Utah elk cow hunts

[AZ Engineer]

Ok Guys,


I am new to the forum and was looking to get some ideas on the Utah elk cow hunts. I am from AZ and was looking to hunt in Utah. I was looking in particular for cow to fill the freezer. I still have time to put in for the antlerless draw and was looking for maybe units in the southern region. I have read in a couple areas Beaver East and Panguitch Lake are good places to start. I have never hunted in Utah so was curious if anyone has any info in these units. Anything helps and is greatly appreciated.

 

[Knappy]

I'm following this post as well....  Good luck getting info.

 

[AZ Engineer]

Well my wife and I drew for Central Mtns, North Manti in October. Was looking for any areas we should focus on. I have read on other forums that skyline road and oak creek ridge are very popular but a good area to start. Looking at land maps the whole unit seems to be easily accessible by vehicle. We are from AZ so have not been in that area of Utah before. Any pointers are welcome and much appreciated.

 

[ElkManDan]

The only real options there in the North Manti unit is North Skyline road and a few roads that take off of it.  You really have to start up top and hunt your way down as there really isn't much access from the bottom.  Some of the canyons are pretty steep, especially off the West side.  The OTC spike hunt will be going at the same time as the cow hunt so there will be people crawling all over the place there, it is very popular for the spike hunt but as in most places people seldom get very far off the road.  I've got that same tag with my 12 year old son so I'm hoping to get him his first elk on the hunt. 


Good luck and who knows, maybe we'll see you up there!

 

[Freemachz]

A few questions for you.
Are you hunting archery, rifle, or muzzleloader?  I can't recall if you have a choice of any weapon. 
You live in AZ, why aren't you considering NM or AZ?  Good herds in both states or even Colorado.
I left New England for Utah in 07' and have archery hunted every year.  After working several regions of the state, except deep souther Utah, imo, the best chance for putting an elk on the ground is hunting antler less or spike.  Too many private units, LE units, CWMU areas with limited areas for good bull hunting on public ground.  I have personally experienced this and validated by several Biologist's studies/assessment of the Elk herds in Utah.  I hunted panguitch, Beaver, and the surrounding area last year, it was all LE zones and you could only shoot spike in the areas I hunted.  A lot of folks also wait until Dec-Jan, when the snow hits, and hunt cows in the valley's, a bit easier hunt.

 

[AZ Engineer]

ElkManDan,


I appreciate the pointers. Off skyline seems to be where most people camp and hunt. I am going to try and get out there over Memorial Day weekend and figure the country as much as I can. I have heard a lot of people hunt around electric lake as well. That was another point of interest. Looks like there is private land around the lake so just need to figure out the plots of land I need to stay away from.