south slope diamond mtn elk

treedagain · Apr 25, 2009

any info that you want to share on the early rifle hunt would be appreciated. this will be my wifes 1st elk hunt, not looking for your honey hole, just a point in the right direction. I know there is private land issues.

Daxter · Apr 26, 2009

Just look at a map and find the ridges that are surrounded by private lands on either side. Then find a way to hike out onto those ridges through public lands. Uintah County can print you out a pretty good map. You can even scout by glassing from the roads onto the ridges, but you will have to hike you guts out to get to them without trespassing. It can be pretty frustrating when you can see elk 800 yards from the road on public land, but it is a rough 5 mile each way hike to get to them and then to pack it back out.

I am no expert on Diamond Mtn., but did some looking around to see exactly what the conditions were, and I decided to apply elsewhere. Not nearly as many animals in the areas that are larger blocks of public land, and access is possible but really inconvenient in the other areas. Bulls aren't the biggest out there either, some decent ones, but lots of mediocre bulls. Good luck hope you guys have a fun hunt.

FlyFool · Apr 27, 2009

Dax is right. You do have to deal with private land. That being said there is still plenty of public land to hunt. You have a chance to find a big bull, but they are few and far between. My mom had this tag last year. Took a decent bull. They did see bigger bulls but once the pressure started the big guys headed for private land or Colorado. My mothers bull was shot within a mile of the Colorado line.

+1 on the Map. My dad had one sent to him. He contacted the uintah county offices in Vernal and asked for a diamond mountain land owners map. Very helpful.

I am pretty sure I drew an archery deer tag out there this year (cc was hit, no email yet). Maybe we can exchange notes from scouting trips or coordinate to go look together. Check your PM.