The West Desert, Vernon unit in Utah offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for hunters with varying levels of experience and planning, particularly due to the unit's unique terrain and the behaviors of mule deer during different seasons. Many hunters point out that patience and physical fitness are crucial for success, especially with the possibility of encountering trophy-sized 200+ bucks, although these are often elusive and tend to retreat into the cedar-covered areas. Scouting prior to the hunt is highly recommended as numerous hunters note spotting smaller bucks in the 130-150' range and suggest that bigger deer might be hiding in lower elevations or areas without road access. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of point systems between general and limited entry hunts, advising newcomers to familiarize themselves with the rules to best utilize their accumulated points without forfeiting them inadvertently.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
High
Low
Four steep mountains make up the cold desert of west-central Utah and are the high points of this unit. This unit is roughly circular and about 50 miles across. Deer tags have been limited for about 25 years, so there is a good buck-to-doe ratio, but the herd is not managed to produce world-class bucks.
Hunters who want to hunt trophy class mule deer in Utah often consider Vernon because it is one of the units that offer better odds of drawing a tag. Sheeprock Mountains hold most of the deer. Bigger bucks often live in the sagebrush flats and rolling hills below the mountains. Few hunters bother glassing Keg Mountain because the deer numbers are low.
Most deer are found on steep to moderately steep slopes between 6,500 and 8,000 feet above sea level. The largest mountain range in the unit is the Sheeprock Mountains. There are a few other mountain ranges spread throughout the unit including West Tinitic Mountains, Keg Mountain, and Simpson Mountians.
Hunters can use motor vehicles to reach access points almost anywhere in the unit. Four-wheel-drive vehicles or ATVs are necessary to navigate some roads during wet or snowy weather. Some of the primary access roads include Cherry Creek Road, Pony Express Road, and Jericho Junction. Hunters wanting to get away from other hunters will need to find places that ATV's can't go.
Low elevations consist of the desert floor which holds little deer browse, but parts of the foothills and some of the draws in the flats have sagebrush, bitterbrush, and other browse plants that provide food and cover. Middle elevations are mainly oak brush, junipers, and sagebrush. High elevations have grassy ridges with some pines, firs, and aspens mixed with chokecherry and lots of oak brush.
Most hunters in this unit camp along dirt roads in the Sheeprock Mountains, which are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Roughly 1,500 square miles
90% public land
Elevations from 4,550-11,877 feet
ATVs not necessary but convenient
Some deer feed on alfalfa fields and other private lands
Private land occupies less than 10% of the unit
Little Valley Campground along Little Valley Creek has six unimproved campsites
Oquirrh Motor Inn and Villa Inn offer lodging in Tooele