Quick Tips
- Scout and learn the unit, it is big country
- Have a detailed map that shows road access
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
High
Low
Located in the center of the state with moderate terrain, this unit can make for an enjoyable hunt. The state typically issues very few tags on this unit but there are still a lot of other users on the mountain.
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.
The Wasatch Plateau runs north and south throughout the entire unit. Large meadows and flats are located on top of the mountain range. Away from the mountain, there are steep creek drainages leading down to the valley floor; up from the valley floor are rolling foothills. With plenty of ridges, foothills, and drainages, there are a lot of areas for game to hide where they are less likely to be pressured. There is a large section of private land near Scofield Reservoir hunters should be aware of.
The low elevations of this unit have dry, desert rolling hills, flats and canyon country, and some grass, prickly-pear cactus, sagebrush, and scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines, oak brush and sagebrush. Higher elevations have scattered aspen groves, with the steep slopes covered in conifer forests.
A majority of this unit is part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, providing great public access. Road access is available on all sides of the unit, with well-maintained dirt roads leading to less-maintained four-wheel-drive roads or ATV trails. There are some roadless areas in the southern part of the unit that are limited to horse and foot traffic. Skyline Drive runs north and south on top of the mountain for almost the entire unit.
Most hunters camp along roads, there are several locations that have good, flat camping ground for travel trailers or tents. There are a couple of designated campgrounds open to the public. Mount Pleasant, Manti, Ephraim, Castle Dale, and Price surround the unit and offer lodging and services.
ATVs recommended
Four-wheel drive recommended
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to camp near other hunters