Utah Unit Fillmore, Oak Creek LE Mule Deer Hunting Guide

Utah's Fillmore, Oak Creek LE unit stands out as one of the state's most productive deer hunting areas, delivering consistently high harvest success rates across multiple years of data. Located in central Utah, this 222,896-acre unit spans elevations from 4,727 to 9,692 feet, offering diverse terrain from high-elevation summer range to lower elevation wintering areas. The unit's 71% public land provides substantial access for do-it-yourself hunters, while the absence of designated wilderness areas means all terrain remains accessible without guide requirements.

The recent harvest data tells a compelling story of opportunity and success. Over the past four years, hunters in this unit have achieved remarkable consistency, with success rates ranging from 81% to 91%. This level of performance places the Fillmore, Oak Creek LE unit among Utah's top-producing deer hunting areas, making it an attractive option for both resident and nonresident hunters willing to navigate Utah's competitive limited-entry draw system.

HuntPilot Analysis

The data from HuntPilot reveals this unit as a legitimate opportunity for hunters seeking high-probability deer hunting in Utah. The four-year harvest record shows remarkable consistency, with success rates averaging 88% across 2022-2025. The 2025 season saw 71 hunters achieve a 90% success rate, harvesting 64 deer. This represents not just strong harvest numbers, but sustainable hunter densities that maintain quality hunting conditions.

The unit's 71% public land composition creates genuine opportunity for unguided hunters. Unlike many western hunting destinations where public access becomes the limiting factor, Fillmore, Oak Creek LE provides substantial huntable terrain without requiring private land access or expensive outfitter services. The absence of wilderness designations means hunters can access the full range of the unit's 222,896 acres using motorized vehicles where regulations permit, significantly expanding practical hunting opportunities.

For nonresident hunters, this unit represents excellent value despite Utah's premium tag fees. The $599 nonresident tag fee, while substantial, becomes reasonable when viewed against the unit's 88% average success rate. Few western states offer comparable success rates in their limited-entry systems, particularly in units with significant public land access.

The elevation range from 4,727 to 9,692 feet suggests diverse habitat supporting deer populations through seasonal migrations. This vertical diversity typically creates multiple hunting opportunities as deer move between summer and winter ranges, extending the effective hunting window and providing backup options when weather or hunting pressure affects specific elevation zones.

Utah's limited-entry system means this unit requires winning a competitive draw, but the harvest data suggests the investment in building preference points or taking chances in the weighted random portion of Utah's hybrid draw system can pay substantial dividends for successful applicants.

How to Apply

For 2026, applications open March 19 with a deadline of April 23. Utah requires hunters to purchase a hunting license before applying for limited-entry draws, adding to the upfront investment required. Resident hunters face a $34.00 license fee plus $10 application fee, with successful applicants paying $46 for the deer tag. Nonresidents must purchase a $144.00 license plus $10 application fee, with successful tags costing $599.

The application window provides just over one month for hunters to submit their applications through Utah's online system. Utah operates a hybrid draw system, allocating 20% of tags to applicants with the highest preference points and 80% through a weighted random draw where applicants receive entries based on their accumulated points. This system means hunters with fewer points maintain drawing opportunities while still rewarding long-term point investment.

Nonresidents should factor the total application cost of $154 when planning their hunting budgets, as this investment is required regardless of draw results. Residents face a $44 total application cost. These fees are in addition to the tag cost paid by successful applicants.

Utah allows applicants to designate backup choices, but the limited-entry nature of premium units like Fillmore, Oak Creek LE means most applicants should research multiple units to maximize their drawing opportunities across Utah's system.

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

Harvest Success Rates

The harvest data for Fillmore, Oak Creek LE demonstrates exceptional consistency over the four-year period from 2022-2025. The 2025 season achieved 90% success with 71 hunters harvesting 64 deer, representing the unit's strongest performance in the data set. The 2024 season maintained similar productivity with 89% success as 63 hunters harvested 56 deer.

The 2023 season showed the lowest success rate at 81%, with 59 hunters harvesting 48 deer, but this still represents strong performance by western hunting standards. Most limited-entry units struggle to maintain success rates above 60-70%, making the 81% "low" exceptional when viewed in broader context. The 2022 season rebounded to 91% success with 54 hunters harvesting 49 deer.

Hunter density analysis reveals sustainable pressure levels throughout the data period. The gradual increase from 54 hunters in 2022 to 71 hunters in 2025 represents controlled growth that has not compromised success rates. This suggests Utah's tag allocation for this unit remains within the carrying capacity of both the deer herd and the available habitat.

The four-year average success rate of 88% places this unit in elite company among western limited-entry deer hunts. This level of consistency indicates stable deer populations, appropriate tag allocations, and quality habitat conditions that support both deer recruitment and hunter opportunity.

