LAST EDITED ON Oct-11-07 AT 07:56AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Oct-11-07 AT 07:51?AM (MST)
There is an old saying that definately applies here: "The Big bucks are where you find them!" Mulies (especially bucks) can be in the most unsuspecting places. There does not have to even be a tree in sight. They can rest in tall grass/sage or on the shady sides of hills or in crevases; just as long as it is not in your view, but you are in his. Ya gotta remember that bucks don't get big by being easy to get at or easy to find and tend to be alot more noctrunal than the females and offspring. Your best bet is like DGWOODY said, stay put and don't move as much. Deer can hear you from a mile away and from your description of the terrain and living in Utah my entire life; I am betting that there is most likely some shale rock and other uncondusive dry ground that is giving away your location and sending that buck out his escape route through his back door. Take Lunch (quiet one) and some coffee and sit tight and scan all available cover in a grid pattern slowly and when you are done; do it again. Early mornings and evenings seem to be best bet for more of that desert terrain, but anytime can be good if you stay put and keep your eyes wide open to the slightest movements. It can be wearing; I ain't gonna lie, but you can't expect different results if you are always doing the same things. (been there, done that)LOL.
Just to get an idea and maybe help you better, what part of Utah are you scopin out? I myself have found them in the most desert parts of Utah and when there are pin~on pines, they seem to be pretty well hidden and under the branches. Sometimes also, that just is not a buck area for the time of year you are there. Sure there always be a resident buck; but the majority may be at different (higher) elevations (if not directly speaking of the desert).
Hope this helps a little anyways and GOOD LUCK!!
-EROCK1313
