Any Bull Public Land

Hello all. New here to the site. I recently moved here from San Antonio, TX although I moved back to Utah around St George. I grew up in Northern Utah and went elk hunting a few times with my Dad in the bookcliffs but have only hunted elk once myself and that was South Slope area. I Didn't put in for any hunts this year as I knew I wouldn't be prepared I just decided to buy an any bull license to basically get re-introduced to elk hunting. It's been 10 years since I've been out. I just want to hike and possibly see some elk and maybe even get lucky and harvest one. I want to bring my 10 year old son out just so he can maybe see some elk at least. Finally, to my question, I haven't heard of elk being in Zion or Pine Valley area (those are closest) which are would my son and I have the best chance of at least seeing some elk? I am thinking of going all the way up to Vernal or South Slope but the Henry unit is a bit closer. There is also San Rafael which I have never been to. Any help would be great. As I said I have not been prepared and have done no scouting so I am not ewxpecting to tag a huge bull, this trip will basically be a learning experience for me and an introduction for my son. Thanks in advance and my apologies for it beng so lengthy.
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camodup
Dont waste your time going to the Henrys. The DWR makes sure that not a single elk lives on them moutains. Do what you need to do, and make it to the North Slope.
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kchesley
Thats what I figured. Long drive but it will be well worth it even if I don't harvest an elk. I wanted to go up north anyway because I have a northern deer tag and would like to scout in process of elk hunting. I do appreciate the reply. Good luck in your hunt.
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Default Avatar
I live at the San Rafael and can tell you don't bother. It only gets a few stragglers of elk during late december through early march. But across U.S. 6 at 9mile/range creek isn't too bad. I'd like to get up to the north slope with my any bull tag too but haven't been able to get any tips on an area that'd be at least semi-handicapped usable. I'll most likely be found in the tavaputs benches. Not many elk there, but seldom any other hunters either.
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kchesley
Yeh, my buddy talked to me into going to him and his dads spot in vernal. It is quite the drive for me with the fifth wheel but I think it will be well worth it harvest or not the scenery and trip alone will be one for the memory book. I know nothing about the San Rafael so I do appreciate the reply. Vernal it is. Good luck to you on your hunt.
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a_bow_nut
When does your guys hunt start?
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camodup
Saturday, October 9
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a_bow_nut
While we were down on the Henry's for the muzzy deer hunt we got wind of a small group elk that had been spotted down there if you are interested. Word had it that there was a five point and a spike and like a dozen cows.

Shoot me a P.M. and we will talk.
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camodup
Knowing the Henry's... it was probably a gnarly muley lol
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a_bow_nut
Lol. That is pretty funny. We heard this from some of the people that spend their lives down there and watch the deer all year long. I'm not saying that anybody should go chase them but if you have the time and was in the area I just thought that I would let them know what we had heard.
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camodup
That is a good point. Not many people have killed an elk on the Henrys. Plus you'd see some awesome muleys
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kchesley
I appreciate the info on the Henries. I am just going to make the drive to Vernal. I at least have friends that hunt there so they will know where to point me to then I will hike because I know dang well that him and his Dad are kinda on the lazy side so they won't get off the 4-wheeler very often. Thanks again
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