Utah Mule Deer Elk Black Bear

Unit 27 (Paunsaugunt)

Utah Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk, Black Bear

The Paunsaugunt is one of Utah's legendary mule deer units — managed as Premium Limited Entry with a 3-year average 40-55 bucks per 100 does objective (UDWR 2020 plan). Population objective is 6,500 wintering deer across Garfield and Kane counties (921,430 total acres, predominantly BLM at ~63% of total and Forest Service ~14%). The unit's mix of ponderosa pine, aspen, and sage plateaus — with active cooperation between the Paunsaugunt Landowners Association and Alton CWMU — drives trophy potential.

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Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 27

The Paunsaugunt Plateau is a mule deer factory. Understanding the seasonal distribution is key to finding the biggest bucks.

Paunsaugunt Plateau (7,500–9,000 ft)

The broad plateau top supports ponderosa pine, aspen groves, and mountain meadows that hold deer throughout the fall. Bucks use the open parks for feeding and the surrounding timber for bedding. The plateau's relatively flat terrain allows efficient glassing from multiple vantage points.

Bryce Canyon Rim Country

The spectacular breaks and canyon rims along the eastern edge of the unit provide unique habitat. Bucks use the broken terrain for escape cover, bedding in the cliff bands and rimrock features. Glass the canyon rims carefully — big bucks hide in terrain that looks impossible to hunt.

Sage Flats and Agricultural Edges

The lower-elevation sage flats, especially near the towns of Tropic and Cannonville, draw deer during the rut. Does concentrate near agricultural areas, and bucks follow. The sage-to-PJ transition zone at lower elevations holds deer throughout the season.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 27

The Paunsaugunt is a unit where patience and selectivity define the hunt. With bucks of this caliber available, don't rush your shot.

Pre-Season Pattern Bucks

Serious Paunsaugunt hunters scout weeks or months before the season. Summer and early fall trips to glass and catalog bucks are common practice. Set trail cameras on water sources and known travel routes. Build a target list of specific bucks — most successful trophy hunters know exactly which buck they're after before opening day.

High-Point Glassing

The plateau terrain is ideal for long-range glassing. Set up on the highest available points and use a quality spotting scope to systematically cover the meadows, PJ edges, and aspen parks below. Morning glassing sessions from first light through mid-morning are the most productive. Expect to glass 4-6 hours per day.

Rut Hunting the Breaks

During the November rut, the biggest bucks come out of the breaks and canyon country to chase does on the more open plateau. This is when Paunsaugunt bucks that were invisible all fall suddenly appear. Position yourself where you can watch the transition zone between the breaks and the plateau — saddles, trail crossings, and ridgeline gaps.

Agricultural Edge Stands

Setting up overlooking hay fields and agricultural land near Tropic, Cannonville, and Henrieville during the rut can produce opportunities at monster bucks. Does feed in these areas and bucks cruise through checking them. Get permission from landowners for field-edge access.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Paunsaugunt mule deer success rates are exceptional — typically 70-85% for rifle hunters. The limited-entry structure, healthy herd, and relatively open terrain combine to produce outstanding results. Average buck quality is among the highest in North America, with most harvested bucks scoring 175-195 inches. Bucks over 200 inches are taken every season. The Paunsaugunt has produced multiple state records and is widely considered one of the top 3 mule deer units in the West.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Limited Entry	4	56	7.1%	1
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	4	67	6.0%	1
Rifle— Limited Entry	27	136	19.9%	10

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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The Paunsaugunt is one of Utah's most competitive mule deer applications. Premium limited-entry tags require 18-25+ bonus points, and standard limited-entry tags require 12-18 points. Utah's weighted random draw means occasional lower-point draws happen, but planning on 15-20+ years is realistic. Non-resident allocation is extremely limited. Many hunters apply for the Paunsaugunt as their primary mule deer goal, building points for decades.

Elk Hunting in Unit 27

While the Paunsaugunt is primarily known for its world-class mule deer, the unit also holds a quality elk population. The unit spans 921,430 acres across Garfield and Kane counties, with BLM (~63% of total) and USFS (~14%) as dominant managers (UDWR 2020 deer plan — elk share the same boundary). The plateau's ponderosa pine, aspen, and sage mix supports the herd, and the lower draw-point requirements compared to mule deer make this an attractive elk opportunity in southern Utah.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 27

Elk on the Paunsaugunt use the higher-elevation forests and meadow systems on the plateau.

Ponderosa and Mixed-Conifer Forest (8,000–9,500 ft)

The tall ponderosa pine forests and mixed-conifer stands on the upper plateau hold the core elk population. Bulls bed in the dense timber during the day and feed in the adjacent meadows and parks at dawn and dusk.

