Dutton Madness

browtine · May 31, 2011

There are a ton of posts on here about the Dutton and the Wasatch. Seems like there will be alot of happy hunters out there on these two units especialy. So here is my question.

What hunt on the Dutton is the best one to have? Archery, early rifle? Muzz? Late? Obviously the premium tag would be ideal, but lets say you only had one and you got to choose? I have seen some stud bulls come from the unit but I hear that place is on the decline?

Later, Brandon

utahbigbull · May 31, 2011

I would much rather have the early, muzz or late than the archery. The archery has people taking some good bulls but it is rough for a bow. Just look at the suscess rates from DWR. I think depending on the weather that season would be a toss up between the early or muzz. Last year was a freak year because it was so hot. I was there the last five days of the early and all through the muzz and I can tell you they didn't get fired up as much during the early rifle. It took some weather five days into the muzz to cool it off and get them sort of going. Late season can be good too depending on the year.

Sniper1 · May 31, 2011

EARLY RIFLE!!!!!

ha you dog

bowhunt · May 31, 2011

I have been on the Dutton during all of the seasons. I would take tags in the following order:

-Early Rifle
-Muzzle Loader
-Archery
-Late Rifle

Of course the Premium tag would trump them all.

browtine · May 31, 2011

bowhunt, I'm actually surprised to see the late hunt last. I have heard a couple of people say that was their #1 hunt on the unit? I have never set foot on that mtn but there have sure been some studs killed there. And I agree, Premium would be dang nice!

Sniper1, I agree!! at least I hope!

Later, Brandon

Sniper1 · May 31, 2011

No hoping boss. Were good to go.
I think whatever tag whoever it is has in hand is the best tag. eh

Prism · May 31, 2011

I'd trade all 3 other hunts for the late, but you know that ;-) good luck!

bowhunt · May 31, 2011

Don't get me wrong I would take that late tag, and feel confident in killing a good one.
I just love bugling bulls.
Of all the late hunts in Utah I would rate Dutton number one.

B_BOP_A_LU_LU · May 31, 2011

Hey Brow?

Who You helping?

Must be a Premium Tag!

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!

browtine · May 31, 2011

bobby,

I'm helpin some bald dude who killed a 190 buck out of a mini-van

He has the early rifle tag.. Hoping its a good tag?!?!?

Later, Brandon

AndymanSavage · May 31, 2011

Dutton is way over rated. I will happily take that worthless voucher off your hands and take my minivan down south.....

Hope you whack a monster!

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http://andymansavage.blogspot.com/

B_BOP_A_LU_LU · May 31, 2011

Hey Brow!

Suppose you're like your brother & pulled it with 0 points huh?

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!

browtine · May 31, 2011

Thanks Andy, I wouldn't want to push the stress to anyone else

Prism, I bet man!! You did awesome... Hoping I have your luck.. If I remember right you killed 3 giants that year???

Later, Brandon

browtine · May 31, 2011

Key word was "voucher".. Hell, there given them away! I don't have a set of swaro's to give ya, but I wouldn't kick you out of camp this fall

Later, Brandon

South_slope · May 31, 2011

Dutton should be fun!! I would bet on the bald guy in the minivan killing a stud for sure.

I know a poor guy that will be stompin the crap out of the wasatch looking for a pisscutter at the same time. I think his only hope to keep up is on deer this year.

browtine · Jun 1, 2011

I feel real bad for you SS! NOT!!! Your going to have the hunt of a lifetime!

Later, Brandon

jims · Jun 1, 2011

I spent time on Dutton a couple seasons in a row a few years ago during early rifle/muzzy. There can't be anything easier than hunting bulls in rut with rifle? I drew a muzzy tag and it was a chore getting within muzzy range of the larger bulls I was interested in...it would have been piece of cake during rifle. I'd take the early rifle over a late tag any day!

Locating bulls is relatively easy when they're bugling rather than trying to locate them in bachelor groups during the late rifle season? There may be a few bulls that wander into the Dutton during the late season and that would be about the only advantage I can think of for the late hunt? You may also have to live with broken tines during the late hunt?

Since my Dutton hunts there has been a steady increase in tags and it's pretty obvious this has taken it's toll on the older age class and the average age class of bulls harvested. The 4 to 5 year old managment scheme administered by Utah likely means 340 max? Back when I drew the average bull I saw harvested was around 340-350 during the early rifle/muzzy seasons. I would venture a guess that the average harvested bull currently is around 310-320ish? Older age class bulls that have survived the "on-slaught" likely are still alive for 1 reason...1) they hang out in some nasty isolated country or 2) act something like whitetails living in thick PJ jungles.

If you've ever been on Dutton you will be amazed how open 3/4 of that unit is due to the giant burn. Dutton has lots of isolated country...but a lot of it is super open. An increase in tags and rifle hunting relatively open country during the rut w/rifle means one thing...decline in the age class of bulls!

browtine · Jun 2, 2011

Thanks for the reply, were you able to kill a bull on your hunt?!?!!?

Later, Brandon

Coyote_chaser · Jun 2, 2011

Pine nut mentioned you had a tag, I had the archery tag in 08 and spent alot of time on the unit. You can get my number from him and give me a call if you want.

cabinfever · Jun 2, 2011

the early and late rifle would be a toss up for me. i like the early season slightly better because you get a true fall rut hunt.we took a super bull in 09.spent some serious time in this unit. i wouldn't expect to duplicate 09 this year.the older age class of bulls have really taken a beating in the last few years.

jims · Jun 2, 2011

The Dutton was good to me on my hunt but I put in many long days of scouting, hunting, and boot leather. I was fortunate to be rewarded for my effort! I didn't have 5+ spotters and helpers like every other camp on the mtn. One thing about the early rifle hunt is you will likely be competing with an incredible number of "spotters, helpers, 4 wheelers, horses, etc. In fact, I have never seen as many non-hunters in my life as I did on my UT elk hunt! It seems like every friend and relative helps tag holders and adds to hunting pressure....which can be somewhat frustrating at times!

Deer1975 · Jun 2, 2011

Hope it's good to me what's wrong with family and friends for gawds sake?

jims · Jun 3, 2011

I actually enjoy hunting on my own..it's the challenge of me vs the critters. I don't hold it against those that enjoy hunting with others but there becomes a point where it is a little rediculous and kind of screws a once in a lifetime experience! I've never seen anything like all the spotters, guys sitting on ridgetops with radios, all the vehicles running up and down the dusty roads, and the camps loaded with tents, campers, and vehicles! Those that haven't ever witnessed this....be prepared for an eye-opener!

browtine · Jun 3, 2011

Jims, Thanks for the info, did you get your Wall pedastal done?? I never saw a pic of your bull. Can you email me one?

Later, Brandon

browtine · Jun 3, 2011

Thanks CC, I'll give you a call.

Later, Brandon

jims · Jun 3, 2011

I ended up scrapping the wall pedestal idea because it would have been too far off the wall for antler clearance. I ended up with a floor pedestal mount. Send me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a picture.