On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
High
Low
This unit is found in north east Utah and lies on the Wyoming border. Hunters will find a large amount of huntable public land here with good elk numbers. Hunters will find plenty of opportunity to distance themselves from competition during the early seasons but may need to be aware of some private lands late in the season along winter migration corridors. If hunters are willing to put in the effort some great hunting can be had here.
Good elk numbers can be found here but hunters will likely need to pack in a few miles to locate huntable herds.
The southern end of the unit will see a series of ridgelines that slowly descend out of the igh country and head north towards the wyoming border. Elevation change is not drastic here and cross country travel will not be difficult for most hunters. The central portion of the unit will be slightly lower in elevation but the terrain will be much more broken with several deep cut creek drainages running east to west. The ground on the northern end of the unit will level out some but will still be fairly broken, particularly on the western side. This area features a lot of different terrain variations which makes for some great hiding spots for game. Glassing and covering ground will be important to locating animals.
The higher elevations areas throughout this unit will see a heavy presence of pine, lodgepole, and fir. These trees will grow in large mature stands which can severely cut down on visibility and mobility. The mid elevation areas will see much of the same but large meadows of sage and grass will periodically disperse the tree cover. The lower country to the north will see far less vegetation cover with periodic patches of timber being found only in deep cut creek bottoms and some north facing slopes.
During the early season most of the elk will be found in the timbered high country areas located on the southern end of the unit. A good road system can be found here though many roadless areas can be found. The northern unit will see some large parcels of private but hunters will still find plenty of public to hunt. Great road and trail systems can be found here making for pretty simply access into most areas. Physical conditioning can very important when hunting the high elevation areas.
There are a few options for modern lodging in Manilla and around the Flaming Gorge Reservoir but most hunters generally elect to RV and truck camp or to backpack hunt. Some groceries and other sporting goods can be found on the east side of the unit but most specialty needs will need to be met prior to the hunt.
Roughly 394 square miles
85% public land
Elevations range from 6,100- 12,100 feet
Main roads of access will include Highway 191, Highway 44, Highway 43, Hickerson Rd, and Sols Canyon Rd
There are a few modern lodging options found in Manilla and around Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Sporting goods and groceries needs will need to be met prior to the hunt beginning