This mountainous unit holds good numbers of deer and has good trophy potential due to the large tracts of private lands providing some security for the herds. The biggest challenge for most hunters in this unit will be finding unpressured public lands. If private access can be granted the odds of filling a tag will increase.

With this unit being largely private this can be a difficult hunt. Most of the good bucks that get taken every year come off of private land, but there are still some great deer on public. Most tag holders hunt on public land, which can be extremely crowded at times.

This unit varies from the Great Salt Lake at about 4,200 feet above sea level to some rough and rocky peaks of the Wasatch Range, some of them exceeding 9,000 feet. The mountains drain into steep canyons to the west and to more gradual canyons and draws to the east. Many foothills are in the 5,500-6,500 foot range.

Low elevations have croplands, grassy pastures, meadows, oak brush, juniper, and Bigtooth Maple. Middle elevations have dense stands of scrub oak and scrub maple with aspen pockets and forests and some conifer-covered slopes, especially on north aspects. High elevations with higher peaks are mostly timber-free and covered by grass, lupine, snowberry and other low bushes. Below the timber line are typically steep, rocky slopes. The south slopes are drier and more open than the north slopes, which are usually densely forested with spruces, firs and aspens.

Most of this unit is private. Public land is limited to East Canyon Wildlife Management Area, which is open to elk hunting but gets plenty of hunting pressure. Lands along the Wasatch Mountains above Kaysville, Farmington, Bountiful and Salt Lake City also have limited public land. Roads give access from canyons such as Parleys, Weber, Emigration and North Canyon. ATVs are recommended on dirt roads and on primitive roads that branch from the main access routes. Carry a GPS to avoid trespassing on private property. ATVs are allowed on most dirt roads. Do not drive off designated roads or trails.

Hunters may camp on most Forest Service land. There are campgrounds at East Canyon and Rockport state parks, both situated on the shores of reservoirs that provide good fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Hunters may camp along dirt roads on public land above Bountiful, Layton and Farmington, but elk numbers are low. Sunset Campground in Farmington Canyon provides primitive camping. Lodging options include renting a condo from a member at East Canyon Resort, staying in a motel in Salt Lake Valley and renting a condo, home or cabin in the Park City area.