Aspen Parks

Aspen groves scattered across the plateau provide feeding and travel corridors for elk. The parks between aspen stands are key feeding areas. Glass these openings from the surrounding ridgelines.

Drainage Bottoms

Creek drainages crossing the plateau provide water and travel routes for elk. Focus on drainages with reliable water and adjacent meadows for the highest elk concentration.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 27

Elk hunting on the Paunsaugunt benefits from the same open, glassable terrain that makes it famous for mule deer.

Meadow Edge Glassing

The plateau's meadow-and-timber mosaic is perfect for systematic glassing. Set up on high points overlooking the larger meadow systems and glass for elk at the timber edges. The relatively flat terrain allows you to cover large areas efficiently.

Calling the Rut

September archery hunters on the Paunsaugunt enjoy active bugling. The ponderosa forests carry sound well, and bulls in this unit are responsive to calling. Set up on the downwind side of meadows and use cow calls and bugles to draw bulls into the open.

Water Source Hunting

Stock tanks and springs on the plateau concentrate elk activity, especially in dry years. Locate active water sources during scouting and set up ambush points within range.

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Elk Success Rates

Paunsaugunt elk success rates average 35-45% for rifle and 15-20% for archery. The limited-entry structure maintains good bull-to-cow ratios, and the accessible terrain helps hunters locate elk efficiently. Most harvested bulls score 300-330 inches, with occasional larger bulls taken.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Limited Entry	16	44	36.4%	13
Rifle— Limited Entry	3	21	14.3%	1
Muzzleloader— Limited Entry	11	53	20.8%	10

Data from 2022 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Paunsaugunt elk tags are more accessible than the unit's famous mule deer permits. Rifle tags typically require 6-12 bonus points, and archery is available with 3-6 points. This makes the Paunsaugunt a solid limited-entry elk option for hunters who may not have the points for the Book Cliffs or Henry Mountains.

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 27

The Paunsaugunt Plateau in Garfield County hosts a healthy black bear population sustained by ponderosa pine, aspen, spruce-fir, and Gambel oak at 7,500 to 10,000 feet. Best known for trophy mule deer, the plateau's abundant acorns, berries, and pine nuts grow large-bodied bears. UDWR issues very few limited-entry spring and fall bear permits annually for this unit.

Where to Find Black Bear on the Paunsaugunt

Bears on the Paunsaugunt follow the food, moving predictably between seasonal mast and berry crops.

Gambel Oak Stands (Fall Hyperphagia)

Dense Gambel oak thickets on plateau edges and south-facing slopes produce heavy acorn crops in good years. Bears hit these stands hard in September and October — look for fresh diggings, scat loaded with acorn husks, and bent branches where bears have climbed to feed.

Serviceberry and Chokecherry Patches

Ripe berries draw bears from late July through August in drainages, along forest roads, and at aspen-oak transitions. Bears return to productive berry sources daily until the crop is gone.

Riparian Drainages

Creek drainages concentrate bear activity near springs. Walk slowly along these corridors in the morning looking for fresh tracks in soft mud.

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How to Hunt Black Bear on the Paunsaugunt

Bear hunting here rewards methodical food-source scouting and patient spot-and-stalk execution.

Glassing Oak Patches at Dawn

Set up on high ground overlooking large oak thickets before first light. Bears feed in the canopy at shooting light and are visible from 500-plus yards. A spotting scope lets you evaluate bears before committing to a stalk.

Forest Road Driving

The USFS road network on the plateau lets hunters glass canyon edges and forest openings while driving slowly at dawn and dusk. Stop every quarter mile and glass thoroughly.

Sign-Based Stalking

Fresh diggings, claw marks on aspen, and steaming scat are your roadmap. When fresh sign appears, slow down and stalk carefully into the wind.

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Black Bear Success Rates

Paunsaugunt bear tags produce 25 to 40 percent overall success depending on mast crop conditions. Strong acorn years drive success significantly higher as bears concentrate in predictable oak stands. Spring bear hunters following snow-line elevation changes see comparable results with clearly visible fresh sign.

Black Bear Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	3	14	21.4%	8

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Paunsaugunt bear permits are competitive due to trophy reputation. Residents typically draw within 2 to 5 years with consistent annual applications. Utah bear tag odds reset each year without standard bonus point accumulation. Non-residents face limited allocation.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Red Canyon campground and several private RV parks near Panguitch and Bryce Canyon accommodate larger rigs.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on National Forest land on the plateau. Red Canyon campground and others along Highway 12 provide developed options.

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Water

Moderate. Springs and stock ponds scattered across the unit. Not as dry as desert units but carry water for day hunts.

