Hunters clarified that Utah's Southwest Desert Unit 20 is predominantly public land, around 90.3%, correcting an earlier typo that had caused confusion. Draw odds for the unit appear favorable, as evidenced by successful applications for late season muzzleloader deer hunts, though overlapping dates with over-the-counter spike elk hunts can complicate experiences. The terrain is reportedly challenging, requiring careful preparation and potentially multiple scouting trips to ensure success. Insights reveal it to be a demanding hunt, but perseverance and prior trip planning can offer substantial rewards; hunters are encouraged to reach out directly for detailed advice.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
High
Low
Compared with other general buck units in Utah, Unit 20 has low numbers of deer. Mostly public land, Unit 20 is a good place for hunters with limited mobility.
This high-desert unit is so vast and isolated that some good-sized mature bucks can be found here.
This mostly public unit borders Nevada and includes a vast, high desert with no major rivers or large lakes but several rugged mountain ranges and rocky peaks. Deer water in small seeps, springs, ponds, and guzzlers. Some of the unit is flat with thick pinyon-juniper forests where animals travel in washes or small canyons. Some valley lands are private, but hunters usually have no problems reaching public ground.
The main access roads are Hamlin Valley Road in the west and Pine Valley Road in the west. Several side roads branch from them, giving access to most of the unit. Access is good most of the year but the weather can create a challenge to access some areas. Hunters during monsoon season need to be wary when crossing washes. Be prepared to be stranded a long ways from the closest town.
Ponderosa pines and other conifers along with some aspens grow in high mountains. Middle-elevation canyon lands have grassy meadows, sagebrush, bitterbrush and scrub oak. At low elevations grow pinyon-juniper woods, sagebrush and oak brush. Pockets of water are found throughout the unit.
Milford and Enterprise have lodging, gas, groceries, and other supplies. There are no official campgrounds located within the unit, but camping is permitted on almost all public land.
Roughly 5,202 square miles
90% public land
Elevations from the 5,200-9,790-foot Indian Peak
ATVs are recommended but not necessary
Snow and rain can impede travel
Some remote areas