Utah hunters

[newhouse114]

Would anyone have information/recomendations for an OTC (if possible) archery elk opportunity in Utah. Hoping to put together a bow hunt for myself and my oldest son for fall 2018. Could be bull or cow hunt

[screamin]

On most of the otc elk units there are very few elk. They make these units otc because they want the elk gone. However, I have not hunted it but I have heard that the south slope-uintas would probably be the best.

Most of the LE elk units are also spike units and those are otc tags with no limit. You can shoot a spike or a cow.

[Michael Arnette]

I'm curious. Why Utah when you drive right through Idaho to get there?

[Tatonka17]

Lots of great elk hunting in Utah if you don't mind hunting the units that limit you to harvesting a spike or a cow.  The "any bull" units can be tough as elk densities and private land make those units tough.  I'd start by looking at the Wasatch, Manti, or Fish Lake units if you're okay with shooting a cow.  Beautiful country and lots of elk.

[newhouse114]

Michael, I drive through southern Oregon, and Nevada on my way to Utah. That, and that is where my son lives!

[Michael Arnette]

Originally posted by newhouse114:
Michael, I drive through southern Oregon, and Nevada on my way to Utah. That, and that is where my son lives!

Aha! That makes sense, sorry I'm not much help but best of luck!

[knobby]

I haven't been there in twenty years, but the Mantis used to have a decent elk herd. I don' know what the bowhunting pressure is like out there now, but it used to be a guy only had to get away from the road hunters to find some animals.

[tracker12]

Not a lot of good options in the OTC spots in UT for Elk.  You might want to look at a Landowner Tag.

[screamin]

There are tons of elk on the Manti and Fishlake units, but for otc you would be limited to spike or cow. Guys have been complaining about the herd declining on the wasatch the last few yrs, lots of rifle cow tags have been given out.

I have not hunted the Manti or the Wasatch but have hunted Fishlake. Most guys don't get over a mile from a road or atv trail and there are quite a few atv trails. Some spots can get quite crowded, I have buddies that shoot wheels and the last couple yrs before they could get to the animal someone else had claimed it. But they were within that mile of an atv trail. Most guys hunt on the public adjacent to private, the elk will drop onto private if pressured to much.

Lots of other spots though and if your willing to go back a little ways you'll lose the other hunters.

[Jeff D. Holchin]

I've had a lot of elk action on some LE units in the Wasatch.  It is tough when you have a big 6x6 bull screaming in your face, and you can only shoot one of his cows.  Some big country and its not too hard to get away from the road hunters.  Just remember, the further back you go, the harder the meat packing out will be, so I'd advise to hunt UPHILL from your vehicle.  I learned that the hard way.

[twitchstick]

As stated above the best units are the spike and cow units. Most of those units are also Limited Entry units Too. If your building points for LE elk in Utah it is a great way to learn a unit while you chase spikes and cows. Also a great combo to do with a deer tag.
 Most of the anybull units are low populations or mostly private land. Shooting a branch antlered bull without a LE tag in Utah can be tough. The Uinta's would be your best bet IMO. One thing I like is that you can hunt almost all of the units with the OTC archery elk tag. You just have to follow the regulations for that unit. The anybull units also run a week longer and sometimes you can catch the begining of the rut. I also like hunting the extended archery units in the Wasatch. They run clear through November.
    I am not good at hunting elk but if you need some launching points I can give you my 2 cents. I mainly hunt and know the SW part of Utah.

[newhouse114]

I'd just like to say thanks for the responses here and the PM's I've received!