This is a large unit with some excellent public hunting grounds. Topography and terrain vary from east to west, along with a big elevation change. With the bear numbers increasing in this unit most of the bears will be found around 7,000-9,500 feet in elevation. Lodging is available near most hunting areas.

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.

This unit has big country with deep canyons and large, flat openings full of sagebrush. There is deep timber on the mountainsides and steep canyons throughout the unit. The Panguitch Lake portion of this unit is mostly public and the Zion portion of this unit is mostly private so requesting access prior to your hunt may be necessary.

Ponderosa pines and aspens at high elevations, sagebrush and pinyon/juniper cover low to middle elevations. Willows grow wherever there’s water. Bears typically are found in the oak brush to mixed conifer habitats.

Plenty of public roads and four-wheel-drive trails can take you to a starting point in any part of this unit. Private land does not significantly delay access. Cedar Breaks National Monument in the west is closed to hunting.

Cedar City, Panguitch, and St. George all have lodging, gas, and other services. RV parks and motels are available in Panguitch and near Panguitch Lake which are both close to hunting grounds. Dispersed camping is also allowed on public land throughout the unit.