At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Spend a lot of time preseason scouting
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters comment positively on Antelope Island, Utah, noting its unique terrain and high-quality hunting opportunities, particularly for mule deer and bison. Access to reliable draw odds data and understanding the timing of rut seasons are highlighted as critical for planning successful hunts. While some mention the permits are tough to draw, those who've been successful recommend studying the island's topography and animal behavior patterns to improve hunting strategy. Overall, hunters appreciate the exclusivity and potential for trophy game, advising patience and in-depth pre-trip research for the best results.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope Island is a popular state park in Utah. The island is a little more than 15 miles long and is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep and bison. Because of the large amount of hunters that see bucks here, combined with a limited amount of permits makes drawing a tag here more difficult.
Since Antelope Island opened to deer hunting in 2011, hunters have harvested a small number of deer. The deer that hunters harvest are typically over 200”
Antelope Island consists of diverse landscape. With a little more than four miles across at the widest point and just a little more than 15 miles long, it is a small, big game management unit. Running the length of the island is a ridge with rugged cliffs and hillsides toward the south.
The park is open year round with access usually restricted to roads and trails. Before and during the season, tag holders can be granted special access to deviate from marked trails either by foot or horseback, but must check in at a guard station before doing so. Although early scouting is limited to designated trails and roads, most of the sheep territory can be glassed from vantage points along marked pathways on the west side of the range. Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle.
Rocky shorelines and salt flats border the Great Salt Lake along with a few sandy beaches and marshes. Hills and lowlands are mostly covered with short growth such as cheatgrass, mullen, prairie and saltbush. Sporadic greasewood, mountain sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush and a scarce mixture of juniper and cottonwood trees grow near one of the 40 freshwater springs found on the island. Sheep often graze on prairie grasses on the high slopes and among rock fields on the west slope.
Hunters may camp at a fee, but most hunters stay in hotels in Davis or Salt Lake County and drive daily to the island.
Roughly 42 square miles
99% public land
Elevations from 4,200-6,596 feet
Four-wheel drive not needed
ATVs are prohibited
Horses are helpful
Harvested game must be covered while being transported, including the head
Bridger Bay and White Rock Bay campgrounds
Hunting parties are limited to four persons
Party size limit includes guides, photographers, packers and others