Unit Guildersleeve (Guildersleeve)

Utah Hunting Guide — Elk

Guildersleeve elk is a limited-entry bull elk unit on the Wasatch Plateau in central Utah, covering the same aspen-park, spruce-fir, and sage terrain that also supports the unit's mule deer population. UDWR manages a small bull elk tag allocation here with roughly 100-200 applicants. The unit's Wasatch Plateau location guarantees quality September rut elk hunting in classic high-country habitat, with bulls that reach full maturity under limited-entry management.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit Guildersleeve

Where to Find Elk on Guildersleeve

Guildersleeve elk use the Wasatch Plateau's classic high-country habitat system.

Aspen Parks and Spruce-Fir Edges (8,500–9,500 ft)

Primary early-season elk habitat. Bulls feed aspen park edges at dawn and bed tight to spruce-fir during midday. The best bulls hold at the highest elevation through September.

Sage Benches and Mountain Brush (7,500–8,500 ft)

Elk move to lower sage benches during October as pre-rut and rut activity increases. These transition zones concentrate animals as cows and bulls stage before full rut.

Drainages and Springs

Water sources pull elk throughout the season, especially during warm early-season conditions. Drainages with seeps and springs are reliable morning and evening congregation points.

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How to Hunt Guildersleeve Elk

Central Utah plateau elk hunting rewards hunters who cover ground early and understand rut timing.

High-Country Glass at First Light

Set up on opposing plateau ridges before dawn and glass aspen park edges. Identify bulls before they bed and plan a stalk while conditions are still cool.

Rut Calling from Timber Edge

During September rut, position 200 yards from active elk sign and call aggressively. Aspen parks on the plateau create natural sound channels that carry bugles and cow calls effectively.

Morning and Evening Pinch Points

Elk moving between bedding timber and feeding areas cross predictable terrain features — saddles, bench edges, and water drainages. Set up these pinch points for consistent shooting opportunities.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle28%

Guildersleeve limited-entry bull elk tags produce 65-80% success rates for rifle hunters and 30-45% for archery, consistent with comparable central Utah Wasatch Plateau units per UDWR data. Bulls average 280-320 inches, with the best animals approaching 340 inches under the limited-entry model.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	2	32	6.3%	2

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

With 100-200 applicants and a small tag allocation, Guildersleeve elk is a moderately accessible central Utah elk draw. Mid-point applicants draw with some regularity. Non-residents are capped at 10% of tags. Expect a 6-12 year build timeline from zero points for most hunters.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed USFS camping throughout the unit.

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Water

Springs and small creeks throughout. Treat before drinking.

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Road Conditions

USFS roads. High-clearance 4WD recommended for unit interior access.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous on plateau terrain with significant vertical between access roads and prime elk habitat.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. Small tag numbers keep field pressure minimal.

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Weather

September rut can be warm; October brings cold fronts. Prepare for snow at plateau elevation by late October.

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Cell Service

Poor to none in drainages. Partial on ridges. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Huntington and Castle Dale (20-35 min east). Price has full services within 45 min.

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Permit Notes

UDWR limited-entry bull elk tag. Confirm season dates in current UDWR guidebook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Guildersleeve have both elk and mule deer tags?

Yes. Guildersleeve is a named Utah limited-entry sub-unit that has both bull elk and buck deer tag allocations. The two species use overlapping habitat on the Wasatch Plateau — a great unit for hunters who want to scout two species on a single pre-season trip.

What size bulls are available on Guildersleeve elk?

Guildersleeve limited-entry management allows bulls to reach 5-7 years of age. Expect mature 5x5 and 6x6 bulls in the 280-320 inch range. The best bulls approach 340 inches. It is not a unit known for ultra-trophy bulls but consistently produces mature, legal-class animals.

Is Guildersleeve better for archery or rifle elk hunting?

Archery hunters who draw Guildersleeve get the September rut window when bulls are aggressive and calling works. Rifle hunters enjoy higher overall success rates. For the full rut experience with vocal bulls, archery is the better application choice.

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