Any Wasatch overcrowding

4point · Feb 21, 2011

I am considering applying for an early season Wasatch rifle
tag. With the number of tags they give out I'm wondering if
there would be some overcrowding? If ones willing to hike the
extra mile can they get away from this? Any PM's and replies
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

southslope82 · Feb 21, 2011

Yes there will be over crowding but not all will be hunters. Lots of recreation on the wasatch unit. ATVs, Campers, Fisherman, Hikers, Photographers, dope smokers you name it there is alot of people. The good thing is the wasatch is a giagantic unit. There are still tons of area you probably wouldn't see a sole. Just depends on were you go. I would say for the most part though that the east and south sides of the unit would be less people. Good Luck

browtine · Feb 22, 2011

I have a read ton on here about the wasatch lately and alot of people burning points on this unit. Although it can produce some good bulls and certainly has in the past, anyone who hasn't looked on the winter range RIGHT NOW is going to be diappointed this year on that unit. The bulls are GONE. They increased the tags every year and bulls just aren't here anymore. If you draw the tag I truely wish you luck.

Later, Brandon

30plus · Feb 22, 2011

Its not just the bulls that aren"t there but the cows that produced all those calves 5-10 years ago that are the bulls every one wants are gone to. Still got a few great ones and always will because of the nasty terrain in areas. With the closeness to the wasatch front and the number of tags there are not to many large bulls that go unnoticed by the end of summer.

littlebighorn · Feb 22, 2011

In my opinion, the Wasatch is great country with a few great elk, but it is also the closest limited entry unit to 90% of Utah's population. Because of that alone, it is going to be overcrowded as far as hunting goes. Elk in this unit are constantly exposed to hikers, bikers, back country skiers, campers, ATVers, photographers, shed hunters, hunters of every species, and to top that off, the largest number of limited entry hunters in the state.(who by the way usually bring a posse of friends to help them find their trophy!)
So if you are wanting to hunt outside the crowd, you will have to get way back in some nasty isolated place and hope some other dedicated nimrod has not beat you to it. JMO

Prism · Feb 22, 2011

Definitely not many big bulls around here this winter-a few.

The wasatch is big enough and with 500 plus tags there's bound to be a few monsters shot each year. But realistically, 95% of the hunters are hunting and killing low to mid 300" bulls, and 99% percent of those guys are tickled to death with it.

The big boys have either found a remote hole to call home or more than likely spend most of the fall on private somewhere.

That being said it's truely one of the countries best elk factories. You figure in all of the le bull tags, cow tags, spike tags, etc, and it's a wonder it continues to produce.

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Feb 24, 2011

As far as answering you question about overcrowding, it's an unquesionable YES. Other than that I'm not saying another word. I caught a lot of crap over my last post!

It's always an adventure!!!