Quick Tips
- Scout and learn the unit, it is big country
- Have a detailed map that shows road access
- Great trout fishing in Fish Lake for a variety of species
- Located near Capitol Reef National Park
On The Ground
This moderate terrain unit has a healthy bear population with a higher concentration of bears in the Nothern and Eastern areas. Within this unit, there are aspen-covered ridges, scattered lakes, and views of Capitol Reef National Park from Thousand Lake Mountain. This unit also has good public access which allows for high numbers of people to recreate and camp in some areas.
The bear’s diet in the spring generally consists of grass, and forbs. They will be relatively close to water sources like springs or creeks. They move the most during the early morning hours and in the evening, and will continue to increase their amount of movement as the hunt progresses. Expect bears to be covering ground and looking for opportunistic meals as their diet will start to switch from grasses to more substantial carbohydrates like acorns, pine nuts, and berries. June is the peak month for the black bears’ mating season.
Terrain
Located in the central part of the state, a majority of this unit is in higher elevations with rolling ridges and steep creek drainages. Most of the ridges are heavily forested with conifer and aspen trees breaking into large meadows that typically have a spring or a lake. This unit also includes the Thousand Lake Mountain, a flat top plateau that leads to red rock canyon country to the east, and to farmland in the south and west. Off of the mountain are rolling ridges and creek drainages covered in conifer forests.
Vegetation
Lower elevations in this unit have dry, desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus, and sagebrush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees can be seen here. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines, oak brush and sagebrush. Higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with steep slopes covered in conifer forests.
Access
Much of this unit is part of the Fish Lake National Forest or desert land managed by the BLM, which provides great public access. 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. Hunters should be prepared for the weather in this unit to vary dramatically and cause the road conditions to change.
ATVs recommended
Four-wheel drive recommended
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads. There are several locations that have good, flat camping ground for travel trailers or tents. Some of these areas are Gooseberry, Elk Horn, and multiple spots around both Fishlake and Johnson Reservoir. There are a couple of designated campgrounds open to the public. Torrey, Bicknell, Loa, and Salina are the nearest towns that offer limited lodging.
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to camp near other hunters
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