Utah is well known for trophy class mule deer and Bearpaw Outfitters offer guided or unguided mule deer hunts in many areas of central and northern Utah. Hunters wanting to hunt for some of the best bucks that Utah has to offer need to apply in the limited-entry draw for tags.

Hunters who do not draw a Utah limited-entry deer tag can choose a Utah Northern Region hunt, a Utah CWMU private ranch mule deer hunt, or an Idaho Mule Deer Hunt. Late season deer and elk meat hunts are also available for hunters wanting to fill their freezer with some tasty venison.

Bearpaw Outfitters has numerous options for good mule deer hunting and can almost always find a hunter a good mule deer hunt even if you are late in the year getting organized. Many of the deer hunts can also be combined with Upland Bird Hunting for an even more exciting experience.

Fortunately predation is not a serious problem like in some other areas. There are no documented wolf packs and there are very few bear in most of our hunting areas so there is very little impact on the deer herds from those predators.

Bearpaw Outfitters have several proven hunting camps where many good animals have been taken. Choose a guided hunt or an unguided hunt in any of the deer camps or the lodge. Whether you're a serious trophy hunter or just meat hunting, these hunts are a great choice.

Trophy Quality

Average mature bucks have about 16" to 24" racks but a few trophy mule deer with 24” to 32" racks have been taken in these Utah hunt areas. Remember, in order to kill big bucks, you have to hunt an area that has a history of producing big bucks. Bearpaw Outfitters will advise you of your best options for the type of deer you want to hunt.

Hunting Areas

The hunt areas are scattered throughout central and northern Utah. The mountains are breathtakingly beautiful with most elevations in the hunt areas ranging 6000 to 8500 feet.

Hunting Methods

Hunting methods often include glassing & spotting feeding areas in sage openings or open hillsides, spot & stalk hunting, watching water holes, or still hunting trails and ridges.

Deer & Elk Seasons

The Utah CWMU Rifle Mule Deer Season is open from September 1 to October 31. The Utah General Season Rifle Mule Deer is open October 17-25. Bow season runs August 15 to September 11. General Muzzleloader Season is open September 23 to October 1.

Best Time

This depends on the area. Rifle mule deer hunting is usually best on the CWMU the first 5 days of September, the last 5 days of September, the first 5 days of October, and the last 5 days of October. Archery deer hunting and the general deer seasons are about the same throughout the seasons.

Shot Opportunity

Shooting opportunity usually averages 75% to 100% on the guided hunts. Shots often range from 100 to 300+ yards so sight rifles dead on at 200 yards. Flat shooting, long range calibers are best.

Guiding Options

Guided Hunts:  Choose 1 to 3 hunters per guide. Hunts include your guide, meals, lodging, game retrieval and care.

Semi-Guided:  Get meals, lodging, and hunting advice daily. Hunt on your own but get help retrieving your downed game.

Unguided:  Includes your chosen accommodations, map of the area, and hunting advice. Perfect for hunters who want to be self sufficient, hunt on their own, and care for their game.

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.

ATV’s

Hunters may arrange for an ATV on their guided hunt for an additional $600 per hunter per week.

Temperature & Weather

September may have frosty nights, but days often warm up to 50 to 80 degrees. October temps often range from 20 to 60 degrees and snow is possible. Check the current weather forecast with the weather link on the Utah Hunting Details page before you leave for the hunt.

Licenses, Hunter Ed, Hunter Orange

Licenses for Elk & Deer are available over the counter for $772.50. Hunter Ed is required if born after Jan 1, 1975.

What’s Not Included

Your personal gear, sleeping bag, motel rooms, restaurant meals, meat processing and shipping, taxidermy, licenses, gratuities, and any other items not listed as being included.

Travel and Itinerary

If you fly into the Salt Lake City rent a car, it’s only about a 1 to 3 hour drive depending on which hunt area you choose. Arrive the evening before your hunt begins. The last evening stay at a motel near the butcher shop so you can clean up that evening and pick up your meat from the butcher shop in the morning before departing for home.

Info and Questions

Check all the hunts in Idaho, Montana, Utah, or Washington to find the hunt that's best for you. Watch the online Hunting Videos, view the Hunting Photos, and see the Hunt Details. Feel free to Email or use the Questionnaire to get a list of references or to ask any question you have.