Hunters discussing the Cache, East Rich unit in Utah provide valuable insights into the area's elk hunting possibilities. It appears that any bull, including spikes, can be taken during the rifle and muzzleloader seasons with an OTC tag, and any elk during archery season, though elk populations can be low and access to private lands is often restricted by high trespass fees. The proximity to highly valued private tags contributes to accessibility challenges, and unclear state boundaries have led to poaching incidents. With only about 80 archery hunters reported for this unit, some are surprised by these numbers, especially for an OTC unit, indicating it may offer less hunting pressure compared to others, albeit with potential boundary and access hurdles.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Raghorn-250" | 280"+ |
High
Low
This small, narrow unit consists mainly of the Bear River Bottoms south of Bear Lake, the low, arid hills to the east and the mountains between the lake and the Wyoming line. Elk are common enough that hunters tag some every year.
This is a small unit with scattered herds of elk. Most bulls taken are spikes and raghorns but occasionally a mature bull wanders into the unit from Wyoming, Idaho, or the bordering Cache-Meadowville unit. Any branched-antler bull should be considered a trophy here. Get landowner permission to target bulls feeding on farm fields.
This unit consists of the Bear River bottoms south of Bear Lake, the hills between the river and the Wyoming line and the low mountains between Bear Lake and Wyoming. The slopes facing Bear Lake are steep. The high point east of the lake is 7,707-foot Black Mountain. Most of the green vegetation south of this area grows in the Bear River bottoms, which range from about 6,200 to 6,360 feet. The arid hills to the east are between 6,600 and 7,700 feet and are not steep.
Most of the hills and mountains are public lands administered by the BLM or the state and are usually accessible by dirt and gravel roads. Some of the primary access points are the Crawford Mountain Roads, Rabbit Creek, and South Eden Canyon. Some places require a 500 to 1,500-foot vertical hike to reach. The Bear River bottoms are mostly private. Hunters with access to private farmland where elk have been feeding have an advantage. ATVs are allowed on most dirt roads.
There is some farmland is along the Bear River and in canyon bottoms next to Bear Lake. Alfalfa and grass hay are the main crops and attract elk. The hills and mountains in this unit are arid, typically covered with sagebrush with some draws and slopes covered with junipers. Mountain mahogany and aspens grow in some places. Serviceberry, bitterbrush, chokecherry, elderberry, willows and maple brush provide browse.
Roughly 373 square miles
54% public land
Elevations from 5,920-7,700 feet
Lodging is available in condos, rental cabins, and summer homes along the western side of Bear Lake. Camping is allowed on public land along dirt and gravel roads except on the shores of Bear Lake, where camping is restricted to designated areas. Campgrounds are situated along the east shore of the lake. Cisco Beach, South Eden, North Eden, Rainbow Cove and First Point are improved but primitive campgrounds and are four to twelve miles north of Laketown. For cabins try Bear Lake Property Management and Bear Lake Cabin Rentals.