| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Raghorn | 280"+ |
High
Low
Famous for producing giant mule deer and free-roaming bison, this unit occasionally is visited by elk that wander here from bordering units. Game officials do not want elk to establish a permanent population, so they allow hunters to buy tags over the counter.
So few elk live in this unit that hunters rarely see one. It's not uncommon to spend many days without seeing an elk or any sign. Bulls are rarely found, and are usually small branch-antlered bulls.
This unit consists of steep mountains rising quickly from surrounding desert barrens. The two highest peaks are more than 11,400 feet above sea level. Most land is federal property that is managed by the BLM. Some state lands are scattered through the area. Private land is limited to a few hundred acres of mining claims and a few thousand acres of range and farmland, which is typically along creek bottoms.
Most lowlands are barren sand and rock with sparse desert grasses, saltbush, greasewood, rabbitbrush and sagebrush growing in places. Willows and foreign tamarisk grow along creek beds. Pinyons and junipers with Gambel oak grow at middle elevations and gradually give way to spruces, firs, aspens and pines at higher elevations. Land above 10,000 feet in elevation is mostly covered with grass and low shrubs.
Hunters enjoy good road access to much of the unit. Mining property impedes access in some places, such as on the eastern side of Mount Ellen. ATVs are allowed on some roads and trails, but many places are off-limits to motor vehicles. Some of the various access routes include Sawmill Road, Little Egypt Road, Notom/Burr Trail, Star Springs, and Coyote Benches/Stanton Pass roads.
Roughly 1,355 square miles
98% public land
Elevations from 5,200-11,000 feet
Most roads are open to ATV use
ATVs are handy on a few rough roads
No vehicles are allowed in the Blue Hills Wilderness Study Area
Hunters may camp almost anywhere on public land. Lonesome Beaver Campground offers five campsites at the base of Mount Ellen. Other campgrounds in the area include McMillan Springs, which is about 15 miles east of Notom on the Bull Creek Pass backcountry byway, and Starr Springs, which is 50 miles southwest of Hanksville near Highway 276. Campgrounds are open after snow melts until November.