Hunters have shared valuable insights on the Yellowstone, Utah hunting unit regarding its challenging terrain and variable game availability. While draw odds can be steep, those who do secure a tag report encountering healthy populations of elk and deer, particularly in areas with limited access that require physical endurance. Seasonally, the early fall appears to provide better opportunities as game is more active and less pressured by other hunters. Overall, perseverance and knowledge of the terrain can enhance the hunting experience in this unit, with successful hunters emphasizing thorough pre-season scouting and flexibility in adapting to the unit’s demanding conditions.
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This unit is located in northeastern Utah and features great hunting opportunities for hunters not afraid of some physical exertion. The northern portion of the unit houses a portion of the High Uinta Wilderness and will provide plenty of roadless acres for hunters to roam. The central portion of the unit is largely comprised of the Uintah and Ouray Indian reservation and is not huntable.
Good hunting can be found here at times but during periods of heavy snow large herds of elk will pool up on tribal lands and will not leave until pressured.
King’s Peak, the highest peak in the state, is in this unit. The mountain peaks above timberline lead to alpine basins that hold the headwaters to the creek drainages that lead down to the valley floor. Most of the drainages are steep and heavily forested. Just out of the valley floor are rolling foothills. The unit has small mountain lakes with good fishing for trout.
Much of the unit is part of the High Uintas Wilderness in the Ashley National Forest, giving great public access. There is road access on all sides of the unit with well-maintained dirt roads leading to less-maintained 4-wheel- drive roads and ATV trails. In the wilderness area you are limited to hiking and horseback only. The southern part of the unit is mainly private property or part of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.
Low elevations on this unit have dry, desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus and sagebrush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines and oak brush while sagebrush continues throughout this elevation. Higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with steep slopes covered in conifer forests. The mountain tops have large grassy meadows with ponds, thick aspen and conifer forest leading up above timberline where grass, wildflowers and rock scrabble cover the peaks.
There are a few modern lodging options found along the southern end of the unit is Roosevelt and Duchesne. Hunters may also opt to RV and truck camp or even backpack hunt during the earlier season. Groceries and some select sporting goods can be found in the unit but specialty needs will likely need to be met prior to the hunt beginning.
Roughly 2,084 square miles
50% public land
Elevations range from 5,000- 13,500 feet
Main roads of access will include Highway 191, Highway 35, Blind Stream Rd, and Moon Lake Rd
Tire chains recommended
Several options for modern lodging found in Roosevelt and Duchesne
Groceries and some select sporting goods can be found within the unit but hunters will likely need to meet special needs prior to the hunt