Utah Unit Cache Moose Hunting Guide

Utah's Cache Unit stands as one of the state's most reliable moose hunting destinations, offering hunters exceptional success rates in diverse terrain spanning from agricultural valleys to high alpine basins. Located in the northern reaches of Utah, this unit encompasses 1,173,309 acres of varied habitat that supports a healthy moose population. With 52% public land access and elevations ranging from 4,219 to 9,862 feet, Cache Unit provides both accessibility and the challenging terrain moose hunters seek.

The unit's recent harvest statistics tell a compelling story of consistency and opportunity. Hunters have achieved perfect 100% success rates across multiple years, with harvest data showing complete tag fulfillment in 2025 (16 hunters, 16 harvested), 2024 (16 hunters, 16 harvested), 2023 (14 hunters, 14 harvested), and 2022 (15 hunters, 15 harvested). This remarkable consistency makes Cache Unit a standout destination for hunters seeking reliable moose hunting opportunities in Utah's challenging draw system.

The unit's diverse elevation profile creates ideal moose habitat, from willows and aspen groves in the lower valleys to expansive meadow complexes at higher elevations. The 6% wilderness designation ensures that backcountry opportunities exist while maintaining reasonable access for most hunters. Cache Unit's position in northern Utah places it within prime moose range, benefiting from the cooler temperatures and abundant water sources that support thriving moose populations.

HuntPilot Analysis

Cache Unit represents an exceptional opportunity for moose hunters willing to navigate Utah's competitive draw system. The four-year track record of 100% harvest success rates is remarkable in the moose hunting world, where success rates often fluctuate based on weather, hunting pressure, and herd dynamics. This consistent performance indicates not just healthy moose numbers, but also quality habitat distribution that allows hunters to locate and harvest animals reliably.

The unit's 52% public land composition provides adequate access without overwhelming hunting pressure. This balance is crucial for moose hunting success, as these animals are sensitive to pressure and require huntable populations across accessible terrain. The relatively modest 6% wilderness designation means that most of the unit remains accessible to hunters without guide requirements, though nonresidents should be aware that wilderness areas in Utah do not require outfitters unlike neighboring Wyoming.

The annual tag allocation has remained stable between 14-16 permits over the recent four-year period, indicating that Utah Division of Wildlife Resources views the moose population as sustainable at current harvest levels. This stability suggests hunters can expect consistent opportunity levels moving forward, though Utah's moose draws remain highly competitive across all units.

For hunters evaluating Cache Unit, the elevation range from 4,219 to 9,862 feet provides diverse habitat zones that moose utilize throughout the season. Lower elevations offer willow bottoms and agricultural edges where moose feed, while higher elevations provide escape cover and cooler temperatures during warmer weather. This elevation diversity extends the hunting season's effectiveness and provides hunters multiple habitat types to explore.

The unit is worth serious consideration for any hunter with Utah moose preference points. The combination of proven success rates, reasonable access, and diverse habitat creates conditions favorable for consistent harvest opportunities. However, hunters must be prepared for Utah's hybrid draw system where points help but don't guarantee tags.

Harvest Success Rates

Cache Unit's harvest performance sets a gold standard among Utah's moose units, with hunters achieving 100% success rates across the most recent four-year data period. In 2025, all 16 hunters successfully harvested moose, matching identical performance from 2024 where 16 hunters again achieved complete success. The 2023 season saw 14 hunters with 100% harvest completion, while 2022 recorded 15 hunters with perfect success.

These consistently perfect success rates indicate several positive factors working in hunters' favor. The moose population appears well-distributed across huntable terrain, allowing hunters to locate animals within the unit boundaries. The tag allocation levels appear well-calibrated to the available moose numbers, preventing overharvest while ensuring huntable populations persist throughout the seasons.

The stability in annual tag numbers, ranging from 14-16 permits over the four-year period, suggests that Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has established sustainable harvest quotas that maintain both moose populations and hunter success. This conservative approach to tag allocation helps explain the consistent 100% success rates, as permit numbers remain within the carrying capacity of the unit's moose habitat.

