Utah cow elk hunts offer some of the most exciting and successful wild cow elk hunting available anywhere. Past hunters have commented that they’ve never seen so many elk while hunting during an open elk season. Bearpaw Outfitters have guided hundreds of successful cow elk hunts and know when and where to hunt the various units for the best success.

Elk numbers are stable or growing in most areas because Utah manages their elk herds very carefully. Cow elk hunts are only authorized in areas where elk populations require cow elk hunting to keep the elk numbers within objective levels. Elk are usually seen every day and over 1,000 head of elk have been spotted in a single day of hunting.

Remember, these are not high fenced guaranteed elk hunts in a small pasture where the elk can’t get away. This is real hunting for wild free ranging elk. In spite of the high elk numbers in Utah, these hunts can be a real challenge and there are no guarantees. Even though Bearpaw Outfitters know right where to hunt for the best success, hunters always feel good knowing they’ve been on a real wild elk hunt.

For extra fun jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes can be taken on any cow elk hunt.

Super Combo Hunts are also offered where you can hunt your choice of any and all of these species, a doe mule deer, a second cow elk, cougar, pheasants, and waterfowl hunt for geese and ducks all on the same hunt. 

Best Time

November, December and January are usually the best months to hunt in most cow elk units. 

Trophy Quality

Most cow elk weigh from 300 to 600 pounds and on the average yield enough cut and wrapped meat to fill about three 48 quart coolers. 

Hunting Methods

Cow elk hunting methods include glassing and spotting, stalking, watching feeding areas, and hiking out to overlooks. Since many areas are easily accessed using 4x4 vehicles, hunts can be arranged for hunters with physical limitations. Hounds and bird dogs are used for the cougar and bird hunts. 

Shot Opportunity

Shot opportunity in most areas will vary from 75% to 100% most years on cow elk. There are always several hunts that are 100% successful. Many hunters shoot elk on the first or second day of their hunt, but plan to hunt up to four full days if needed. Shots often range from 100 to 300 yards so sight your rifle dead on at 200 yards.  

Licenses & Hunter Ed

Cow Elk and Doe Mule Deer applications are due in June. Cow elk is $218, doe deer $88, and Small Game is $65. Bearpaw Outfitters will apply for your license in the best areas. There are also left-over licenses available in July or August if you miss the June deadline. A Small Game license will allow you to take cottontail rabbits and birds. Hunters need Hunter Ed if born after Jan 1, 1965. 

Hunting Areas

The hunting areas are located throughout central and northern Utah. Most hunt areas are only a 2 to 3 hour drive from Salt Lake City.  

Cow Elk Seasons

Some hunts open as early as August and there are various hunts open until January 31. Many of the best hunts occur in November, December, and January. 

Accommodations

Motel “Town Hunts”:  Stay at a comfortable motel in town. BPO will pick up & return guided hunters daily. Unguided hunters drive themselves. Your room and restaurant meals are not included so remember to budget for these expenses.

Mountain Lodge:  Enjoy indoor lodging in the mountains with cooked meals in the dining room, warm indoor bathrooms, and cozy bedrooms. It’s only minutes to some hunting areas.

Hosted Tent Camp:  The camp is accessed by auto and usually has 4 to 10 Guided or Unguided hunters in camp. Includes tents, camp gear, portable toilet, kitchen area, water, cooked meals and services provided by Bearpaw staff.

Drive-In Drop Camp:  Camp is accessed by auto and suited for 2 to 8 unguided hunters. You do not have to ride horses to get to camp. Includes tent, camp gear, water, portable toilet, firewood hand saw, and hunting advice. Bring your own food.

Spike Camp:  This is a very modest camp for 1 to 3 hunters, with heat in the sleeping quarters and easy to prepare meals. Call before the hunt to verify that conditions are not too severe to camp. Bring your warm sleeping bag for the cot.

Temperature & Weather

Early fall may have frosty nights but the days often warm up to 50 or 70 degrees. Late fall and winter temps often range from 0 to 50 degrees and snow is very possible. Check the current weather forecast before you leave with the Weather Link on this page. Utah gets a lot of sun so the highways dry quickly after a storm and travel is usually not hampered for long. Bring insulated boots, gloves, thermal underwear, and plenty of warm clothing suitable for cold snowy conditions. 

Now Booking 2009 Hunts!

Click To See Current 2008 Photos And Hunts In Progress

 Utah Cow Elk
Motel “Town Hunt”
3 Days - Cost Each
Guided 2x1……1750
Guided 3x1……1550
Guided 4x1……1450
Unguided……….950
Non-Hunter…….200

Utah Cow Elk
Hosted Camp Hunt
3 Days - Cost Each
Guided 2x1……1950
Guided 3x1……1750
Guided 4x1……1650
Unguided……...1150
Non-Hunter…….500

Drop Camp
Cow Elk Hunt
Up to 7 Days-Cost Each
2 Hunters……$1350
3 Hunters……$1150
4 Hunters……$1050
5 or More……..$950

Super Combo Hunt
Choose from Cougar, Two Cow Elk, Doe Deer, Waterfowl
Coyote, Rabbit, Pheasant
6 Days - Cost Each
Guided 2x1……2950
Guided 3x1……2650
Guided 4x1……2550
Non-Hunter…….600