Quick Tips
- Scout and learn the unit, it is big country
- Have a detailed map that shows road access
- Let optics cover the ground for you
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
High
Low
This unit is located on the east side of the state, and has diverse terrain and good public access.
In the spring, the bear’s diet generally consists of grass, and forbs, and they will be relatively close to water sources. Most bear movement will take place during the early morning and evening hours. Their movement will continue to increase as hunts progress. The black bears’ mating season will reach its peak around the month of June. Expect bears to be covering ground and looking for opportunistic meals. Their diet will transition from grasses to more substantial foods such as acorns, pine nuts, and berries.
La Sal is one of the larger units in the state, with a huge variation in terrain and habitat. A large stretch of desert and red slickrock canyon country leads to the La Sal Mountain range. Off of the mountain tops are large, steep, timber-covered canyons leading down to the desert floor.
Low elevations in this area have dry, desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus and sagebrush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees can also be found in lower elevations. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines and oak brush, with sagebrush continuing through this elevation as well. The higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with the steep slopes covered in conifer forests.
Much of the unit is part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest or desert land managed by the BLM, providing good 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. Arches National Park and some private land ranches are a part of this unit and are closed to hunting.
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. Moab and Green River are the nearest towns and offer lodging and services.
ATVs recommended
Four-wheel drive recommended
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to camp near other hunters