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. 

Deseret CWMU Hunting Rules & Guidelines

THESE RULES & Guidelines APPLY FOR ALL THE DESERET HUNTS/HUNTERS

  • 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 in a manner so that all other hunters & 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 vest while hunting.

    • Unload firearms when not used (shooting at the big game species) and leave the action open.

    • Most other wildlife species found on Deseret 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.

  • 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 clearly 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 respectively 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.

  • Camping/Campsite & Guide services

    • Camping on the property is allowed on most of the non-guided hunts. The bull elk and bull moose hunt are fully guided hunts and hunter will stay in the lodge on the property.

    • No alcoholic beverages.

    • No smoking (because of fire risk).

    • No open campfires.

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

    • Lodging, guide services, packing services, & food: available on the bull elk, bull moose, and for those hunters wanting the guided buck deer/buck pronghorn hunt. Guide services are also available for the guided antlerless elk hunt (no food and lodging)

  • Guest Policy

    • The non-guided hunts (buck deer, buck pronghorn, non-guided antlerless elk) allow the hunter to bring two guests.

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

    • Guest must stay with the hunter at all times (within 100 feet).

    • See information on the guest policy by visiting each individual hunt species page. Click here for:

  • 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.