Utah Mule Deer Elk Moose

Unit 2 (Cache)

Q: Is Cache a good unit for first-time mule deer hunters?

Yes. The easy draw odds, accessible terrain, proximity to Logan, and healthy deer population make Cache an excellent choice for newer hunters. It's also good for experienced hunters who want to hunt every year without building points.

Q: How do I deal with the hunting pressure in Unit 2?

Get away from roads and trailheads. Hike at least 1-2 miles into the backcountry and you'll see dramatically fewer hunters. Hunt early and late in the day — midday pressure pushes deer into cover. Consider hunting midweek if your schedule allows, as pressure drops significantly after opening weekend.

Q: Is Cache a good unit for a first limited-entry elk tag?

Yes. The relatively low point requirement (5-10 points), proximity to Logan, and accessible terrain make it a realistic first limited-entry elk experience. Trophy quality isn't at the level of the Book Cliffs, but the hunting experience and bull quality are solid.

Q: Why are elk in Unit 2 harder to hunt than other limited-entry units?

The Bear River Range receives heavy year-round recreation use — hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding — which makes elk more skittish and nocturnal than herds in remote units. Hunters need to adapt with quieter tactics and focus on areas with less human traffic.

Q: Is Utah moose a once-in-a-lifetime tag?

Yes — drawing a Utah moose permit removes you from future Utah moose draws.

Q: How does Utah's moose draw work?

UDWR uses a weighted-random bonus-point draw. Each bonus point adds one chance in the random drawing for that year's permits.

Utah Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk, Moose

Unit 2 covers the Cache Valley and Bear River Range in northern Utah — managed as a general-season unit for a 15-17 buck:100 doe post-season ratio (UDWR 2023 plan). Target winter population is 25,000 deer across Box Elder, Cache, Rich, and Weber counties, with a special Crawford Mountain subunit running a combined general-season and limited-entry structure. Winter range is the major limiting factor (<30% of total unit area), with urbanization and past wildfires reducing traditional winter habitat.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 2

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 2

Mule deer in the Cache unit are distributed across the Bear River Range, with concentrations shifting by season and pressure.

Bear River Range Slopes (6,500–9,000 ft)

The western slopes of the Bear River Range above Cache Valley hold the bulk of the deer population. Aspen groves, oak brush, and mixed conifer provide classic mule deer habitat. Deer concentrate in the mid-elevation bands where food and cover overlap.

Logan Canyon Corridor

Logan Canyon cuts through the heart of the unit, and the side drainages feeding into it hold good deer numbers. Focus on the tributary canyons and benches above the main canyon. The canyon itself is heavily trafficked, but deer hold in the steep side canyons away from the road.

Agricultural Fringe

The Cache Valley agricultural lands draw deer, especially during the rut. Bucks cruise the alfalfa fields and hay meadows along the valley floor, particularly near the base of the mountains. Landowner permission is essential for hunting these private-land edges.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 2

Cache requires hunters to beat the pressure by getting away from roads and popular trailheads.

Escape the Crowds

The single biggest factor in Cache Unit success is putting distance between yourself and other hunters. Opening weekend pressure pushes deer into the thickest, steepest terrain. Hike 1-2 miles off any road or trail and your encounter rate jumps dramatically. The hunters who complain about no deer are usually hunting within earshot of the trailhead parking lot.

Early and Late Glassing

Set up on ridgelines above drainages before dawn. The first 30 minutes of shooting light is when deer are still in the open. Evening hunts targeting feeding areas along meadow edges are equally productive. Midday hunting in this pressured unit is generally unproductive.

Oak Brush Drives

Small group drives through oak brush patches can be effective, especially later in the season when deer are buried in cover. Coordinate with hunting partners to push and post known oak brush pockets. Safety awareness is critical when hunting with groups.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Cache Unit mule deer success rates average 20-30% for rifle hunters — lower than limited-entry units but respectable for a general season hunt. Buck quality averages 140-160 inches, with occasional 170+ bucks. Success correlates directly with effort — hunters who hike deep and hunt the margins of the day consistently outperform road hunters.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	5	68	7.4%	10

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Cache mule deer tags are among the most accessible in Utah. General season tags draw with 0-2 bonus points in most years, making this an excellent option for hunters who want to hunt annually without a long point commitment. Limited-entry options with higher quality are available for specific hunt codes requiring more points.