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Road Conditions

Good maintained roads access most of the plateau. Forest roads and two-track access deeper areas. High-clearance recommended for secondary roads.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. The plateau terrain is generally flat to rolling, making this one of the more physically accessible trophy mule deer hunts in Utah.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. Limited tags keep numbers manageable. Pressure concentrates near road-accessible areas.

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Weather

Fall temperatures 25-60°F. Snow possible from late October. The plateau can be wind-swept and cold. Bryce Canyon area is known for rapid weather changes.

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Cell Service

Available in Panguitch, Tropic, and along Highway 12. Spotty to none on the interior plateau.

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Nearest Town

Panguitch (20 minutes west) or Tropic (10 minutes east). Both have basic services. Cedar City (75 minutes) and St. George (2 hours) for full services.

Note: The Paunsaugunt's proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park makes lodging and services more available than many Utah hunting units. Plan accommodations early during hunting season — the area attracts both hunters and tourists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Paunsaugunt so famous for mule deer?

The Paunsaugunt consistently produces 180-200+ class mule deer bucks year after year. The combination of ideal habitat (ponderosa, aspen, sage plateaus), careful management (limited tags), low pressure, and mild winters creates a perfect storm for growing trophy bucks. The unit has produced multiple state and B&C records.

How many bonus points do I need for a Paunsaugunt mule deer tag?

Premium limited-entry tags typically require 18-25+ points. Standard limited-entry tags require 12-18 points. Plan for a 15-20+ year point-building commitment. The weighted random draw means some hunters draw with fewer points, but it's not something to count on.

Is the Paunsaugunt a physically demanding hunt?

Compared to most trophy mule deer hunts, the Paunsaugunt is relatively easy terrain-wise. The plateau is generally flat to rolling, and road access is good. The physical challenge is more about spending long hours behind optics than grueling hikes. This makes it an excellent option for older hunters or those with physical limitations who still want a world-class buck.

Is the Paunsaugunt worth applying for elk?

Yes, especially if you don't have the points for Utah's premier elk units. The Paunsaugunt offers quality limited-entry elk hunting (300-330 class bulls) in beautiful southern Utah terrain with draw odds that are realistically achievable within 8-12 years.

Can I hunt both elk and mule deer on the Paunsaugunt?

Only if you draw tags for both, which is extremely unlikely given the separate draw systems. Most hunters focus on one species per application cycle. Utah's bonus point system is species-specific, so building points for elk doesn't affect your mule deer points.

What is the average bear size on the Paunsaugunt?

Mature boars typically weigh 250 to 400 lbs with skull scores of 18 to 20 inches. Bears with 20-plus inch skulls are taken each year thanks to the abundant high-calorie food base of acorns and pine nuts on the plateau.

Is spring or fall the better bear season on the Paunsaugunt?

Both produce quality bears. Spring offers prime-coated bears emerging from dens with excellent visibility on snow-free ridges. Fall hyperphagia near oak stands makes bears highly predictable but coincides with peak deer hunting activity.

Do I need a guide for Paunsaugunt black bear?

No guide is required. The road network and abundant public USFS land make self-guided hunting very accessible. A local guide who knows which oak stands are producing that year can shorten the learning curve on this large unit.

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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 — Deer Herd Unit #27 Paunsaugunt (2020) — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Premium Limited Entry unit managed for 3-year average 40-55 bucks per 100 does, Population objective: 6,500 wintering deer (10-year average ~5,400), Total unit area: 921,430 acres across Garfield and Kane counties, Land ownership dominant: BLM (~63% of total), USFS (~14%), Private (~15%), Minimum 10 management-buck permits provided for additional opportunity, Cooperative management with Paunsaugunt Landowners Association and Alton CWMU, Boundary: starts at US-89A and UT-AZ state line, north on US-89 to SR-12, east to Paria River · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Application Guidebook and Field Regulations index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Paunsaugunt listed as Premium Limited Entry mule deer hunt · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Hunt Boundary Interactive Map — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — Hunt Planner · supports: Authoritative GIS polygon for Unit 27 Paunsaugunt boundary · accessed 2026-04-16
Utah Big Game Harvest & Survey Data Index — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources · supports: Paunsaugunt annual PLE buck harvest, B:D ratio, and age-class tables · accessed 2026-04-16

Unit 27 (Paunsaugunt)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 27

Paunsaugunt Plateau (7,500–9,000 ft)

Bryce Canyon Rim Country

Sage Flats and Agricultural Edges

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 27

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Elk in Unit 27

Ponderosa and Mixed-Conifer Forest (8,000–9,500 ft)

Aspen Parks

Drainage Bottoms

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 27

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Black Bear on the Paunsaugunt

How to Hunt Black Bear on the Paunsaugunt

Black Bear Success Rates

Black Bear Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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