Quick Tips
- Be aware of cattle when camping
- Elk can be found in small areas near roads
- Bear activity has been a problem in past, bear proof all containers
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 300"-320" | 330"+ |
On The Ground
With healthy herds of elk, great habitat and good access points to public land, hunters should enjoy this area. This unit isn't one of Utah's high profile units and can be be drawn easier than some other units in the state.
Terrain
There are different types of terrain between the three different areas of the unit. South from Rim road it is steep on the initial drop, and then terrain on the southern end is easy to moderate for difficulty with many small ridges and washes going toward the bottom. The central area of unit has flat to gently rolling hills. Elevations are not extreme, but the northern section has long ridges running north/south off the Green river that are relatively steep.
Roughly 415 square miles
68% public land
Elevations from 5,500- 8,800 feet
Vegetation
South end of unit is mostly pinyon and junipers between the Rim Road and Dinosaur National Monument while the central region is mainly prairie grass and crops on private land. The northern end is a mixture of Douglas fir and Lodge pole pine on the ridges and north facing slopes, while the sides and south facing slopes consist mostly of Wyoming big sage and black sage with a few areas of Aspen mixed in. More water is available to the elk on the northern end from manmade water tanks and natural water supplies.
Access
Diamond Mountain highway off of Sunshine Bench road out of Vernal is the easiest access point. Limestone road from Highway 191 out of Vernal is another option. Most of the ridges in this unit are pubic accessible. Different roads provide access throughout the unit, however, private land is a major issue to be considered and scouted out prior to the start of season. With a GPS and quality maps, a hunter can navigate their way around much of the private land accessing public land. Be prepared for adverse weather as well, that can change road conditions in an instant.
Four-wheel drive is beneficial
Roads are decent unless rain or snow falls and some can become impassable due to mud
ATVs not a huge advantage, limited roads for use
Be aware of CO/UT state line when hunting the eastern side of the unit
Camping and Lodging
The nearest town for lodging is Vernal but would have long drives each day, so most hunters camp in the unit. There are plenty of options to camp within the unit, best to find one that is centrally located, so travel distance is minimized to hunting areas. There is a good bear population in the unit so make sure to keep your camp clean.
No official campgrounds within the unit
Common camping areas for hunters near Crouse and Zelph Calder reservoir
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