Hunters in the West Desert, Deep Creek area of Utah frequently report difficulties due to the proximity of reservation land, where the majority of elk, especially the larger herd bulls, tend to remain. Successful encounters seem more likely with the strategically placed satellite bulls along the reservation boundary, primarily on BLM land. Collaborative efforts with fellow hunters and extended field time are valuable strategies, although elements like weather and swirling winds can complicate hunts, as experienced in archery seasons. New hunters should be prepared for potential challenges, including limited help from game wardens and competition from reservation activities, but persistence and adaptability can enhance success in this complex yet rewarding unit.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 320"-340" | 350"+ |
High
Low
Consisting of a narrow mountain range that juts out of the desert floor to heights of more than 12,000 feet, this unit has a good number of elk that summer in upper basins and aspen and conifer forests and winter in pinyon/juniper and sagebrush foothills.
In the past 30 years, elk numbers and quality have increased. Hunters who work to get in the better parts of the mountain range typically find bigger bulls. When pressured, some elk travel to bordering Goshute tribal lands. Mature bulls tend to seek out canyons with no vehicle access. Pack horses are recommended and hunters need to be prepared physically.
Often called the Deep Creeks, this steep, rocky mountain range includes the eighth highest peak in Utah. Hunters should be in good physical condition and be prepared to pack out their kill.
Most of the elk are in the Deep Creek Wilderness Study Area. Motor vehicles are allowed on roughly a dozen public roads that extend into the mountains for distances of a quarter-mile to two and a half miles. ATVs are not allowed on Tribal Lands. This hunt is good for hunters who are in great shape and willing to backpack their elk meat to the road or for hunters who have horses.
Low elevations mainly consist of grasses, rabbitbrush, sagebrush, and scattered stands of pinyon/juniper. They also contain high stands of sagebrush along creeks and shady sides of ridges. Middle elevations are predominately filled with pinyons, junipers and sagebrush with scattered stands of mahogany and white pine. High elevations have Douglas firs, aspen groves, mahoganies and small, grassy parks.
Several Forest Service and BLM campgrounds are south and west of Vernon. Most camping in the west is along dirt roads. Near the town of Callao at the base of the Deep Creek Range is one primitive campground. Towns with lodging are so far from most hunting sites that most hunters camp in the unit.
Roughly 655 square miles
85% public land
Elevations from 5,000-12,087 feet
Mostly public, unpaved roads
Carry spare tires and tools
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, especially in wet conditions
ATVs are helpful on some roads