For hunters drawing Cache Unit tags, these success rate statistics provide confidence that moose hunting opportunities will be available throughout the hunting period. The consistent harvest completion suggests that moose are distributed across multiple habitat types within the unit, rather than concentrated in limited areas that might be difficult to access or prone to early harvest.

The four-year trend of perfect success rates also indicates that Cache Unit moose are responding well to current management practices and habitat conditions. This consistency gives hunters reasonable confidence in their investment of preference points and application fees, knowing that tag holders have historically found success within the unit boundaries.

Herd Health & Population Trends

The stable tag allocations and consistent 100% harvest success rates in Cache Unit indicate a moose population in good health and equilibrium with available habitat. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has maintained annual permit levels between 14-16 tags across the recent four-year period, suggesting biologists view the moose population as sustainable at current harvest levels without significant population growth or decline concerns.

The unit's elevation range from 4,219 to 9,862 feet provides diverse seasonal habitat that supports moose population stability. Lower elevation areas offer winter habitat with accessible browse, while higher elevations provide summer range and escape cover during warmer periods. This elevation gradient allows moose to follow natural seasonal movement patterns, supporting population health through varying weather conditions.

Cache Unit's 52% public land composition ensures that significant habitat remains under wildlife-friendly management practices. Public land agencies typically manage for wildlife habitat values, providing the long-term habitat security that moose populations require for stability. The remaining private lands often include agricultural areas that provide additional forage resources, particularly during harsh winter conditions.

The consistent harvest success rates suggest that moose distribution within the unit remains stable, with animals accessible across huntable terrain rather than concentrated in limited areas. This distribution pattern indicates healthy habitat conditions throughout the unit rather than habitat degradation forcing moose into refugia areas.

The 6% wilderness designation provides core habitat areas with minimal human disturbance, serving as security cover for moose populations. These undisturbed areas often serve as breeding grounds and refugia during hunting seasons, contributing to overall population stability and recruitment success.

Access & Terrain

Cache Unit's 1,173,309 acres encompass diverse terrain ranging from 4,219 to 9,862 feet elevation, creating varied hunting opportunities across multiple habitat zones. The unit's 52% public land composition provides adequate access for DIY hunters while maintaining enough private land to prevent overcrowding of huntable areas. This balance helps explain the consistent harvest success rates, as hunting pressure remains distributed rather than concentrated on limited public access points.

The elevation gradient creates distinct habitat zones that moose utilize seasonally. Lower elevations typically feature agricultural valleys, willow bottoms, and aspen groves where moose feed and find water sources. These areas often provide road-accessible hunting opportunities for hunters preferring less physical demands. Mid-elevation zones transition into mixed conifer forests with meadow complexes, offering classic moose habitat with moderate access requirements.

Higher elevations approaching the 9,862-foot maximum provide alpine and subalpine habitat that moose utilize during warmer weather and for escape cover. These areas typically require more physical effort to access but may offer opportunities when moose move to higher elevations seeking cooler temperatures or less hunting pressure.

The 6% wilderness designation ensures that some portion of the unit remains undeveloped while not creating overwhelming access restrictions. Unlike Wyoming, Utah does not require nonresident hunters to hire guides for wilderness hunting, making these backcountry areas accessible to all hunters willing to invest the physical effort required for access.

Cache Unit's position in northern Utah places it within reasonable driving distance of major population centers while maintaining rural character. The unit benefits from existing infrastructure that supports hunting access without the extreme remoteness that characterizes some western moose units. This accessibility helps explain why hunters consistently locate and harvest moose within the unit boundaries.

The diverse terrain provides hunters multiple hunting strategies depending on weather conditions, moose behavior, and personal preferences. Road-accessible areas allow hunters to cover ground quickly when scouting or responding to changing conditions, while backcountry areas provide opportunities for hunters seeking less pressured hunting experiences.