These success rates reflect total unit performance across all hunt types and weapon categories. Individual hunt variations may exist within these totals, but the aggregate data demonstrates the unit's overall productivity for deer hunting.

Access & Terrain

The unit's 71% public land provides substantial access for hunters willing to work for their opportunities. This public land percentage ensures that successful applicants will find huntable terrain without requiring expensive private land access or outfitter services. The remaining 29% private ownership creates some access challenges but does not dominate the landscape as occurs in many western hunting units.

Elevation diversity from 4,727 to 9,692 feet creates varied hunting conditions and multiple habitat types within the unit boundary. The nearly 5,000-foot elevation spread suggests everything from desert-like lower elevation winter range to high-elevation summer habitat, providing options as deer move seasonally and as weather conditions change during the hunting period.

The absence of designated wilderness areas means hunters can utilize motorized access where regulations and terrain permit. This accessibility advantage distinguishes the unit from wilderness-heavy areas where pack-in hunting becomes the primary option. Hunters can focus on deer patterns and habitat preferences rather than managing complex logistics for remote camp access.

The 222,896-acre size provides substantial hunting area even when accounting for private land restrictions. This acreage supports dispersed hunting pressure and provides backup opportunities when deer movement or hunter competition affects specific areas within the unit.

Central Utah's terrain typically features a mix of oak brush, mountain mahogany, aspen stands, and coniferous forests at higher elevations, transitioning to sagebrush and grassland communities at lower elevations. This habitat diversity supports year-round deer populations while providing the browse and cover essential for healthy deer herds.

Herd Health & Population Trends

The harvest success data reveals positive population trends supporting sustainable hunting opportunity in the Fillmore, Oak Creek LE unit. The ability to maintain 88% average success rates while gradually increasing hunter numbers from 54 to 71 over four years indicates a stable or growing deer population capable of supporting controlled harvest increases.

The consistency of high success rates across multiple years suggests the deer herd has avoided major population crashes from severe winters, disease, or habitat degradation. Western deer herds often experience significant year-to-year fluctuations, making the unit's steady performance noteworthy for long-term hunt planning.

Hunter number increases from 54 in 2022 to 71 in 2025 represent a 31% expansion in tag allocation without corresponding decreases in success rates. This managed growth indicates Utah's biologists have confidence in the herd's ability to support additional harvest while maintaining hunt quality. The 2025 season's 90% success rate despite peak hunter numbers demonstrates continued population strength.

The elevation range from 4,727 to 9,692 feet provides crucial seasonal habitat diversity supporting deer population stability. Lower elevations offer winter survival habitat during harsh weather periods, while higher elevations provide summer range and escape cover during hot periods. This vertical habitat diversity acts as population insurance against weather extremes.

Mule deer populations benefit from the habitat management possible across the unit's mix of public and private lands. The 71% public ownership provides core habitat under wildlife agency management, while private lands often offer supplemental winter feed and reduced hunting pressure that can enhance overall population performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the harvest success rates so high in this unit? The unit's combination of stable deer populations, appropriate tag allocations, and diverse habitat creates ideal conditions for hunter success. The 88% four-year average success rate reflects Utah's conservative approach to tag numbers, ensuring hunter opportunity without overharvesting the deer herd. The elevation diversity from 4,727 to 9,692 feet provides deer with seasonal habitat options that support healthy population levels.

How difficult is access with 71% public land? The 71% public land percentage provides substantial hunting opportunities without requiring private land arrangements. Unlike units dominated by private ownership, hunters here can access nearly three-quarters of the 222,896-acre unit through public land. The absence of wilderness designations means motorized access is possible where terrain and regulations permit, significantly improving practical hunting opportunities compared to wilderness-heavy units.

Is this unit worth the investment for nonresidents? The unit's 88% average success rate justifies the $599 nonresident tag fee when compared to success rates in other western states. Few limited-entry units anywhere offer comparable harvest success with significant public land access. The $154 total application cost represents reasonable investment for the opportunity to hunt in a unit with proven performance over multiple years.

What terrain should hunters expect in this unit? The nearly 5,000-foot elevation range creates diverse hunting conditions from lower elevation winter range to high-elevation summer habitat. Central Utah terrain typically features oak brush, mountain mahogany, and aspen stands at mid-elevations, transitioning to coniferous forests at higher elevations and sagebrush communities at lower elevations. This habitat diversity supports year-round deer populations and provides multiple hunting strategies.

How has the deer population trend affected hunting opportunity? The gradual increase in hunter numbers from 54 in 2022 to 71 in 2025, combined with maintained success rates, indicates a stable or growing deer population. Utah's willingness to increase tag allocations by 31% over four years while maintaining 88%+ success rates demonstrates confidence in the herd's sustainability and suggests continued quality hunting opportunities for successful applicants.