Hunters discussing the Paunsaugunt unit in Utah shared valuable insights and experiences regarding draw odds, hunt preparation, and specific hunt types like the cactus buck hunt. Draw odds for management bucks were initially incorrect due to a system glitch but have since been corrected, emphasizing the importance of verified information when planning. Hunters noted the rarity but legitimate potential of drawing a tag with low odds, encouraging perseverance in the application process. For those considering the cactus buck hunt, it was mentioned that about 10% of the bucks may be cactus bucks, which justifies the hunt, although it doesn't guarantee a high-caliber trophy. Overall, the community underscored the significance of scouting, whether in person or via e-scouting, and shared the idea of adapting methods, such as using an e-bike or hiring an outfitter, to accommodate varied physical abilities and unfamiliar terrain.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 170"-180" | 190"+ |
High
Low
One of the two premier deer units in Utah along with the Henry Mountains, this unit borders Arizona and is east of US Highway 89 and south of Bryce Canyon National Park. Deer migrate early from the high country near Bryce Canyon, moving to lower levels before many of them migrate into Arizona. This unit is not what is used to be in its heyday in the 1990s due to different season dates allowing deer to be killed at different times, but is still a unit that if homework is done and luck is on your side a 200” deer can be found. Transition zones play a major part in the hunts other than the archery hunt.
One of the most popular deer units in Utah, this unit has experienced an upswing in trophy class deer in the past couple of years. Archery hunting yields great results in this unit as hunters are able to pattern a specific buck without too much pressure. Muzzleloader can be a major transition time and hunting these corridors can be good. The rifle hunt can be extremely hard if the weather is warm and doesn’t have the deer actively moving and migrating. Bucks can be in some pre rut activity in the rifle hunt which can aid to success. ATV access is very good with trails on the lower half of the unit connecting the whole area.
With Bryce Canyon National Park in the north end of the unit and Zion National Park just west of the unit, scenery is spectacular. This is not a physically challenging unit because there is good road and ATV trail access, including the high country. High parts in the north have red and white sand mountains that have some dense ponderosa pine forests and oak brush slopes. At lower elevations are sandstone canyons with dense pinyon/juniper forest. Deer tend to congregate around limited water sources in the low country but they are scarce. Water is scattered in the high elevations with springs, small lakes, and perennial streams.
Great road and ATV trail access. In the north and west hunters access the unit from US Highway 89 and State Road 12 along with County Road 87 in the higher parts of the north end. A great ATV trail system off County Road 87 gives access to canyons and draws. Both ATVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles can reach most of the southern hunting sites. Hunters can use Johnson Canyon Road to reach a number of ATV trails and roads. Much of this unit is covered in sand, roads stay in good condition even when wet. There is a good deal of private land in the lower end of Johnson Canyon as well as on some plateaus.
High elevations have ponderosa pine, scrub oak, and some aspen. Middle elevations have scrub oak, grass meadows, sagebrush, ponderosa pine, and some aspen. Low elevations consist of pinyon/juniper, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses, and various browse.
Kanab, Hatch and Bryce Canyon have lodging, gas, groceries, and other supplies. Camping is permitted on most public land.
Roughly 1,496 square miles
84% public land
Elevations from about 5,600-11,041 feet
ATVs are recommended
Snow and rain do not impede travel to most areas
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can access many canyons