Elk Hunting in Unit 2

The Cache unit provides a limited-entry elk hunt in the Bear River Range of northern Utah. The shared unit boundary spans Box Elder, Cache, Rich, and Weber counties (UDWR 2023 deer plan — elk share the same geography), with summer range dominated by USFS (~55%) and winter range more heavily private (~41%). The unit's aspen and conifer forests at 7,000-9,500 feet provide good elk habitat, though the herd faces more human disturbance than southern Utah units due to Logan-corridor urbanization.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 2

Elk in the Cache unit use the upper elevations of the Bear River Range, generally staying higher than the mule deer.

Upper Bear River Range (8,000–9,500 ft)

The spruce-fir forests and alpine meadows on the ridge of the Bear River Range hold the primary elk population. Bulls use the high parks for feeding and retreat to the dark timber for bedding and security.

Side Canyon Drainages

The drainages feeding into Logan Canyon hold elk, especially during early season before snow pushes them. Focus on the wider canyons with water and meadow openings.

South-Facing Winter Range

Late-season elk drop to the south-facing slopes above Cache Valley. The sagebrush and oak brush zone at 6,000-7,500 feet concentrates elk when snow covers higher ground.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 2

Cache elk are aware of human presence due to year-round recreation in the Bear River Range. Adjust your tactics accordingly.

Deep Timber Focus

Elk in this unit spend more time in heavy cover compared to less-pressured herds. Focus your efforts in the thickest timber you can access. Still-hunting through dark timber on overcast or snowy days is effective. Move slowly — 100 yards per hour — and glass every opening.

Calling Strategy

These elk are call-shy compared to remote herds. Use soft cow calls rather than aggressive bugles. Set up in timber openings and let the elk come to you. Avoid calling from ridgetops where sound carries to other hunters and pressures elk further.

Early Season Advantage

The earliest available hunts in Unit 2 are the most productive. Elk are less pressured and still using their summer patterns. As the season progresses and recreation pressure builds, elk behavior shifts toward nocturnal movement.

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Elk Success Rates

Cache elk success rates average 25-35% for rifle, which is moderate for a limited-entry unit. The higher human disturbance level and moderate terrain accessibility create a more challenging hunt than the success rate might suggest. Archery success runs 10-15%. Bull quality averages 280-320 inches — respectable but not exceptional by Utah limited-entry standards.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Limited Entry	25	165	15.2%	14
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	4	71	5.6%	10
Rifle— Limited Entry	25	126	19.8%	13

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Cache elk tags draw with 5-10 bonus points for rifle, making them among the more accessible limited-entry elk permits in Utah. Archery is available with 2-5 points. This unit is a good choice for hunters who want limited-entry elk hunting without a long point commitment, accepting slightly lower trophy potential in exchange for more frequent hunting opportunities.

Moose Hunting in Unit 2

The Cache unit covers far-northern Utah's Bear River Range and surrounding valley fringes and is managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). Moose permits here are issued through UDWR's weighted-random bonus-point draw and are one of Utah's classic once-in-a-lifetime tags. The unit holds a healthy Shiras moose population on a mix of USFS Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, state, and private lands.

Where to Find Moose in Cache

Shiras moose in the Cache unit concentrate near wet drainages and willow flats.

Willow Bottoms and Beaver Ponds

Moose feed heavily on willow. Every beaver pond and willow-lined drainage is a candidate spot.

Aspen-Conifer Edges

Cows and young bulls use aspen and mixed conifer for cover between feeding bouts.

Sub-Alpine Basins

Mature bulls push into higher timbered basins during summer and early fall, dropping as snow accumulates.

How to Hunt Moose in Cache

A Cache moose hunt is a methodical, spot-and-stalk affair in relatively dense cover.

Glass Willow Bottoms at Dawn

Moose feed in the open early and late. Set up overlooking willow flats at first and last light.

Still-Hunt Creek Drainages

Slow still-hunting along drainages often produces — moose are surprisingly quiet and can appear suddenly.

Plan the Recovery

A mature bull is 800-1,000 pounds. Know how you'll quarter and pack out before pulling the trigger.

