In 2008, elk hunting in Utah produced the new Boone and Crockett Club world record non-typical elk. Yes, the largest antler rack ever recorded. If you like to hunt elk, photograph elk, or even just watch them, Utah is the place for the biggest elk on the planet.
The elk population and elk hunting in Utah has exploded. From 2000 to 2006, no other state produced more record-book bulls than Utah! And this doesn't mean it's only a haven for elk hunters. The growing numbers of wildlife watchers and photographers in the state can enjoy the same fantastic opportunity as hunters. But this is a page for people interested in elk hunting in Utah.
A big hand has to go to Utah big game managers. Some pretty awesome game management decisions have been made by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). If you want to hunt, photograph or just see elk, Utah is the place.
Over the last 30 years, elk numbers in Utah have exploded. Elk are the second most abundant big game species in Utah. Second only to mule deer. The 2003 post-hunt estimate for elk in Utah was just over 58,000. This is below the management objective of 68,400.
History Of Elk In Utah
Prior to settlement by the Mormons, elk and bighorn sheep were the most numerous big game animals in Utah. Elk hunting in Utah was a significant source of food and clothing for Indians, trappers and settlers. Like so many other species - bison and mule deer for example - elk were the victims of unlimited hunting in Utah. By the close of the 19th century, they had almost disappeared.With no restrictions, hunted to near-extinction. What a sad time that must have been. No deer. No elk. No bison.
Elk hunting in Utah was shut down in 1898. From 1912 through 1925, elk were transplanted from Yellowstone National Park to try to give the species a chance at comeback. Where were they released? Well, pretty much where you would expect to find elk today in Utah:
Manti.
Logan Canyon.
the Fish Lake area.
the Oquirrh Mountains.
Mount Nebo.
Mount Timpanogos.
Through the years, many elk have also been transplanted from one area of the state to another. Both southern and eastern Utah have gained elk from some of the intra-state relocations.
Types of Hunts
A Wildlife Board and five Regional Advisory Councils today manage all wildlife management in Utah. Until 1967, elk hunting in Utah was restricted under a limited entry system. As the numbers grew, most of the units were switched to an open bull season.
In 1989, the two largest units, Manti and Fish Lake, were switched to a yearling only hunt. Yearling only was later replaced with a "spike only" regulation. At the same time, it was expanded to three other units. Today, you'll find elk hunting in Utah managed under the following regulations:
spike only.
any bull.
limited entry.
The Future of Elk Hunting In Utah
The future of elk hunting in Utah is dependent on healthy and growing elk herds. A healthy growing elk population needs the habitat necessary to sustain growth. If habitat is reduced or degraded, there will be fewer elk. Simple as that.
Despite the loss of prime elk habitat in many parts of the state, it is a testament to Utah's game managers that herds have continued to grow and elk hunting in Utah is the best it's ever been. Private agencies, especially the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have worked to improve the health of elk herds and explode the level of interest in elk throughout the west.
The main predators for elk are mountain lions, black bears and coyotes. But their effect is minimal. Without grizzly bears and wolves living in Utah, predators just don't cause large reductions in the elk population of Utah.
OHV (off highway vehicles) use in Utah, as elsewhere, has increased 100-fold in the last 30 years! By the end of 2004, more than 160,000 OHV's were registered in Utah! While driving OHV's is a passion for many people and a legitimate use of public land, uncontrolled use will continue to negatively impact many of Utah's best places. OHV use on public land needs to be well planned and managed to prevent the destruction of critical elk habitat.
While the use of OHVs on public land is a legitimate right, their uncontrolled and improper use not only damages elk habitat, it can kill elk. For this reason, there has been an increased demand for more areas to be designated as walk-in and horseback only areas. Remote areas with fewer hunters and no OHV traffic.
How To Plan A Utah Elk Hunt
Demand for the limited entry hunts in Utah are very high and this demand is growing every year. In 2004, 46,319 hunters applied for 1378 limited entry permits. An increase of 5,342 over the year before! There were a total of 34,193 general season permits sold.
If you're looking to get a chance at a trophy Utah bull elk or just simply want a great hunting experience, there are a couple ways to go. Utah has a wide assortment of professional outfitters ready and willing to help you go on the hunt of a lifetime.
If you have the resources, hiring one of these outfitters is absolutely the best way to go. They have access to land no one else has. They know where the elk are and you don't have to worry about having thousands of other people invading your space. And, once again, they have access to land throughout the state. Utah has some of the most amazing trophy elk on the planet and these people will get you to where they live.
If you don't have the resources or the desire to hire an outfitter, take a look at the big game proclamation on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or contact them directly. It'll give you the best overview there is about elk hunting in Utah. You can apply for one of the general permits or one of the lottery-type limited entry hunts. If you're applying for one of these, plan a year ahead.
