At a Glance
1,500Square Miles
90%Public Land
4,550 - 11,877Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- If you take an ATV, visit the Little Sahara Recreation Area in the southeast
- A restored Pony Express Station is at Simpson Springs
Hunters discussing the West Desert, Vernon unit in Utah generally highlight the challenging terrain and varying draw odds, emphasizing the importance of preparation and familiarity with the area. Insights suggest that the region's sparse cover and open landscapes necessitate advanced glassing skills and strategic spot-and-stalk techniques. Many hunters note that understanding seasonal movements of game is crucial for a successful hunt, advising others to invest time scouting during different times of the year. Overall, the sentiment is constructive, with experienced hunters encouraging putting in a diligent effort to increase chances of success in this unique desert environment.
Four steep mountains make up the cold desert of west-central Utah and are the high points of this unit. This unit is roughly circular and about 50 miles across. Deer tags have been limited for about 25 years, so there is a good buck-to-doe ratio, but the herd is not managed to produce world-class bucks.
Hunters who want to hunt trophy class mule deer in Utah often consider Vernon because it is one of the units that offer better odds of drawing a tag. Sheeprock Mountains hold most of the deer. Bigger bucks often live in the sagebrush flats and rolling hills below the mountains. Few hunters bother glassing Keg Mountain because the deer numbers are low.