Deseret CWMU

Please read the hunting rules section on this page carefully by clicking here. These hunting rules apply to all Deseret hunts. Detailed hunt information for Deseret’s big game species can be found using the links below. To contact the Deseret CWMU operator, Click Here.

If you are a Utah resident, you can obtain a Deseret CWMU permit by applying through the public drawing. If you are a non-resident, you cannot apply for a CWMU permit through the public drawing. To learn more about Utah's CWMU program, click HERE. 

Use the links below for detailed info on the bull elk, buck deer, buck pronghorn, bull moose, and antlerless elk.

Deseret CWMU Hunting Rules & Guidelines

THESE RULES & GUIDELINES APPLY TO ALL THE DESERET HUNTS/HUNTERS and Guests

  • To ensure a quality hunting experience for all public hunters, all scheduling and inquiring must be done through the Deseret CWMU operator. Individual guides cannot schedule hunts or deviate from the information provided.

  • Our goal is to provide you with a quality hunting experience. Your job is to enjoy the experience and conduct yourselves so that all other hunters and guests have a quality experience as well.

  • Safety comes first.

  • Hunting

    • Take time to shoot and sight in your rifle before your hunt. Know your rifle and your limitations. 

    • Hunters are allowed to shoot one, and only one, animal for which they have a permit. Once you hit an animal and/or draw blood, that is your animal. Please be aware of your animal and its surroundings and pick your shots carefully.

    • All hunters must abide by Utah state laws regarding wildlife. Click HERE for Utah Wildlife Laws.

    • All hunters and guests must always wear a hunter-orange hat and, at a minimum, while hunting (hunter orange vest recommended).

    • Most other wildlife species found on the Deseret CWMU are protected by state law and/or require special licenses or permits to ‘take’ these animals. Hunting other wildlife species of any kind is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: coyotes, badgers, ground squirrels, foxes, upland birds, grouse, and waterfowl.

    • No pre-seasons scouting

    • Follow basic gun safety

      • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

      • Treat every rifle as loaded (even if you don’t think it is).

      • No ammunition in the rifle chamber while driving, hiking, in camp, etc. (ammunition can be left in the magazine/clip)

      • Only put ammunition in the chamber when attempting to make a shot at the big game animal you have the permit for (then quickly remove chamber bullets).

      • Be aware of your surroundings while shooting. Do not shoot toward vehicles, hunters, and guest(s).

      • Do not rely on the gun’s safety.

      • Be sure of your target, your line of fire, and what lies beyond your target and what is beyond it. Do not shoot skylne shots.

  • Vehicles/Driving & Roads, etc

    • No ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, or other off-road vehicles are allowed on the ranch, even if they are street-legal (trucks/SUVs/cars only)

    • No horses, llamas, alpacas, goats, etc

    • We recommend a 4x4 vehicle with good off-road tires (chains are also highly recommended)

    • Hunters are not to drive off the main gravel roads or well-established two-tracks (these are marked)

    • No driving past any road blockages. These include, but are not limited to, posted reflectors, locked gates, wood logs across the road, etc. This will be discussed further when you check in for your hunt.

    • All gates are to remain ‘as they were’ when you approached them. If they are open, leave them open; if they are closed, close them.

    • Be safe and courteous while driving on the roads. Drive respectfully and cautiously.

    • Roads may be closed for safety reasons (Ie, extreme weather).

    • Care must be taken to avoid damage to Ranch roads.

    • No chasing, pursuing, pushing, herding, or harassing game with a vehicle.

    • The maximum driving speed is 25 mph.

    • The Deseret CWMU has many main roads and well-established two-tracks for hunters to drive on during the hunts. But please understand there are roadless areas on the ranch. These established roadless areas have made the hunting on Deseret what it is. Please know that if you apply for the Deseret, there are roadless areas (this includes driving to hunt and retrieve harvested animals). Please see the following links to download Deseret maps. 

  • Camping/Campsite & Guide services

    • Camping on the property is allowed on the non-guided hunts. The bull elk, buck deer, and bull moose hunts are fully guided hunts, and the hunters can stay at the lodge on the property.

    • The use of alcohol or possession of any open alcoholic container is prohibited while hunting or in a vehicle on the premises.

    • No open campfires.

    • No littering: Hunters must remove all their casings, cans, trash, and debris from the premises.

    • Lodging & Food:

      • Available for the bull elk, buck deer, bull moose, and those who opt to do the guided buck pronghorn hunt.

      • No lodging is available for the antlerless elk hunters.

    • Guide services:

      • Bull elk, buck deer, and bull moose are fully guided.

      • Guide services are available for a fee for the buck pronghorn and antlerless elk hunts.

    • Packing services:

      • No separate packing services offered for the non-guided antlerless elk hunters

  • Guest Policy

    • Bull elk, buck deer, bull moose: ONE guest is allowed on the bull elk and buck deer hunts free of charge for access to the ranch.

      • Meals/Lodging: The hunter's meals and lodging are included free of charge. Guest meals and lodging are NOT free of charge. Beds/bedding, towels, pillows, restrooms, hot showers, and electricity are provided. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also provided.

      • Guest meals and lodging are $150 per day.

      • Bull elk and buck deer hunters who want to bring a guest but choose not to pay the guest lodging and food fee ($150 per day). You can bring a camp trailer or tent, and you and your guest can camp and provide your own meals in the designated camping area on the Deseret CWMU. Or you could also find lodging and meals for you and your guest in Evanston, Wyoming, or Morgan, UT. Each morning and afternoon, you will drive to meet your guide for the hunt.

    • Buck pronghorn and non-guided antlerless elk: Guests are allowed

      • Only one vehicle is allowed per hunter/permit holder on all non-guided hunts. Guests are allowed, but only one vehicle per hunter and their guest. Guests cannot have their own vehicle.

      • Guests must stay with the hunter at all times within close enough proximity for a normal conversation (within 100 feet). No exceptions.

  • The Ranch

    • State laws protect livestock on Deseret Land and Livestock (DLL). Do not harm, harass, or shoot livestock. DLL may file civil charges against anyone for harassing, shooting, or harming livestock.

    • No fishing on the streams or ponds.

    • No other outdoor recreational activities are offered on the property during the hunts.

    • Respect the property and employees.

    • Shed antlers and “dead heads” are Deseret's property. Hunters or guests cannot pick up or remove them from the ranch.

    • Hunters and guests are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and understanding the CWMU’s boundaries.

      • To download maps of the Deseret CWMU, click here.