I was lucky enough to draw a San Juan Archery tag this year. I hunted the unit in 07 with a frined who later ended up taking an awesome bull with BTO. I have also hunted turkeys on the unit the past 4 years so I am somewhat familiar with the unit. I am just wondering if the quality of bulls has decreased since 07 and how much? What I find while scouting will obviously dictate what my standards are on the hunt, but I just wanted to get everyones opinion on the quality of the unit compared to 4 or 5 years ago.
San Juan Quality?
- Thread starter Wabagon
- Start date
Blanding_Boy
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,037
Anthony, first of all congratulations on a great tag, I'm envious. You said you hunted with a friend in 2007, I don't recognize your name and generally if one hunts with a friend with BTO they take the secret oath and make a promise
To answer your question help me understand what quality is? I would still wager on average the unit is harvesting the same age class of bulls, is that quality? The bull to cow ratio is likely greater than it was in 2007, is that quality? If you are just talking score again, I would wager if you added them (the gross score of all the bulls) all up and divided by the no. of bull bulls harvested in 2007 vs. 2010, I would guess you would be within 10 points. To me that's not much more than a poor year of green groceries. I guess what I am trying to say is on good moisture years we have a good no. of 380+ bulls and on not so good moisture years we have a good no. of 360+ bulls.
Hopefully that answers your question, give me a shout if you would like to talk, I'm a very low pressure salesman.
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
To answer your question help me understand what quality is? I would still wager on average the unit is harvesting the same age class of bulls, is that quality? The bull to cow ratio is likely greater than it was in 2007, is that quality? If you are just talking score again, I would wager if you added them (the gross score of all the bulls) all up and divided by the no. of bull bulls harvested in 2007 vs. 2010, I would guess you would be within 10 points. To me that's not much more than a poor year of green groceries. I guess what I am trying to say is on good moisture years we have a good no. of 380+ bulls and on not so good moisture years we have a good no. of 360+ bulls.
Hopefully that answers your question, give me a shout if you would like to talk, I'm a very low pressure salesman.
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
I don't Imagine the Winter they had in that Area/Unit helped anything a couple years ago!
I've seen a big difference in the Unit in recent years!
Every Big Bull has a name!
And the place was a f'n Zoo on the Rifle Hunt last Fall!
I know for a fact there were 2 Bulls over 400" being watched like a Hawk last Fall!
I know with the Pressure that was upon the Unit,neither Bull was taken during the Archery or Rifle hunts!
I do know the one 400"+ Bull was taken on the Muzz Hunt,I don't know if anybody ever took the other Bull?They might have,I never heard?
Ya,I'm sure there were other Big Bulls,nobody see's them all,but in today's way of Hunting most are seen/located & named!
Not to discourage anybody,the place is as good as it gets,but how many TARDS can the Unit stand come season?
Perty bad when alot of the Bulls are spooked long before season rolls around due to all the TARD pressure!
If I had my choice of 2010 or 2007 it sure wouldn't be 2010,but that's just me,I don't know JACK!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
I've seen a big difference in the Unit in recent years!
Every Big Bull has a name!
And the place was a f'n Zoo on the Rifle Hunt last Fall!
I know for a fact there were 2 Bulls over 400" being watched like a Hawk last Fall!
I know with the Pressure that was upon the Unit,neither Bull was taken during the Archery or Rifle hunts!
I do know the one 400"+ Bull was taken on the Muzz Hunt,I don't know if anybody ever took the other Bull?They might have,I never heard?
Ya,I'm sure there were other Big Bulls,nobody see's them all,but in today's way of Hunting most are seen/located & named!
Not to discourage anybody,the place is as good as it gets,but how many TARDS can the Unit stand come season?
Perty bad when alot of the Bulls are spooked long before season rolls around due to all the TARD pressure!
