Elk hunting Utah

[JakeD]

I've been looking into hunting Utah this year, and most likely will be going somewhere around the Ashley National Forest.  Just wondering if anybody has hunted around there and would have any advice on a good starting point.  I've been looking pretty hard at the High Uintas Wilderness area so that there at least won't be any kind of motorized vehicle access.  Good idea?  Bad idea?  Hopefully somebody has hunted around there before. 

[Jeff D. Holchin]

Have you hunted elk before and have you killed an elk?  If no, I suggest a cow/spike area where you can truck camp and take care of a dead elk relatively quickly and easily.  Remember - the season starts in mid August and it gets HOT during the day, like in the 80's and that makes the possibility of losing the meat very real.  But if you are an experienced elk Hunter and know how to break down an elk way back in and not lose the meat, the High Uintas are hard to beat.  For the spot I hunt in the High Uintas, I hike back about 6 miles and set up a spike camp and hunt from there.  Getting an elk out will take two days min but there is a cool stream and shade nearby, so I know I can do it without losing meat.  But my hips and back ache just thinking about all that work....

[JakeD]

I have hunted elk before.  Twice I backpacked in on DIY hunts, the other was truck camping with an outfitter.  The backpack hunts I went in 6.5 miles once, 4.5 miles on the other.  I have all the tools and experience breaking down animals, just not an elk.  I realize that elk are a different animal than deer, mainly just a much larger version.  The heat was a concern of mine, but I will not be hunting solo.  If it gets to the point where I think that it's too hot to take an animal, neither of us will take a shot.  We will be there for 2 weeks, so I guess that if the weather gets too hot we can always go hunt an easier area for a spike or cow.  Part of the appeal for me is getting to backpack in and get away from people, but taking care of the meat if we kill an animal will trump my desire to get further away from people. 

[Jeff D. Holchin]

I too love the appeal to roaming the backcountry and with that much time and a buddy along, you should definitely go to the High Unitas.  I always have a back-up plan because I prefer to hunt alone; I was there two weeks one year and went to town half way through for a break and supplies plus to attend church on Sunday - the pastor was also a hunter with pack horses, and insisted that I take his number and call him if I got an elk down and needed help.  You probably won't be that lucky, but you would be wise to line up a packer ahead of time to come in and get your elk.  I generally had cell service only at the highest points but there are backpacker/hiker forums with all kind of specific info, including where to find cell service.  Take a fishing rod too because the fishing can be outstanding!!  You will be shocked at the volume of dead trees also, because of the damage caused by the pine bark beetle.  Beware of the widow makers when selecting a camp site.

[Jeff D. Holchin]

Two other factors to consider:  don't use a trailhead that is big enough for the outfitter's to take in their hunters or horses or mules, you won't be able to get away from them.  And realize that the "spandex crowd" can ruin your hunt if you let them.  Most hikers and backpackers in Utah are either neutral or Hunter-friendly, but some are anti-hunting and some of them will try to ruin your hunt!  Avoid them if possible.  Don't ask how I know that....

[JakeD]

Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it.  Hopefully we will have minimal issues with other people, but if we do we can work around it.  I always go on any elk hunt with the mindset that I am going to have a good time, and an elk is just a bonus.  I really enjoy the backcountry and getting away from crowds, so the High Uintas are looking really appealing.

[R.V.T.B.]

I've hunted the High Unitas twice and like Jeff said, it is an amazing and beautiful place.  Year before last I took my wall tent and stayed for four weeks! Lots of moose!  I don't know what the dates are that you are planning on but I would avoid the Labor Day weekend and a couple days either side.  I gets pretty much over run at the time.

[twitchstick]

I haven't hunted the Unita's for long time but I did spend a lot of time when I was younger.  I'll send you a PM.