Utah Elk Mule Deer

Unit 16B (Manti)

Utah Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer

Unit 16B sits on the Manti-La Sal National Forest — the backbone of central Utah elk hunting. Land ownership on the unit is 57.91% USFS, 8.72% BLM, 5.86% SITLA, and 22.64% private (UDWR 2025 combined 12/16 deer plan — elk share the same unit boundary), spanning Carbon, Emery, Sanpete, Sevier, and Utah counties across 1,491,869 acres. The unit's extensive aspen and spruce forests at 8,000-11,000 feet provide ideal elk habitat, and the limited-entry structure ensures strong bull-to-cow ratios.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 16B

Where to Find Elk in Unit 16B

The Manti-La Sal range is classic high-mountain elk country with predictable seasonal movements.

Skyline Drive Corridor (9,000–11,000 ft)

The Skyline Drive road runs along the crest of the Manti range, providing access to the best elk habitat in the unit. The high-elevation meadows and spruce-fir forests along this corridor hold elk throughout the summer and early fall. Glass from the road's many overlooks to locate bulls.

Aspen Basins (8,000–9,500 ft)

Dense aspen forests blanket the middle elevations of the Manti. Elk use these basins for security cover during rifle season, bedding in the thick regeneration areas and feeding in the parks between aspen stands. Focus on the larger basins with reliable water sources.

Lower Canyons and Winter Range

Late-season hunters find elk pushing into the lower canyons and sagebrush flats on the east and west sides of the range. Snow depth is the key driver — heavy early snow pushes elk low faster.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 16B

The Manti rewards hunters who combine glassing with aggressive calling during the rut.

Skyline Drive Glassing

Drive Skyline Drive before dawn and glass from the overlooks as light hits the east-facing basins. This is the most efficient way to locate bulls in the unit. Once you spot a bull, plan a stalk using the drainages and timber to close distance.

Calling in the Aspens

The Manti's aspen forests are ideal for calling. Bulls respond well to bugles echoing through the timber. Set up in clearings within aspen stands where you can get a 150-200 yard view. Use cow calls to pull hesitant bulls through the last bit of cover. The rut peaks in mid-September on the Manti.

Saddle Hunting

Elk on the Manti funnel through saddles between drainages as they move between bedding and feeding areas. Identify the main saddles along ridgelines and set up ambush points. Morning thermals push elk uphill through these saddles, and evening thermals bring them back down.

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Elk Success Rates

Manti elk success rates average 35-50% for rifle hunters, 15-25% for archery. The unit's extensive trail and road system allows efficient access, and the healthy herd density ensures regular encounters. Bull quality is above average, with most rifle-harvested bulls scoring 300-340 inches. Exceptional bulls in the 360+ class are taken annually.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Limited Entry	6	38	15.8%	1
Rifle— Limited Entry	0	0	0.0%	16
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	87	937	9.3%	11

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

The Manti is one of Utah's most popular limited-entry elk applications, resulting in competitive draw odds. Rifle tags typically require 10-16 bonus points. Archery and muzzleloader seasons are more accessible at 5-10 points. The Manti offers a strong middle-ground option — better trophy quality than general season but more attainable than the Book Cliffs or Henry Mountains.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 16B

The Manti is central Utah's premier general-season mule deer unit — 1,491,869 acres spanning Carbon, Emery, Sanpete, Sevier, and Utah counties (UDWR 2025 combined 12/16 deer plan). Land ownership is USFS-dominated (57.91%), with BLM (8.72%), SITLA, and ~22.6% private/mixed. The 2025-2029 population objective is 38,000 wintering deer (up from 28,000) with a 15-17 bucks per 100 does post-season ratio. The Skyline Drive corridor provides exceptional access across diverse aspen, oak brush, and sage habitat.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 16B

Mule deer on the Manti range tend to use lower and mid-elevation terrain compared to elk, favoring thicker cover types.

Oak Brush and Sage Transition (6,500–8,000 ft)

The lower slopes where oak brush gives way to sagebrush flats hold strong deer concentrations. Bucks bed in the thick oak and feed on the sage flats and meadow edges. This transition zone is most productive during early morning and late evening.

Aspen Groves (8,000–9,500 ft)

Mid-elevation aspen stands provide classic mule deer habitat. Look for rub lines, trails, and browse on aspen shoots. Bucks use the open understory for travel and the denser regeneration areas for bedding.

Canyon Systems

The deep canyons cutting into the Manti range funnel deer movement and provide glassing opportunities. Position yourself on canyon rims and glass the opposing slopes and canyon bottoms.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 16B

Standard spot-and-stalk tactics work well on the Manti, with some unit-specific considerations.