If I had my choice of 2010 or 2007 it sure wouldn't be 2010,but that's just me,I don't know JACK!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
LAST EDITED ON May-30-11 AT 11:24AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON May-30-11 AT 11:21?AM (MST)
Thank you both for your replies.
Todd, when I say "quality" I guess I am thinking more of age class and population numbers. I'm just wondering if certain factors(i.e. lower mangaged age objective, feed/water, hard winters, OTC spike tags,increased prssure) have affetcted the "quality" of the bulls that been seen/harvested in the last few years.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to hunt with you guys and be there when he killed, I hunted with him the week prior so I don't think we ever met.
B-bop it's nice to hear there are possibly still a couple 400 inch monsters running around down there
Thanks again for your replies.
Thank you both for your replies.
Todd, when I say "quality" I guess I am thinking more of age class and population numbers. I'm just wondering if certain factors(i.e. lower mangaged age objective, feed/water, hard winters, OTC spike tags,increased prssure) have affetcted the "quality" of the bulls that been seen/harvested in the last few years.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to hunt with you guys and be there when he killed, I hunted with him the week prior so I don't think we ever met.
B-bop it's nice to hear there are possibly still a couple 400 inch monsters running around down there
Thanks again for your replies.
dieseldog
Active Member
- Messages
- 221
LAST EDITED ON May-30-11 AT 01:43PM (MST)[p]I hunted it last year early rifle. There are not as many 350 plu bulls around as they would like you to believe. Lots of 320 type bulls u just gotta be patient and hope the weather and rut cooperate. I never saw anything that looked like a 380 plus bull at all. My bull was a mid 350 bull.
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
dieseldogs Bull is a Nice Looking Bull!
Wabagon!
There's still a few Bruisers around!
The hard part is:
All the Scoutin before season may or may not do you any good!
Lots of people pressure on SJ now days,people of all kinds,not just Hunters!
How bout it Todd?
How many 400" Bulls do you know of that were Harvested in 2010?
Not that it matters,360"+ is big to me,the time I get a Tag PISSCUTTER 300" Bulls will be big!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
Wabagon!
There's still a few Bruisers around!
The hard part is:
All the Scoutin before season may or may not do you any good!
Lots of people pressure on SJ now days,people of all kinds,not just Hunters!
How bout it Todd?
How many 400" Bulls do you know of that were Harvested in 2010?
Not that it matters,360"+ is big to me,the time I get a Tag PISSCUTTER 300" Bulls will be big!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
Gator
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 18,131
I believe there is a few BIG Bulls on the mountain and other out of the way places,Few good bulls was spotted during the winter. But it on private lands that some big bulls call home that has the most big ones and hunters will not get a chance at them unless they come off or they hire a guide who has access to that land. I have seen small herds of elk out in Eastland,North of town out in west summit area,south of town close to Hwy 191, Northwest out in Peters point area.Dry Mesa area,dark Canyon,Horse Mtn, so you can seen they are where you find them down there.
Lots of wild land down there so a Bull can grown big, the trick is being able to find and pattern him before, during and after the rut or until it your season to hunt. The mountain isn't the only place that Big Bulls call home. BTO isn't a secret down there, they have the track record on finding and killing some huge bulls, I would look at this tag as once in a lifetime type deal if you can pull it off by DIY then do it, if not I would hire some-one local to help ya put your tag on the biggest bull you can find period and that where patterning a Big bull comes into play. Good Luck Hope you find and kill a Monster.
"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
Lots of wild land down there so a Bull can grown big, the trick is being able to find and pattern him before, during and after the rut or until it your season to hunt. The mountain isn't the only place that Big Bulls call home. BTO isn't a secret down there, they have the track record on finding and killing some huge bulls, I would look at this tag as once in a lifetime type deal if you can pull it off by DIY then do it, if not I would hire some-one local to help ya put your tag on the biggest bull you can find period and that where patterning a Big bull comes into play. Good Luck Hope you find and kill a Monster.
