Unit Scofield East (Scofield East)

Utah Hunting Guide — Elk

Scofield East is a limited-entry bull elk unit on the east side of Scofield Reservoir in Carbon County, central Utah. The unit covers the Wasatch Plateau's eastern escarpment — a mix of aspen parks, spruce-fir timber, and sage benches that hold quality bulls under UDWR's limited-entry management. With roughly 150-250 applicants chasing 15-25 tags, Scofield East is a moderately competitive central Utah elk draw with strong bull quality and reliable public-land access.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit Scofield East

Where to Find Elk on Scofield East

Scofield East elk follow the Wasatch Plateau's eastern drainage system through predictable seasonal patterns.

Upper Aspen Parks (8,500–9,500 ft)

Primary early-season elk habitat. Bulls feed aspen park edges at dawn and bed in adjacent spruce-fir. Glass opposing ridges from the plateau rim for the best coverage.

Sage Benches Below the Plateau

Sage and mountain-brush benches on the eastern slope hold elk during October. Elk use these benches as staging areas between aspen parks and lower winter range.

East-Draining Canyon Bottoms

Drainages cutting east from the plateau concentrate elk during the rut. Cottonwood and willow stringers in canyon bottoms provide water and browse throughout the season.

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How to Hunt Scofield East Elk

Scofield East rewards hunters who understand the Wasatch Plateau's east-side elk movement system.

Plateau-Rim Glassing

Drive forest roads to the plateau rim and glass east into aspen parks before dawn. East-facing slopes light up early. Mark bulls at distance and plan your descent to intercept them.

Calling During the Rut

September rut elk respond aggressively to bugles and cow calls in these canyon systems. Set up 200+ yards from elk and call from downwind positions — canyon topography amplifies sound.

Canyon Pinch Point Setups

Ambush elk moving between upper aspen habitat and lower sage benches at canyon pinch points. Morning thermals pull upslope — set up on canyon walls above where elk travel.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle28%

Scofield East limited-entry bull elk tags produce 65-80% success rates for rifle hunters and 30-45% for archery, tracking with comparable central Utah plateau elk units per UDWR harvest data. Bulls average 280-320 inches with the best animals exceeding 340 inches under the limited-entry management model.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	1	26	3.8%	1

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

With 150-250 applicants and 15-25 tags, Scofield East is a moderately competitive central Utah elk draw. Mid-point applicants draw in the random-weighted half with some regularity. Expect a 6-12 year build timeline for most hunters. The unit's proximity to Scofield Reservoir makes it a known quantity among central Utah elk applicants.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Scofield Reservoir has sites accommodating moderate trailers.

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Camp Sites

Scofield Reservoir State Park has developed camping. Dispersed USFS camping throughout the unit.

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Water

Good. Scofield Reservoir and multiple drainages provide water throughout the unit.

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Road Conditions

US-6 and SR-96 provide paved access to the unit edge. USFS forest roads access interior terrain — high-clearance 4WD recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Plateau descent routes involve significant vertical.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate for a limited-entry unit. Scofield's accessibility means some non-hunting traffic in the area.

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Weather

September rut can be warm; October brings early frosts. Plateau rim gets significant snow by November.

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Cell Service

Fair near SR-96 and the reservoir; poor on east-facing slopes.

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Nearest Town

Price (30-40 min east) has full services. Helper is closer with fuel and basic supplies.

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Permit Notes

UDWR limited-entry bull elk tag. Archery and rifle seasons have different dates — confirm in current guidebook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Scofield East differ from Scofield West for elk hunting?

Scofield East covers the eastern escarpment of the Wasatch Plateau draining toward Carbon County, while Scofield West covers the reservoir's west side draining toward Sanpete County. East-side terrain tends to be steeper with more east-draining canyon systems. Both units have similar bull quality under limited-entry management.

Can I camp near Scofield Reservoir while hunting Scofield East?

Yes. Scofield Reservoir State Park has developed camping on the west side of the reservoir. Dispersed USFS camping is also available throughout the unit. The reservoir is approximately 30-40 minutes from Price via SR-96.

What is the best weapon season to apply for on Scofield East elk?

Archery hunters get the best shot quality during the September rut when bulls are vocal and responsive to calls. Rifle hunters enjoy higher overall success rates. If trophy quality is the priority, archery's rut timing is unmatched. If harvest success matters most, early rifle is the better choice.

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