Unit Blackhawk (Blackhawk)

Utah Hunting Guide — Elk

Blackhawk is a central Utah Limited Entry elk unit in Sanpete and Sevier counties on the Wasatch Plateau, one of the most storied elk-hunting landscapes in the state. The unit occupies the southern plateau at 7,500 to 10,500 feet — dense aspen stands, spruce-fir timber, and high mountain meadows that grow exceptional bulls under UDWR's strict limited-entry management. Blackhawk consistently produces 350-plus inch bulls and draws among the highest applicant interest of any central Utah elk unit.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit Blackhawk

Where to Find Elk in the Blackhawk Unit

Blackhawk elk follow a predictable seasonal pattern driven by the Wasatch Plateau's dramatic elevation change.

High-Plateau Aspen Parks and Meadows (9,500 to 10,500 ft)

Early season bulls stage in the expansive aspen parks and subalpine meadows on the plateau top. These areas produce reliable velvet buck and hard-antler sightings from late August through the archery opener.

Spruce-Fir Rutting Cover (8,500 to 9,500 ft)

As September arrives the rut pushes bulls into the dense spruce-fir for cover while they work the aspen edges. Bugling is aggressive in the tight canyon heads cutting the plateau face — locate rutting bulls by calling from ridge tops before dawn.

Oak Brush Corridors (7,500 to 8,500 ft)

Rifle season elk often congregate in the mid-elevation oak brush after pressure has pushed them off the high plateau. The thick brush provides escape cover and the tangled corridors concentrate elk movement into predictable funnels.

Pro Members Only

Unlock where-to-find intel for Blackhawk elk

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

How to Hunt Elk in the Blackhawk Unit

Blackhawk rewards hunters who master plateau-edge glassing combined with aggressive rut calling in September.

Plateau-Rim Glassing at Dawn

Set up on the western or eastern plateau rim before first light and glass the aspen park edges and subalpine meadows systematically. A quality spotting scope at 20 to 60 power reveals bulls in velvet at 1,500-plus yards — essential for locating and evaluating animals before committing to a stalk.

Aggressive Bugling in Canyon Heads

During the September rut, descend into the canyon heads just below the plateau rim and bugle aggressively. The canyon walls amplify sound dramatically and bulls often respond from multiple directions. Cut off a responding bull by moving quickly between him and his cows.

Timber Hunting with a Guide

The dense spruce-fir zones require patience. Move slowly, stop every 50 yards, and use your nose — elk in spruce-fir leave a strong musk smell. This hunting is best done with a partner who can circle wide and use terrain to direct bull movement toward the shooter.

Pro Members Only

Unlock hunting tactics for Blackhawk elk

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Elk Success Rates

Rifle28%

Blackhawk elk hunters see 50 to 70 percent success on limited-entry rifle tags, with the highest rates during September when the rut is active. Archery hunters committed to aggressive calling during the peak rut achieve 30 to 45 percent success in the tight canyon timber. Most harvested bulls score 320 to 380 inches, and 380-plus inch animals are taken each season.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	1	19	5.3%	1

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Blackhawk elk is one of the most competitive LE draws in Utah. Residents typically need 15 to 20 bonus points for the general limited-entry bull tag. The unit's trophy reputation and central plateau location drive extreme applicant interest year after year. Non-residents receive 10 percent of tags.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

⛺

Camp Sites

Dispersed USFS camping on the plateau. Developed campgrounds at Palisade State Park (30 minutes) and on SR-89.

💧

Water

Springs and small streams in canyon drainages. Carry drinking water on the plateau top.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Manti-La Sal NF roads provide plateau access. High-clearance 4WD strongly recommended in all fall conditions. Snow can close plateau roads by mid-October.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. The plateau top is open and walkable; canyon descents involve loose shale and steep grades.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Very low. The extreme tag scarcity means you are often the only hunter on the entire plateau for your species.

🌦️

Weather

October plateau conditions can be severe — blizzards are possible. Always carry emergency gear and chains.

📱

Cell Service

Weak to none on the plateau. Moderate signal near Manti and along SR-89.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Manti or Ephraim (25 to 40 minutes west via SR-89). Full services including fuel, groceries, and lodging.

Pro Members Only

Unlock full logistics for Blackhawk elk

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blackhawk the best elk unit on the Wasatch Plateau?

Blackhawk consistently ranks among the top three Wasatch Plateau units for bull quality, alongside Plateau Fishlake and Plateau Parker Mountain. The southern plateau terrain, aspen density, and long-standing limited-entry management have produced a mature bull age structure that few units in Utah can match.

How many points does it take to draw Blackhawk elk?

Residents typically need 15 to 20 accumulated bonus points for the general rifle tag. The count increases slightly each year as the unit's reputation grows. Check the current UDWR draw odds summary for the most recent data before finalizing your application strategy.

What should I expect for a pack-out on Blackhawk?

Expect a 1 to 4 mile pack from most hunting areas to a vehicle-accessible road. Bone out your bull in the field to reduce weight. A quality pack frame rated for 150-plus lbs is essential. Two hunters working together complete the pack-out in one day for typical harvest locations.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr