Utah Archery Dates

CWeeks · Dec 3, 2009

I'm sitting on 10pts for elk and would really like to know if Utah will be moving their archery dates in the future. No need to debate the issue as I realize this can be a hot topic, I just want to make the most of what I see as a once-in-a-lifetime tag and think this is useful information to have.
Thanks, Clark

JACO · Dec 3, 2009

They have proposed to change the 2011 hunt dates for LE archery elk to Sept 5-19. Which is two weeks shorter than it is now, but it goes further into the rut. This year it was Aug 15 - Sept 11.

Hope that helps

Nocked N Loaded

PleaseDear · Dec 3, 2009

August 15th is a Sunday.....

I thought it was the 3rd Saturday of August (21st) for '28 days' so would that not be Sept. 17th.......2010.

'sw' what say you?

Robb

WapitiBob · Dec 3, 2009

they're proposing to change the dates. No more 3rd Saturday but an actual "date" to start and end. The calenders have been floating around here.

CWeeks · Dec 3, 2009

I'm wondering if this happens if it will get alot of people with a couple points or so more than me (maybe holding out for a San Juan archery or rifle/muzz tag) jumping into the draw and changing the draw stats. Any thoughts?

UT1031 · Dec 3, 2009

Robb is correct for 2010. The date will be 9/17/10. This is a full week later than last year due to the calendar reset that happens every 7 years. You should apply! The dates for 2011 and beyond will probably add a couple of days, but based on what has happened the past couple of years, that extra week will be GOLD!!!!!
Good luck...........wish it were me!

PleaseDear · Dec 3, 2009

The big confusion is that most everyone is talking about the big changes coming--------in 2011......if they even take place.

So the 2010 dates/rules are still rolling along------as best I can figure out?

I am sticking with my LE bow elk application and hopeing alot of LE mzzy guys don't jump ship and come to the LE elk bow date for 2010-----Sept 17th......decent rut date ending.

But nothing is in stone until the Proc comes out in late December 2009.

Robb

c3 · Dec 3, 2009

I know that if the dates stay with the current system, 3rd Sat. in Aug start, that there will be at least 4 or 5 people with 14 or more points apply for San Juan Archery that didn't last couple years.

I'm virtually sure that all the odds from this year for archery are going to be about one point worse than the last couple of years. There are dozens and dozens of folks with more points than what it has taken on the premium archery LE elk hunts that could be tempted with the later dates.

Cheers,
Pete

CWeeks · Dec 4, 2009

Thanks Pete, that's what I was thinking but wanted someone in the know to confirm it. I've got a caribou hunt lined up for next fall and could get back in a good unit in Wy for archery elk in 2011. I'm really just trying to plan out other hunts around my premium tags so I can dedicate the hunting time needed to make the long wait drawing worth it. I'm 45 yo and with the 5 year waiting period I'm treating this Utah tag as what it probably is, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thanks again, Clark

swbuckmaster · Dec 4, 2009

good luck in the draw guys
If it were me this is the year Id want to draw and archery tag. I personally would want more days to hunt with a bow even if it was earlier. I believe you can still hunt elk and be successful without the bugles.

Archery is a year round commitment!!

CWeeks · Dec 7, 2009

I agree with the more time to hunt sw, and will dedicate two weeks as this is about as long as I can stay away from family and business. If I lived close to the unit I was hunting and could scout, I imagine an earlier hunt over water would be the best way to kill a big bull. Since thats not my situation and since I like to hunt without a guide, it really makes for a fun and usually successful hunt if I can hear them talking and burn fewer days locating them. If not for an already full Sept. I'd be trying my luck in the draws this coming year, but it will be at least 2011 until I can put my name in the hat.