West Desert, Swasey

Last Updated: Feb 26, 2025
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Quick Tips

  • Watch for rattlesnakes
  • Bring plenty of drinking water
  • Hunt away from roads
  • Lets optics do the walking for you
speciesgeneral Sizetrophy potential
Mule Deer140"-160"160"+

On the Ground

This unit is far from nearby towns so prepare to camp. Good road access is present throughout much of the unit. There is still plenty of water for wildlife even though this unit is an arid desert. Deer numbers have declined overall in recent years. Having some good glass is essential for this unit.

Terrain

This unit is an arid desert but still has plenty of water. Several small, isolated mountain ranges jut from the valley floor. The Deep Creek is the largest mountain range, which includes the eighth highest peak in Utah. Hiking is typically strenuous in steep, rocky terrain. Hunters should be in good physical condition and be prepared to pack out their kill.

  • Roughly 5,000 square miles

  • 90% public land

  • Elevations from 5,000-12,000 feet

Low elevations have different types of grass, rabbitbrush, sagebrush and scattered stands of pinyon/juniper. High stands of sage along creeks and shady sides of ridges. Middle elevations are predominately pinyon/juniper and sage with scattered stands of mahogany and white pine. High elevations have douglas fir, aspen groves, mahogany and small, grassy parks.

Good road access throughout most of the unit with the exception of the Deep Creeks. Few roads are paved in this unit. Wet weather makes some roads nearly impassible.

Most camping in the west is along dirt roads. There is one primitive campground near the town of Callao at the base of the Deep Creek Range. Towns with lodging are so far from most hunting sites that virtually all hunters camp in the unit.

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March 2025


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