"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
Blanding_Boy
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,037
B-BOP
Like I asked, what is quality???? What does it mean? I would wager it means something a little different to everyone.
Currently, the UDWR is managing for an age class (certainly mature bulls) through tooth analysis. They are still meeting their goals of 7-8 year old bulls on the SJ so therefore one could make the argument that it has not dropped in quality.
What should the definition of quality be, should it be the same on every unit? Would all the units be ale to meet that definition. Case in point, I know lots of bulls that have been older than 6 years old and up that have not even broke 300 grose B&C points.
You asked how many 400 bulls were killed on the SJ that I know of, the answer is 3 and one that was 399. SO 4 bulls out of 100 scored 399 gross or better, is that good? What percentage of bulls should be over 400? What percentage should be over 380? And if you have a few bad precip years what and how would you adjust the no. of tags accordingly?
Its funny honestly, we have gone from 15 years ago on the SJ (and any unit in the state for that matter) where a 350+ bull was a big bull to where now. Now, if you don't kill a 380+ bull on the SJ or the CWMU's you are a failure and must be a terrible hunter to not be one of the guys that harvest the top 5% of the animals on the unit.
The hunt, the experiece, the time spent on a once in a lifetime tag be DAMNED if you don't kill a 380+ bull you SUCK as a hunter.
Sad honestly.....
IMO the SJ is still one of the top units in the state and even the west for that matter. It has a high bull to cow ratio (maybe even too high if you as me) lots of mature bulls running around and yes, even some that will tip the gross B&C scale over 380 and maybe even one or 5 that will make 400. As I have said before, the timing of the precip. in the fall and into the spring is what will push our 360 bulls to 380 bulls and our 330 bulls to 350. The unit has good genes, old bulls, all we need is mother nature to help us out at the right times during the course of the year.
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
Like I asked, what is quality???? What does it mean? I would wager it means something a little different to everyone.
Currently, the UDWR is managing for an age class (certainly mature bulls) through tooth analysis. They are still meeting their goals of 7-8 year old bulls on the SJ so therefore one could make the argument that it has not dropped in quality.
What should the definition of quality be, should it be the same on every unit? Would all the units be ale to meet that definition. Case in point, I know lots of bulls that have been older than 6 years old and up that have not even broke 300 grose B&C points.
You asked how many 400 bulls were killed on the SJ that I know of, the answer is 3 and one that was 399. SO 4 bulls out of 100 scored 399 gross or better, is that good? What percentage of bulls should be over 400? What percentage should be over 380? And if you have a few bad precip years what and how would you adjust the no. of tags accordingly?
Its funny honestly, we have gone from 15 years ago on the SJ (and any unit in the state for that matter) where a 350+ bull was a big bull to where now. Now, if you don't kill a 380+ bull on the SJ or the CWMU's you are a failure and must be a terrible hunter to not be one of the guys that harvest the top 5% of the animals on the unit.
The hunt, the experiece, the time spent on a once in a lifetime tag be DAMNED if you don't kill a 380+ bull you SUCK as a hunter.
Sad honestly.....
IMO the SJ is still one of the top units in the state and even the west for that matter. It has a high bull to cow ratio (maybe even too high if you as me) lots of mature bulls running around and yes, even some that will tip the gross B&C scale over 380 and maybe even one or 5 that will make 400. As I have said before, the timing of the precip. in the fall and into the spring is what will push our 360 bulls to 380 bulls and our 330 bulls to 350. The unit has good genes, old bulls, all we need is mother nature to help us out at the right times during the course of the year.
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
Todd!
I never said any Bulls should be any size!
Just was curious to hear what you knew for sure about last Falls harvest,I knew of 2 Bulls that would Break the 400" mark,I surely never seen all the Bulls on the Unit!
I seen a decline of 360"+ Bulls on the Unit last Fall!
I seen quite a few Bulls that will be Good Bulls this year!
