At a Glance
2,603Square Miles
72%Public Land
8,500 - 10,000Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Scout before the season
- Hike a couple of miles from roads
- Excellent bass fishing at Sand Hollow Reservoir
- No license needed to shoot coyotes or jackrabbits
Hunters discussing Pine Valley, Utah, emphasize the area's challenging terrain and the importance of physical preparation for a successful hunt. The region's varied topography, ranging from dense forests to open valleys, requires strategic planning and adaptability. Experienced hunters suggest focusing on early season scouting to understand game movement and increase the likelihood of success, given the unit's moderate draw odds. Overall, the sentiment is that while Pine Valley offers rewarding opportunities, it demands thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the landscape and animal behavior.
In the southwestern corner of Utah, this is one of the largest deer units in the state and includes the Pine Valley Mountains and several other ranges. It is not managed to produce trophy-class bucks but has produced some great deer, including the former state record typical. The big rugged mountains in this unit provide great glassing points but also make it difficult to make a play on the deer. Scouting will be your best bet to locate, pattern, and harvest these deer. Low country can hold good deer also, but the vast pinyon-juniper forest can make it extremely difficult to see the deer long enough to have a chance.
This unit has very good public access with some ATV trails and roads offering access to peaks. However, a lot of areas are closed to motorized traffic, making access a little more difficult for those not so inclined to backpack. Backpack hunters will enjoy these wilderness areas that allow no roadways in or out. The ability to get miles in the backcountry can provide a getaway from hunters and less pressure on deer.