Hunters sharing their experiences with Utah's Manti unit provide useful insights into the area's unique opportunities and challenges. The unit can be a great choice for those with sufficient points, as noted by multiple commenters who highlighted the abundance of elk and the potential for enjoyable hunts. While some expressed concerns about the declining quality of trophies with the increase in tags, others mentioned successful experiences despite the unit's popularity and heavy road traffic. For archers, timing can affect rut activity, but many find success through early-season spot and stalk strategies or by taking advantage of less crowded days after initial pressure subsides. Overall, it appears essential for hunters to focus on looking beyond common road areas, as wandering just a mile off could yield better chances of encountering elk.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 320"-340" | 350"+ |
High
Low
Located in the center of the state, the Manti holds some decent bulls. With good public access, good elk numbers, and moderate terrain this unit can be an enjoyable hunt.
Managed for trophy bulls, this unit offers hunters who are willing to wait a few years for a tag and chance at a good bull. With limited tag numbers and a large unit, you can be selective with what bull you harvest. There is a premium tag available that allows hunting during all seasons.
Wasatch Plateau runs north and south through the entire unit. On top of the mountain range, there are large meadows and flats. Away from the mountain, there are steep creek drainages leading down to the valley floor, up from the valley floor are rolling foothills. With plenty of ridges, foothills, and drainages there are a lot of areas for game to hide where they may not get pressured.
Much of the unit is part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, giving great public access. There is some private land near Scofield Reservoir, Electric Lake, and on the east side of the unit. There is road access on all sides of the unit with well-maintained dirt roads leading to less-maintained four-wheel-drive roads or ATV trails. There are some roadless areas in the southern part of the unit that are limited to horse and foot traffic. Skyline Drive runs north and south on top of the mountain for almost the entire unit.
Low elevations here are dry, with desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus, and sagebrush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines, oak brush while the sagebrush continues through this elevation, as well. The higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with the steep slopes covered in conifer forests.
Most hunters camp along roads, there are several locations that have good, flat camping locations for travel trailers or tents. There are a couple of designated campgrounds open to the public. Mount Pleasant, Manti, Ephraim, Castle Dale, Fariview, and Price are the towns located around the unit that offer lodging and services.
Roughly 2,563 square miles
74% public land
Elevations from 5,500-11,065 feet
ATVs recommended
Four-wheel drive recommended
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to camp near other hunters