I'd be happy with a 360"+ Bull!
The 399" Bull you mention? Was it harvested by a Lady?
We seen a 392" Typical last Fall a lady had taken,the Bull was also turned down by another Lady Hunter!
I don't know how anybody could'of turned that Bull down?
Trophy/Quality is in the eye of the Hunter I suppose!
A 350"+ Bull is Big enough for me!
I have no desire to shoot a 320" PISSCUTTER!
Too many People/Hunters have the 400"+ pounded in to their heads!
I do know this!
If the Opportunists & The DWR get their way on the 4-4.5 age class Harvest you can kiss SJ goodbye!
Sure there will always be a few Bruisers!
Don't tell me you haven't seen changes on SJ Todd!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
I never said any Bulls should be any size!
Just was curious to hear what you knew for sure about last Falls harvest,I knew of 2 Bulls that would Break the 400" mark,I surely never seen all the Bulls on the Unit!
I seen a decline of 360"+ Bulls on the Unit last Fall!
I seen quite a few Bulls that will be Good Bulls this year!
I'd be happy with a 360"+ Bull!
The 399" Bull you mention? Was it harvested by a Lady?
We seen a 392" Typical last Fall a lady had taken,the Bull was also turned down by another Lady Hunter!
I don't know how anybody could'of turned that Bull down?
Trophy/Quality is in the eye of the Hunter I suppose!
A 350"+ Bull is Big enough for me!
I have no desire to shoot a 320" PISSCUTTER!
Too many People/Hunters have the 400"+ pounded in to their heads!
I do know this!
If the Opportunists & The DWR get their way on the 4-4.5 age class Harvest you can kiss SJ goodbye!
Sure there will always be a few Bruisers!
Don't tell me you haven't seen changes on SJ Todd!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
S
SUAVE
Guest
Like anything else, nothing lasts forever. Its changed in the past 5 years. Dwr partly responsible wanting harvest age down. Lots of outfitters pressure targeting the biggest of the big also increases tags.spike elk hunt hurt it as well. Still good for a 340-360.
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
Well SUAVE!
Still as good as it gets in my eyes!
But not as good as it once was!
Just like everything else Opportunists & The DWR screws with!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
Still as good as it gets in my eyes!
But not as good as it once was!
Just like everything else Opportunists & The DWR screws with!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
Blanding_Boy
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,037
LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-11 AT 06:52PM (MST)[p]Yep, I see changes alright, changes in the groceries from year to year. Seems like those years we have a good acorn crop in the fall and mild winters and good moisture in the spring, we see lots of giant bulls the following year. Those years we don't we see lots of big bulls and in the driest years we see lots of PISCUTTERS and busted up bulls.
Your all missing my point..... If we are still killing the same age class of bulls we did 5 years ago, you mean to tell me you think we have killed all the good bulls out? We in 5 years wiped out all the good genetically desirable qualities? Sorry, I don't buy it.
So tell me why you don't think it is as 'good' as it once was? And what that means. Dropping 10-15pts average B&C is simply a matter of hitting the precip just right. Again, if you are killing the same age class bulls now as you did 5 years ago, how as quality dropped, if in fact it has?
And sorry Rick I don't buy your line of reasoning either. While the UDWR may have increased the no. of tags it didn't reduce the age class. Blaming it all on the outfitters for targeting the biggest bulls isn't that what you got paid for?
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
Your all missing my point..... If we are still killing the same age class of bulls we did 5 years ago, you mean to tell me you think we have killed all the good bulls out? We in 5 years wiped out all the good genetically desirable qualities? Sorry, I don't buy it.
So tell me why you don't think it is as 'good' as it once was? And what that means. Dropping 10-15pts average B&C is simply a matter of hitting the precip just right. Again, if you are killing the same age class bulls now as you did 5 years ago, how as quality dropped, if in fact it has?
