Quick Tips
- Ask deer hunters about bull sightings
- Don't overlook low elevations
- Scout before the season
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 330"-360" | 380"+ |
On The Ground
Mainly public, rugged, and largely timbered with a network of roads and ATV trails. About 1,500 elk are found throughout the unit but they favor deep canyons away from roads. Private land is limited and well posted.
Considered as royalty in the lineup of Utah's top elk units, the Pahvant Range produces many bulls, with a few bigger bulls every year. Some hunters say trophy quality has diminished since the state added a late rifle season about five years ago.
Terrain
The west side of the unit is steep, while the east side is more subtle and rounded, especially in the south. Ridges running east and west down the mountain provide many deeply timbered, north-facing slopes ideal for holding elk.
Roughly 849 square miles
75% public land
Elevations from 4,800-10,200 feet
Vegetation
Low and mid-elevation foothills are dominated by thick pinyon pine and juniper forests. At middle altitudes the pinyon and juniper stands blend into large aspen forests with firs, mahoganies, oak brush and ponderosa pines along with grassy undergrowth and luscious mountain meadows. High elevations have large pockets of pines mixed with aspen groves that provide elk a sanctuary from daytime heat during early seasons.
Access
The Paiute ATV Trail System, a network of more than 900 miles of ATV trails, runs through the spine of this unit and provides access to nearly any point of interest. The majority of the ATV trails are located in the southern portion of the area. Some roads are restricted to vehicles with a maximum width of 50”, but many can accommodate a pickup. Roads intersecting private lands are not restricted and are well marked. There are several hiking trails, off the main roads, that allow access to the steep canyons in the unit.
ATVs are necessary on some roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Free trail maps are available at ranger stations in Fillmore and Richfield
Camping and Lodging
Unimproved campsites are along the roads on the Fishlake National Forest, which covers more than 90% of the mountains and most of the foothills. Motels are in towns on the perimeter of the unit in Fillmore, Salina and Richfield.
Hunters must move camps after 14 days
Camp sites close to some roads get dusty from ATV and truck traffic
Camping supplies within an hour’s drive at Walmart in Richfield
Historical Temperatures
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