Quick Tips
- Prepare to take care of the animal, they are large
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
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Antelope Island is a popular state park in Utah. The island is a little more than 15 miles long and is home to a healthy number of bison. Because of the large amount of hunters that know about and see the bison here, and with the limited amount of permits drawing a tag is exceptionally difficult.
Since Antelope Island opened to hunting, hunters have harvested great buffalo. Hunters who want to try for a bull big enough to qualify for the B&C all-time records could find one here.Very few permits given each year
Antelope Island consists of diverse landscape. With a little more than four miles across at the widest point and just a little more than 15 miles long, it is a small, big game management unit. Running the length of the island is a ridge with rugged cliffs and hillsides toward the south.
Rocky shorelines and salt flats border the Great Salt Lake along with a few sandy beaches and marshes. Hills and lowlands are mostly covered with short growth such as cheatgrass, mullen, prairie and saltbush. Sporadic greasewood, mountain sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush, and a scarce mixture of juniper and cottonwood trees grow near one of the 40 freshwater springs found on the island. Bison often graze on prairie grasses.
The park is open year round with access usually restricted to roads and trails. Before and during the season, tag holders can be granted special access to deviate from marked trails either by foot or horseback, but must check in at a guard station before doing so. Although early scouting is limited to designated trails and roads, most of the bison territory can be glassed from vantage points along marked pathways on the west side of the range. Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle.
Hunters may camp at a fee, but most bison hunters stay in hotels in Davis or Salt Lake County and drive daily to the island.
Roughly 42 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 4,200-6,596 feet
Four-wheel drive not needed
ATVs are prohibited
Harvested game must be covered while being transported, including the head
Bridger Bay and White Rock Bay campgrounds
Hunting parties are limited to four persons
Party size limit includes guides, photographers, packers, and others