And sorry Rick I don't buy your line of reasoning either. While the UDWR may have increased the no. of tags it didn't reduce the age class. Blaming it all on the outfitters for targeting the biggest bulls isn't that what you got paid for?
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
Well Todd!
I guess I look at it a little different than most!
The Size of the Bulls don't really bother me,I know there's still a few Bruisers around!
The overall Quality of the Hunt is not what it was several years back!
I remember back about 13-14 years ago!
I believe there were like 10 Rifle Hunters(I think?) that year!
I met 9 other Tag Holders,all Sportsmen with Respect!
If they seen your Truck parked they moved on & didn't try & screw your Hunt up!
A few of the Hunters had Friends with them,not 50 Friends neither!
Not every Bull on the Mountain had a Name!(But it was in the making!)
It was actually before the Banner years of 400" Bulls rolled around,at that time a 360" Bull was perty Damn Big with a few 380"ers being Harvested!
All Hunters offered other Hunters Help if somebody took a Bull,it was damn Hot that year & Fellow Hunters were willing to Help each other!
I never seen any Bad Attitudes on the Ridge that year,unlike what I've seen in recent years!
There were a few people looking around,but very few animals were being Pushed by JOKERS weeks before season,unlike what I seen last year!
Not being Rude & I have nothing against Guides,I have many that are Friends throughout the United States,that year I seen your relates Todd & Gooch's,that's right,2 Outfitters on the Ridge,unlike what I seen there last Fall!
I'll remember that year forever,there were many types of Quality on that Mountain that year that you just don't see as much of anymore,not just Quality Bulls!
Yes Todd,Quality to me is more than just a Big Bull!
Oh,did I mention there was to much Music to sleep?
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
I guess I look at it a little different than most!
The Size of the Bulls don't really bother me,I know there's still a few Bruisers around!
The overall Quality of the Hunt is not what it was several years back!
I remember back about 13-14 years ago!
I believe there were like 10 Rifle Hunters(I think?) that year!
I met 9 other Tag Holders,all Sportsmen with Respect!
If they seen your Truck parked they moved on & didn't try & screw your Hunt up!
A few of the Hunters had Friends with them,not 50 Friends neither!
Not every Bull on the Mountain had a Name!(But it was in the making!)
It was actually before the Banner years of 400" Bulls rolled around,at that time a 360" Bull was perty Damn Big with a few 380"ers being Harvested!
All Hunters offered other Hunters Help if somebody took a Bull,it was damn Hot that year & Fellow Hunters were willing to Help each other!
I never seen any Bad Attitudes on the Ridge that year,unlike what I've seen in recent years!
There were a few people looking around,but very few animals were being Pushed by JOKERS weeks before season,unlike what I seen last year!
Not being Rude & I have nothing against Guides,I have many that are Friends throughout the United States,that year I seen your relates Todd & Gooch's,that's right,2 Outfitters on the Ridge,unlike what I seen there last Fall!
I'll remember that year forever,there were many types of Quality on that Mountain that year that you just don't see as much of anymore,not just Quality Bulls!
Yes Todd,Quality to me is more than just a Big Bull!
Oh,did I mention there was to much Music to sleep?
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-11 AT 07:22PM (MST)[p]I'll agree with Todd- 100%.
I'd wager the winter of 09-10 was rough enough that the bulls didn't have the energy to grow "giant" antlers for the season in 2010. Same thing happened on many of the Southern elk units. The drop in quality made everyone claim the big bulls were shot out. Same bulls are there, just had to eat less groceries.
The UDWR should just charge $20 extra and send an Official B&C tape measure with every tag. That way people can measure their success........
And you are onto something also Bess. The competition aspect is out of control.
I'd wager the winter of 09-10 was rough enough that the bulls didn't have the energy to grow "giant" antlers for the season in 2010. Same thing happened on many of the Southern elk units. The drop in quality made everyone claim the big bulls were shot out. Same bulls are there, just had to eat less groceries.