How to Apply

For 2026, moose applications in Utah open March 19 with a deadline of April 23, providing hunters a five-week application window. Both residents and nonresidents face identical application deadlines and must navigate Utah's hybrid draw system where 20% of tags go to highest point holders while 80% are distributed through weighted random drawing.

Utah residents applying for 2026 Cache Unit moose permits pay a $10 application fee plus a $454 tag fee if drawn. Additionally, residents must purchase a $34.00 hunting license before applying, as this license is required to submit applications. The total upfront cost for residents reaches $44.00, with an additional $454 due only upon successful draw.

Nonresidents face significantly higher costs, with the same $10 application fee but a $2,244 tag fee if selected in the draw. Nonresidents must also purchase a $144.00 hunting license before applying, making the total upfront cost $154.00 plus $2,244 if drawn successfully. These fees reflect Utah's preference for resident hunters while generating revenue from nonresident applicants.

Utah operates a preference point system for moose, meaning unsuccessful applicants automatically receive preference points that improve future draw odds. However, Utah's hybrid system means that even maximum point holders face uncertainty, as only 20% of tags go to highest point applicants while the majority are distributed through weighted random selection where points increase entries but don't guarantee selection.

Hunters must apply through Utah's online system during the March 19 to April 23 window. Late applications are not accepted, and hunters should complete applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or forgotten deadlines. The application process requires hunters to select specific hunt units, making Cache Unit selection a deliberate choice rather than a fallback option.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the state wildlife agency website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cache Unit worth applying for as a moose hunting destination?

Cache Unit stands out among Utah's moose hunting opportunities with four consecutive years of 100% harvest success rates and stable tag allocations between 14-16 permits annually. The unit's 52% public land composition provides adequate DIY access while 1,173,309 total acres offer diverse habitat from 4,219 to 9,862 feet elevation. These statistics indicate a well-managed moose population with huntable numbers distributed across accessible terrain. For hunters with Utah preference points, Cache Unit represents a proven opportunity with consistent results.

What type of terrain should hunters expect in Cache Unit?

Cache Unit's elevation range from 4,219 to 9,862 feet creates diverse moose habitat across multiple zones. Lower elevations feature agricultural valleys, willow bottoms, and aspen groves that provide classic moose feeding areas near water sources. Mid-elevations transition into mixed conifer forests with meadow complexes, while higher elevations approach alpine conditions that moose utilize for escape cover and during warmer weather. The 6% wilderness designation provides backcountry opportunities without overwhelming access restrictions, and the 52% public land ensures huntable areas remain available to DIY hunters.

How competitive is the draw for Cache Unit moose tags?

Utah operates a hybrid draw system where 20% of tags go to highest point holders and 80% are distributed through weighted random selection. While specific draw statistics vary annually, moose draws throughout Utah remain highly competitive for both residents and nonresidents. The unit's consistent 100% success rates and stable tag allocation between 14-16 permits make it an attractive choice, increasing competition among applicants. Hunters should expect multi-year point accumulation before drawing, though Utah's weighted system means lower-point applicants retain drawing chances.

What is the application timeline and cost for Cache Unit moose?

For 2026, applications open March 19 and close April 23, providing a five-week window for submission. Utah residents pay $10 application fees plus $34.00 for the required hunting license, with $454 tag fees due only if drawn. Nonresidents pay the same $10 application fee plus $144.00 for required licenses, with $2,244 tag fees if successful. All hunters must purchase hunting licenses before applying, making total upfront costs $44.00 for residents and $154.00 for nonresidents, plus additional fees only upon drawing tags.

How has moose harvest success performed in Cache Unit recently?

Cache Unit has achieved remarkable consistency with 100% harvest success rates across four recent years of data. In 2025, all 16 hunters successfully harvested moose, matching identical performance in 2024. The 2023 season saw 14 hunters with complete success, while 2022 recorded 15 hunters achieving 100% harvest rates. This four-year trend of perfect success indicates healthy moose populations distributed across huntable terrain within the unit boundaries, giving tag holders high confidence in hunting opportunities.