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Overview

Snapshot

Mainly public, rugged and largely timbered with a network of roads and ATV trails. About 1,500 elk are found throughout the unit, but favor deep canyons away from roads. Private land is limited and well posted.

Buzz

Considered as royalty in the lineup of Utah's top elk units, the Pahvant Range produces many bulls, with a few bigger bulls every year. Some hunters say trophy quality has diminished since the state added a late rifle season about five years ago.

	General Size	Trophy Potential
Elk	330"-360"	380"+

Quick Tips

• Ask deer hunters about bull sightings
• Don’t overlook low elevations
• Scout before the season

On the ground

Terrain

The west side of the unit is steep, while the east side is more subtle and rounded, especially in the south. Ridges running east and west down the mountain provide many deeply timbered, north-facing slopes ideal for holding elk.

• Roughly 849 square miles
• 75% public land 
• Elevations from 4,800-10,200 feet

Vegetation

Low and mid-elevation foothills are dominated by thick pinyon pine and juniper forests. At middle altitudes the pinyon and juniper stands blend into large aspen forests with firs, mahoganies, oak brush and ponderosa pines along with grassy undergrowth and luscious mountain meadows. High elevations have large pockets of pines mixed with aspen groves that provide elk a sanctuary from daytime heat during early seasons. 

Access

The Paiute ATV Trail System, a network of more than 900 miles of ATV trails, runs through the spine of this unit and provides access to nearly any point of interest. Some roads are restricted to vehicles with a maximum width of 50”, but many can accommodate a pickup. Roads intersecting private lands are not restricted and are well marked.

• ATVs are necessary on some roads
• Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
• Free trail maps are available at ranger stations in Fillmore and Richfield

Camping And Lodging

Unimproved campsites are along the roads on the Fishlake National Forest, which covers more than 90% of the mountains and most of the foothills. Motels are in towns on the perimeter of the unit in Fillmore, Salina and Richfield.

• Hunters must move camps after 14 days
• Campsites close to some roads get dusty from ATV and truck traffic
• Camping supplies within an hour’s drive at Walmart in Richfield 

Historical Temperature

Historical Precipitation

Species within this Unit

This unit has a lot of bulls to sort through. Take your time before choosing an animal. Don't hesitate to move hunting areas if you are not finding the trophy quality you want. Elk are found high and low, but good areas for glassing include Mount Catherine, White Pine Peak and the Peavine area. Low pinyon-covered foothills are often glanced over but have produced high quality bulls. Look in private land near Joseph's Peak and in the southwest corner and try bugling at dark to locate bulls that are quiet in daylight.

AVERAGE QUALITY	TROPHY POTENTIAL	MALE:FEMALE
330" - 360"	380"+	20:100

Note: Interactive charts, Draw odds, additional seasons & data available to INSIDERS.

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Archery

Aug 17 - Sep 13, 2019

Bulls are often in bachelor herds during the first part of this season, presenting hunters with a chance to compare antler size. Focus on trying to ambush at waterholes and between bedding and feeding areas. Old bulls are not likely to respond to calling until the last week. Cow and spike bowhunters are also on the mountain during the first three weeks of this hunt and can be disruptive.

Muzzleloader

Sep 23 - Oct 4, 2019

Rutting takes place during this season as new herd bulls take over harems of those bulls harvested by rifle hunters. Many bulls have broken tines from fighting and tend to react on impulse to close bugling. Muzzleloader deer hunters are afield during this hunt and don’t usually disturb elk hunters, but increased pressure on the weekends tends to silence the elk.

Any Legal Weapon

Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2019

Centered in the peak of the rut, this season has high hunter success. Preseason scouting pays off because the biggest bulls tend to be harvested in the first few days. Bulls are vocal and easy to find but often stay in dense cover. High ridges offer good vantage points.

Any Legal Weapon

Nov 9 - Nov 17, 2019

This hunt takes place well after the rut has ended. Bulls have separated from cows and tend to be back in bachelor groups. Snow can be a factor, tire chains might be necessary. Spend a good deal of time behind binoculars, searching for bulls with unbroken antlers. Focus on dense pinyon/juniper lowlands. Every year hunters kill some high-quality bulls that have managed to evade hunters during earlier seasons.

Multi-Season

Aug 17 - Sep 13, 2019
Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2019
Sep 23 - Oct 4, 2019
Nov 9 - Nov 17, 2019

This permit allows you to hunt elk during all four seasons (archery, muzzleloader and any legal weapon). When hunting, you must use the appropriate weapon type for the season.

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