The UDWR should just charge $20 extra and send an Official B&C tape measure with every tag. That way people can measure their success........
And you are onto something also Bess. The competition aspect is out of control.
Blanding_Boy
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,037
LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-11 AT 07:46PM (MST)[p]Bess--
I'm glad to know quality is more than a giant bull, I've been preaching that for many years. Its not about the score, its about the hunt. I can understand your point and I'm with you 100% on the crowding issue taking away from that entire experience. Clearly with the increase in tags, comes an increase in pressure but mostly from the non-hunter those that are accompanying the hunter. It seems like those guys that have drawn in the past still come as well just for the fun and the action and the rut. I think many of these hunts have become Utah's general deer hunt in many respects. It seems like for every one person who draws a tag there are a minimum of 5 guys there helping them with the hunt. It makes for some fun competition and some frustrations as well. Still though, once you get off the beaten path so to speak, you rarely run into someone else that is actually hunting. Where I have lost it is when guys take those wheelers down places that are closed to ATV's makes me want to give a 'tune' up right there.
I think this year will be the tell tail/tale of years.
I'm excited to see.....
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
I'm glad to know quality is more than a giant bull, I've been preaching that for many years. Its not about the score, its about the hunt. I can understand your point and I'm with you 100% on the crowding issue taking away from that entire experience. Clearly with the increase in tags, comes an increase in pressure but mostly from the non-hunter those that are accompanying the hunter. It seems like those guys that have drawn in the past still come as well just for the fun and the action and the rut. I think many of these hunts have become Utah's general deer hunt in many respects. It seems like for every one person who draws a tag there are a minimum of 5 guys there helping them with the hunt. It makes for some fun competition and some frustrations as well. Still though, once you get off the beaten path so to speak, you rarely run into someone else that is actually hunting. Where I have lost it is when guys take those wheelers down places that are closed to ATV's makes me want to give a 'tune' up right there.
I think this year will be the tell tail/tale of years.
I'm excited to see.....
Todd Black
Visit our YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/bulls4bto?feature=mhum
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
Well Todd,
The Year I mention of a few years back!
That was another Quality I look at!
There were a couple Guys that had Wheelers!
They obeyed the Laws & parked them just off the main roads!
Unlike what I've seen happening the last few years!
Don't know about down South?But We've had more Rain/Wet Snow this Spring by far than in past years,should be a good start & I do believe there will be a fair number of Bigger Bulls taken this year if the TARDS don't push them off in to Hell Holes & CWMU's before season!
We'll see!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
The Year I mention of a few years back!
That was another Quality I look at!
There were a couple Guys that had Wheelers!
They obeyed the Laws & parked them just off the main roads!
Unlike what I've seen happening the last few years!
Don't know about down South?But We've had more Rain/Wet Snow this Spring by far than in past years,should be a good start & I do believe there will be a fair number of Bigger Bulls taken this year if the TARDS don't push them off in to Hell Holes & CWMU's before season!
We'll see!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
S
SUAVE
Guest
Relax Todd ur the one eating steak and lobster every night for ur guiding efforts on that mountain.I did it for fun and never accepted a penny from any hunter I helped.down there that couldn't afford an extra 5-10 thousand dollars to be guided. It was pressure free and very enjoyable.
From 1990-2005 I spent all my time over on the southwest end of the unit. I chased bulls on the Abajo mtn from 2006-2009. I noticed a change in the amount of bulls I was seeing and the antler size. I'm only speculating on why. Keep up the great work u guys do a great job and know where the big ones R!
I didn't give up on the mountain. Due to life changing events I now reside In Richfield. I'm excited to see some new country after 20 yrs.