Canyon Rim Glassing

Set up on the rim of one of the many canyons cutting through the unit and glass the opposing slopes. Focus on the oak brush-to-aspen transition zone where bucks feed at the edges. Morning sun hitting east-facing slopes reveals deer early.

Rut Cruising

Drive forest roads slowly during the November rut, stopping frequently to glass open areas. Bucks are on the move and often visible crossing meadows and roads. Combine driving with short hikes to overlook points for maximum coverage.

Track and Stalk After Snow

Fresh snow on the Manti is a game changer. Fresh tracks in the aspen and PJ reveal current deer activity patterns. Follow tracks methodically, glassing ahead at every opening. Bucks tend to circle back on their trail before bedding, so approach bedding areas from above.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Manti mule deer success rates average 25-35% for rifle hunters. Buck quality is above average for Utah, with most harvested bucks in the 150-175 class. The accessible terrain and good road system help hunters cover ground efficiently. Patience and selectivity are rewarded — holding out for a mature buck in the 170+ class is realistic for hunters willing to pass on younger animals.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	36	252	14.3%	15

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Manti mule deer tags vary by hunt type but are generally accessible. Limited-entry rifle tags may require 3-8 bonus points. General season options are available in some years. The Manti provides good mule deer hunting without an extreme point commitment.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Flat Canyon and other campgrounds along Skyline Drive accommodate RVs. Limited hookups.

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Camp Sites

Several Forest Service campgrounds along Skyline Drive. Abundant dispersed camping on National Forest land.

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Water

Good. Multiple creeks and springs throughout the unit.

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Road Conditions

Skyline Drive is a maintained gravel road passable for most vehicles through October. Spur roads vary — high-clearance recommended. Snow can close Skyline Drive suddenly in late October.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Well-established trail system. Skyline Drive provides high-elevation access that reduces hiking requirements significantly.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Concentrated along Skyline Drive and popular trailheads. Drops significantly off-trail.

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Weather

Temperatures 20-55°F during rifle season. Snow common at elevation by mid-October. Skyline Drive can become impassable overnight with a storm.

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Cell Service

Spotty on the mountain. Reliable service in the Sanpete Valley towns below.

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Nearest Town

Ephraim, Manti, or Fairview (15-30 minutes from most access points). Full services available in all three towns.

Note: Monitor weather closely during the season. Skyline Drive closures can strand vehicles above the snow line. Have an alternate exit route planned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many bonus points do I need for Manti elk?

Rifle tags typically require 10-16 bonus points. Archery and muzzleloader seasons draw with 5-10 points. The Manti is competitive but more realistic than Utah's top-tier units.

What is the best access route to Unit 16B?

Skyline Drive is the primary access road, running along the crest of the Manti range. Access it from Ephraim, Manti, or Fairview on the west side. The drive provides outstanding high-elevation access and glassing opportunities directly from the vehicle.

How does Manti mule deer compare to the Henry Mountains?

The Manti produces above-average bucks (160-180 class) compared to the Henry Mountains' exceptional bucks (190-220+ class). However, Manti tags are far easier to draw, making it a practical choice for hunters who want quality deer hunting without a 20-year wait.

When is the best time to hunt mule deer on the Manti?

The November rut is the prime window. Bucks are active and visible during daylight hours as they chase does. Early rifle season can also be productive, especially after the first significant snowfall pushes deer into predictable patterns.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-16.

Deer Herd Unit Management Plan — Unit #16BC Manti (September 2025) — used for shared unit boundary and land-ownership data — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Unit 16BC Manti: 1,491,869 total acres, dominantly USFS (57.91%) with meaningful BLM, SITLA, and private inholdings, Geography covers Carbon, Emery, Sanpete, Sevier, and Utah counties — same boundary elk hunts use, Boundary: US-6 at Price south to SR-10, west on I-70 to US-89, north to Spanish Fork Canyon · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Application Guidebook and Field Regulations index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Manti Bull Elk listed as a Limited Entry hunt in the current UDWR guidebook · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Hunt Boundary Interactive Map — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — Hunt Planner · supports: Authoritative GIS polygon for Unit 16B Manti elk hunts · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Harvest & Survey Data Index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Manti LE bull elk annual success, age-class, and permit summaries · accessed 2026-04-16

Unit 16B (Manti)

Elk Hunting in Unit 16B

Where to Find Elk in Unit 16B

Skyline Drive Corridor (9,000–11,000 ft)

Aspen Basins (8,000–9,500 ft)

Lower Canyons and Winter Range

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 16B

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 16B

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 16B

Oak Brush and Sage Transition (6,500–8,000 ft)

Aspen Groves (8,000–9,500 ft)

Canyon Systems

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 16B

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 16B — Manti Mule Deer

Unit 16A — Nebo Elk

Unit 10 — Book Cliffs Elk

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification