Utah offers elk hunters some of the finest trophy bull elk hunting available anywhere. Come and bugle rutting bulls for the ultimate trophy elk hunting experience. Past hunters have commented that they’ve never seen so many elk while hunting during an open elk season. Bearpaw Outfitters have guided many Utah elk hunts and know where to find the elk.

Elk numbers are at an all time high in most areas and there are some of the highest bull to cow ratios found anywhere in wild elk herds. Utah manages their elk herds very carefully which has resulted in a high percentage of mature bulls and better quality hunting than nearly any other state can offer.

Remember, these are not high fenced guaranteed elk hunts these is real wild elk hunting for free ranging elk. In spite of the high success, these hunts can still prove to be a real hunting challenge and there are no guarantee of an easy hunt.

Best Time

September is best for the limited-entry elk hunts. The general hunts occur in October, and November is usually the best month for the CWMU Trophy Elk Hunt. 

Hunting Methods

Elk hunting methods include glassing and spotting, stalking, watching feeding areas or water holes, and hiking out to overlooks. Since many areas are easily accessed using 4x4 vehicles, hunts can be arranged for hunters with physical limitations.

Trophy Quality & Opportunity

Utah Limited-Entry Elk:  These areas offer some of the best elk hunting available anywhere in the world. Some of these areas are producing 400+ bulls each year. You will hunt for 300 or better class bulls. Bearpaw Outfitters have had 100% success on these hunts with all past hunters.

Utah CWMU-Landowner Elk:  Hunters consistently see 280 to 380 class bulls in this area. Bearpaw Outfitters hunters have had 100% success on these hunts with past hunters.

Utah General Any Elk:  Hunts usually produce bulls from spike to 5x5 on the average. Bulls in these areas are not as large and shooting is usually lower at 25% to 75%, but licenses are available over the counter with no draw and can be purchased after you try to draw a limited-entry tag.

Utah General Spike Elk:  These hunts are in limited-entry areas but for spike only elk. Shooting usually runs 50% to 100%. Licenses are available over the counter with no draw and can be purchased after you try to draw a limited-entry tag.

Many hunters shoot elk on the first or second day of their hunt, but plan up to five full days if needed. Shots often range from 100 to 400 yards, sight rifles dead on at 200 yards.  

Licenses & Hunter Ed

Utah Bull Elk limited-entry applications must be applied for between January 22 and February 26. General season tags are available over the counter beginning in July until sold out, and the CWMU landowner tag is available until sold. 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.  

Utah Elk Seasons

Some archery hunts open as early as August and there are various hunts open until November 18. 

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 80 degrees. Late fall temps often range from 20 to 50 degrees and snow is very possible. Check the current weather forecast before you leave. 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