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Moose Success Rates

Utah moose hunts consistently produce high success rates — often 80%+ — because tags are few and moose density in quality units is strong. The main challenge is selecting a mature bull.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	13	0	0.0%	0

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Utah moose permits are drawn through UDWR's weighted-random bonus-point system. Each bonus point adds one chance in the random drawing; no guaranteed threshold exists. Moose is a once-in-a-lifetime species in Utah.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Several campgrounds along US-89 accommodate RVs.

⛺

Camp Sites

Multiple developed campgrounds in Logan Canyon. Dispersed camping on National Forest land.

💧

Water

Good. Logan River and numerous tributaries.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Good. Logan Canyon Highway (US-89) provides paved access. Forest roads off the highway are generally well-maintained.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Well-established trail system in the Bear River Range. Steeper terrain available for those who want it.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Moderate to high, especially opening weekend and near roads. Drops significantly away from access points.

🌦️

Weather

Fall temperatures 25-55°F. Snow possible from late October. Northern Utah gets early-season cold fronts.

📱

Cell Service

Good in Logan and along US-89. Spotty in side canyons and at elevation.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Logan (10-15 minutes from most access points). Full services including hotels, gear shops, and supplies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cache a good unit for first-time mule deer hunters?

Yes. The easy draw odds, accessible terrain, proximity to Logan, and healthy deer population make Cache an excellent choice for newer hunters. It's also good for experienced hunters who want to hunt every year without building points.

How do I deal with the hunting pressure in Unit 2?

Get away from roads and trailheads. Hike at least 1-2 miles into the backcountry and you'll see dramatically fewer hunters. Hunt early and late in the day — midday pressure pushes deer into cover. Consider hunting midweek if your schedule allows, as pressure drops significantly after opening weekend.

Is Cache a good unit for a first limited-entry elk tag?

Yes. The relatively low point requirement (5-10 points), proximity to Logan, and accessible terrain make it a realistic first limited-entry elk experience. Trophy quality isn't at the level of the Book Cliffs, but the hunting experience and bull quality are solid.

Why are elk in Unit 2 harder to hunt than other limited-entry units?

The Bear River Range receives heavy year-round recreation use — hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding — which makes elk more skittish and nocturnal than herds in remote units. Hunters need to adapt with quieter tactics and focus on areas with less human traffic.

Is Utah moose a once-in-a-lifetime tag?

Yes — drawing a Utah moose permit removes you from future Utah moose draws.

How does Utah's moose draw work?

UDWR uses a weighted-random bonus-point draw. Each bonus point adds one chance in the random drawing for that year's permits.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

Deer Herd Unit Management Plan — Deer Herd Unit #2 Cache (September 2023) — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Target winter herd size: 25,000 wintering deer (unchanged across 2013-2028 objectives), General season B:D ratio objective: 15-17 bucks per 100 does (statewide plan), Crawford Mountain subunit runs combined general-season + limited-entry late hunt for migratory populations, Counties: Box Elder, Cache, Rich, and Weber, Boundary: I-15 and UT-ID state line, south to US-91, east to SR-101 and Hardware Ranch, south on USFS Road 054 to SR-39/SR-16 and UT-WY line, Summer range is USFS-dominated (~55% of 273,346 acres); winter range is Private-dominated (~41% of 321,528 acres), Winter range is the unit's principal limiting factor — represents less than 30% of total area, CWD not yet detected on the unit (surveillance ongoing via hunter-harvested testing) · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Application Guidebook and Field Regulations index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Cache listed as general-season mule deer unit · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Hunt Boundary Interactive Map — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — Hunt Planner · supports: Authoritative GIS polygon for Unit 2 Cache boundary · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Harvest & Survey Data Index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Cache annual general-season buck harvest and B:D ratio tables · accessed 2026-04-16

Unit 2 (Cache)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 2

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 2

Bear River Range Slopes (6,500–9,000 ft)

Logan Canyon Corridor

Agricultural Fringe

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 2

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 2

Where to Find Elk in Unit 2

Upper Bear River Range (8,000–9,500 ft)

Side Canyon Drainages

South-Facing Winter Range

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 2

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 2

Where to Find Moose in Cache

Willow Bottoms and Beaver Ponds

Aspen-Conifer Edges

Sub-Alpine Basins

How to Hunt Moose in Cache

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 2 — Cache Elk

Unit 16A — Nebo Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification