Utah Unit Fillmore Mule Deer Hunting Guide

Utah's Unit Fillmore represents one of the state's general deer hunting opportunities, offering hunters a chance to pursue mule deer through Utah's draw system. Located in central Utah, this unit has maintained relatively consistent harvest numbers over recent years, with hunter success rates fluctuating between the mid-30s to upper 40s percent range. The unit operates under Utah's general deer tag allocation, making it accessible to hunters who draw one of the available permits through the state's application process.

Recent harvest data shows Unit Fillmore supporting substantial hunter participation, with over 2,000 hunters taking the field in 2025. The unit's performance demonstrates the variable nature of deer hunting success, influenced by factors including weather patterns, deer movement, and seasonal conditions. Hunters considering this unit should understand both its opportunities and limitations when making application decisions for Utah's competitive draw system.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit Fillmore presents a mixed opportunity for deer hunters in Utah's draw system. The harvest data from HuntPilot reveals significant year-to-year variation in both hunter numbers and success rates. The 2025 season showed strong participation with 2,079 hunters achieving a 48% success rate, representing nearly 1,000 deer harvested. However, the 2024 season tells a different story, with 1,991 hunters managing only a 37% success rate and 744 animals harvested.

This variability suggests Unit Fillmore is subject to the typical challenges facing general deer units across the West. Weather conditions, deer distribution patterns, and hunting pressure all contribute to the fluctuating success rates observed over the four-year dataset. The unit's ability to support over 2,000 hunters in peak years indicates substantial deer populations, though success rates below 50% reflect the reality of hunting pressured public land deer.

For hunters weighing their Utah application strategy, Unit Fillmore offers a legitimate opportunity to hunt deer without the point requirements of premium limited-entry units. The cost structure makes it accessible for both residents and nonresidents, though nonresidents face significantly higher tag fees. Hunters should enter with realistic expectations about trophy potential and success probability, viewing this as an opportunity-focused hunt rather than a trophy-quality experience.

The unit's hunter capacity suggests reasonable access to hunting areas, though specific terrain and public land percentages are not available in the current dataset. Hunters considering Unit Fillmore should factor the variable success rates into their planning and prepare for a potentially challenging hunt that may require multiple years of applications to achieve success.

Harvest Success Rates

Unit Fillmore's harvest performance over recent years demonstrates the variable nature of general deer hunting in Utah. The 2025 season produced the strongest results in the available dataset, with 2,079 hunters harvesting 996 deer for a 48% success rate. This represented a significant improvement from the previous year's 37% success rate, when 1,991 hunters managed 744 harvests.

The 2023 season shows different participation patterns, with 773 hunters achieving a 39% success rate and 304 deer harvested. The reduced hunter numbers that year may reflect draw dynamics or quota adjustments by Utah's wildlife managers. The 2022 season brought 921 hunters to the unit, resulting in 436 harvests and a solid 47% success rate.

These fluctuations highlight several important factors for potential applicants. The unit clearly supports variable deer populations and hunting conditions that significantly impact annual success. Weather patterns, winter severity, predation pressure, and deer distribution all contribute to year-over-year differences in harvest rates. The data suggests hunters should expect success rates in the 35-50% range, with the understanding that individual hunt outcomes depend heavily on seasonal conditions and hunter skill.

The harvest numbers also indicate Unit Fillmore maintains substantial deer populations capable of supporting significant hunting pressure. Even in lower-success years, the unit accommodated nearly 2,000 hunters, suggesting adequate habitat and deer numbers to justify the harvest quotas. Hunters should view these success rates as representative of general deer hunting opportunities rather than premium limited-entry experiences.

How to Apply

For 2026, Utah deer applications open March 19 with a deadline of April 23. Both residents and nonresidents follow the same application timeline and must complete their submissions through Utah's draw system during this window.

Nonresident hunters face an application fee of $10, a tag fee of $599 if drawn, and a required license fee of $144.00 that must be purchased before applying. The total cost commitment for nonresidents reaches $753 when combining all required fees. Utah requires the hunting license to be held before submitting draw applications, making it an upfront cost regardless of draw success.

Resident hunters pay a $10 application fee, a $46 tag fee if successful, and a required license fee of $34.00. The total resident cost equals $90 when combining all fees, representing a significant savings compared to nonresident pricing. Like nonresidents, residents must purchase their hunting license before applying.

Utah operates a hybrid draw system where 20% of tags go to applicants with the most preference points while 80% are distributed through weighted random selection. This means hunters with zero points still have drawing opportunities, though accumulated preference points improve overall odds. Hunters who apply unsuccessfully receive preference points for future applications.

Applications must be completed online through Utah's wildlife agency system. Payment for application fees and licenses is required at the time of application submission. Tag fees are collected only after successful draw notification. Hunters should verify all application requirements and ensure their hunting license is current before the application deadline.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the harvest success in Utah Unit Fillmore?

Unit Fillmore's harvest success rates have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from 37% to 48% depending on seasonal conditions. The 2025 season produced the highest success at 48% with 996 deer harvested by 2,079 hunters. The 2024 season showed lower success at 37% with 744 deer taken by 1,991 hunters. Historical data suggests hunters should expect success rates between 35-50%, with annual variation based on weather, deer distribution, and hunting conditions.

Is Utah Unit Fillmore worth applying for?

Unit Fillmore represents a solid opportunity for hunters seeking general deer hunting in Utah without the point requirements of premium limited-entry units. The unit consistently supports substantial hunter numbers and maintains viable deer populations, though trophy potential data is not available. Hunters should view this as an opportunity-focused hunt rather than a trophy experience. The variable success rates and moderate hunter pressure make it suitable for hunters with realistic expectations about general deer hunting challenges.

How much does it cost to hunt deer in Utah Unit Fillmore?

For 2026, nonresident hunters pay $10 application fee, $599 tag fee, and $144 required license fee, totaling $753. Resident hunters pay $10 application fee, $46 tag fee, and $34 required license fee, totaling $90. The hunting license must be purchased before applying regardless of draw success. These costs reflect Utah's pricing structure for general deer tags and may change annually.

What are the application dates for Utah deer hunting?

For 2026, Utah deer applications open March 19 and close April 23. Both residents and nonresidents must submit applications during this window through Utah's online system. The required hunting license must be purchased before applying, and application fees are due at submission. Successful applicants receive draw notifications later in the year with tag fee payment required after notification.

How does Utah's deer draw system work?

Utah uses a hybrid system where 20% of tags go to applicants with the most preference points and 80% are distributed through weighted random selection. This means hunters with zero points can still draw tags, though preference points improve overall odds. Unsuccessful applicants automatically receive preference points for future applications. The system balances rewarding point holders while maintaining opportunity for new applicants.