:
- The Rifle used for the big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets.
- The Shotgun used for the big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition.
- Traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle.