At a Glance
2,603Square Miles
72%Public Land
8,500 - 10,000Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Scout before the season
- Hike a couple of miles from roads
- Excellent bass fishing at Sand Hollow Reservoir
- No license needed to shoot coyotes or jackrabbits
Hunters discussing the Pine Valley unit in Utah frequently highlight the challenging yet rewarding terrain, where elevation changes and diverse landscapes offer unique hunting experiences. Success often depends on thorough preparation and understanding the area's seasonal patterns, with particular attention to migration behaviors that affect game movement. Several hunters emphasized the importance of scouting before the season and noted that draw odds can be competitive, reflecting the unit's popularity and potential for rewarding hunts. Overall, the sentiment is positive and encouraging, with shared tips on adapting strategies to the local environment and leveraging firsthand knowledge to boost chances of a successful hunt.
In the southwestern corner of Utah, this is one of the largest deer units in the state and includes the Pine Valley Mountains and several other ranges. It is not managed to produce trophy-class bucks but has produced some great deer, including the former state record typical. The big rugged mountains in this unit provide great glassing points but also make it difficult to make a play on the deer. Scouting will be your best bet to locate, pattern, and harvest these deer. Low country can hold good deer also, but the vast pinyon-juniper forest can make it extremely difficult to see the deer long enough to have a chance.
This unit has very good public access with some ATV trails and roads offering access to peaks. However, a lot of areas are closed to motorized traffic, making access a little more difficult for those not so inclined to backpack. Backpack hunters will enjoy these wilderness areas that allow no roadways in or out. The ability to get miles in the backcountry can provide a getaway from hunters and less pressure on deer.