Ensign Ranches CWMU Antlerless Elk

2023 Hunt Info

Please carefully read the hunt details and rules and review the FAQ.

If you are a Utah resident, you can obtain an Ensign Ranches CWMU antlerless elk (cow elk) 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.

If you have questions in addition to the hunt details and the hunting rules, refer to the FAQ section on this page. For any additional questions, use the form below to contact the operator.

Hunt Details

• Meeting Location:

• Hunt Dates:

  • January per biologist recommendation (dates awarded at random).

  • Hunters will be awarded a three-day hunt (Friday, Saturday, and Monday). These are consecutive hunt dates excluding Sunday (ie, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, January 12, 13, and 15, 2024)

• The hunt is non-guided.

• Guided hunt information: contact us regarding guided info.

• Meals/Lodging available: No

• Guest Rules:

  • Hunter can bring as many guests as can legally fit in their vehicle.

  • Only one vehicle is allowed per hunter/permit holder on all hunts. Guest(s) cannot have their own vehicle. 

  • Guest(s) must stay with the hunter at all times.

• To ensure a quality hunting experience for all public hunters, all scheduling and inquiring must be done through the Ensign Ranches CWMU Operator. Individual guides are NOT permitted to schedule hunts or deviate from this hunt information.

• 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 guests have a quality experience as well.

• If you draw out for this hunt, you will be contacted by the Ensign Ranches CWMU operator with further information regarding your hunt. Plan on four to six weeks after the draw results (expect to hear from the operator by mid to late July).

  • All successful draw applicants will be emailed packets that include in-depth hunt info, rules, and dates.

Hunting Rules

• Safety comes first

• Hunting

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

  • If you wound an animal, please exhaust all efforts to locate and continue hunting that same animal for the duration of your hunt.

  • All hunters must abide by Utah State laws as they pertain to wildlife. Click HERE for Utah Wildlife Laws

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

  • Most other wildlife species found on the ranch 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-season scouting.

  • Follow basic gun safety.

  • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

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

  • No ammunition in the rifle chamber while driving, hiking, in camp, etc. (ammo 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 (quickly remove chamber bullets)

  • Be aware of your surroundings while shooting. Do not shoot toward vehicles, hunters, or guests.

  • 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, snowmobiles, or other off-road vehicles are allowed on the ranch, even if they are street-legal (trucks, SUVs, cars only).

  • We will allow side-by-sides with trax for the antlerless elk hunts only.

  • No horses, llamas, alpacas, goats, etc.

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

  • Hunters are not to drive off the main established gravel roads or well-established two-tacks.

  • 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 be cautious.

  • Some roads may be closed for safety reasons (i.e., Extreme weather)

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

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

• Camping/Campsite & Guide services

  • Camping on the property is not allowed.

  • No smoking (because of fire risk)

  • No open campfires

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

• Guest Policy

  • All hunts (buck deer, buck pronghorn, bull elk, bull moose, antlerless elk) allow the hunter to have as many guests as can legally fit in their vehicle.

  • Only one vehicle is allowed per hunter/permit holder on all hunts. Guest(s) cannot have their own vehicle. 

  • Guest(s) must stay with the hunter at all times.

• The Ranch

  • State laws protect livestock on the CWMU. Do not harm, harass, or shoot 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 are considered the property of the CWMU. Hunter and guest(s) cannot pick up, remove, or take any shed antlers from the ranch.

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