Sorry if I was a thorn in ur side in my time on Elk Ridge.I never got greedy or tried to get in anybodys way down there. And I believe that is why God rewarded me with a 409 inch muzzleloader bull after an inspiring 7 elk hunts in 2007... 41consecutive days in a springbar tent!8D
From 1990-2005 I spent all my time over on the southwest end of the unit. I chased bulls on the Abajo mtn from 2006-2009. I noticed a change in the amount of bulls I was seeing and the antler size. I'm only speculating on why. Keep up the great work u guys do a great job and know where the big ones R!
I didn't give up on the mountain. Due to life changing events I now reside In Richfield. I'm excited to see some new country after 20 yrs.
Sorry if I was a thorn in ur side in my time on Elk Ridge.I never got greedy or tried to get in anybodys way down there. And I believe that is why God rewarded me with a 409 inch muzzleloader bull after an inspiring 7 elk hunts in 2007... 41consecutive days in a springbar tent!8D
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
JUDAS PRIEST!!!
409"?
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
409"?
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
S
SUAVE
Guest
For numbers and quality of deer and elk. The san juan elk ridge unit is tops. For deer I like the henrys. Elk ridge struggled with deer and was shut down for ten years and opened back up in the early eighties;paunsaugant the likes. Elk ridge muleys flourished till the elk took over! Richfield will be nice its closely surrounded by good units. Pahvant to the west, beaver to the south, monroe and fish lake units to the east,manti not too far tp the north. We've been putting janey in for elk ridge for 16 years. Then I move and we draw pahvant! I'm bummed cuz I am confident on the ridge, but we'll have fun on the pahvant.that Black boy is right when he talks about the quality of the hunt being about the experience.I just want something with some mass, something around 65-75 inches. 60inch mains, wide and long tines. We got a bull on the abajo with 74inches of mass;15inch bases; 14and1/2 inch left and right H1 measurements. Grossed 378 with short G1's and G3's, and 59inch mains. Same hole as the 409. Same year! 8D nice to hear from u gator
B
B_BOP_A_LU_LU
Guest
Another thing I seen happen that year that was perty neat was:
An Older Guy(80+!)Take a Bull that wasn't no PISSCUTTER!
I don't think I've seen a Smile as big as what that ole Boy was packin!
I've heard Music on just about all the Units!
But nothing compares to the SJ Music!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
An Older Guy(80+!)Take a Bull that wasn't no PISSCUTTER!
I don't think I've seen a Smile as big as what that ole Boy was packin!
I've heard Music on just about all the Units!
But nothing compares to the SJ Music!
For GAWDS Sakes Guys,We Got Kids on this Site,Some of them are 65 years Old!
I don't care if they're big or small!
If they throw lead I like em all!
littlebighorn
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,314
Quality is an interesting discussion! I definitely have to agree with Todd on what grows big antlers and that is only one part of a very big equation when "quality" is concerned.
I am curious about the SJ late season? I have an out of state friend that drew this year. I have directed him towards BTO, but I am curious what you all think of the potential of finding a "mature bull" is during SJ's late hunt?
I am curious about the SJ late season? I have an out of state friend that drew this year. I have directed him towards BTO, but I am curious what you all think of the potential of finding a "mature bull" is during SJ's late hunt?
Sliverslinger400
Active Member
- Messages
- 159
Littlebighorn,
I hunted the SJ Late season last year with my 17 year old brother who drew the tag. Luckily, I recruited the help of BTO and am sure glad I did. It is a tough hunt, a lot tougher than I thought it would be. Those mature bulls have about worn themselves right out and they flat out hole up to try and get ready for winter. You have to know where you look on this hunt, period. I highly recommend he gives Todd a call, quick.
Sliverslinger400
I hunted the SJ Late season last year with my 17 year old brother who drew the tag. Luckily, I recruited the help of BTO and am sure glad I did. It is a tough hunt, a lot tougher than I thought it would be. Those mature bulls have about worn themselves right out and they flat out hole up to try and get ready for winter. You have to know where you look on this hunt, period. I highly recommend he gives Todd a call, quick.
Sliverslinger400
