Utah elk strategy

[Bill_in_MI]

For a while I thought that I would try to hunt what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime UT elk tag with a muzzleloader.
But, after I get my 11th point this year, I am seeing a bunch of archery tags come into reach and an elk with a bow would mean a lot more than another with a muzzleloader.

So with 11 or 12 points, what unit would you put in for.

Here are some of the options that seem to be attainable or are just coming into range:

Wasatch Mountains,

Plateau, Fishlake-Thousand Lake,

Panguitch Lake,

Mt. Dutton,

La Sal, La Sal Mountains,

Central Mountains, Manti, and possibly

Book Cliffs, Bitter Creek-South

Thx for any tips you might have.

 

[Camper_A1]

Because of season dates the bow hunt will be a much tougher hunt. If your lucky the last week of the bow hunt will catch the rut. If you're set on a bow hunt the unit you know the best or able to spend some time scouting would be my choice. That said the Manti or Wasatch would be my choice.

 

[goforbroke]

unless you are going to sit water early in the hunt, my experience is that the elk move a lot and scouting isn't that helpful on the archery hunt. I love to explore different units. I've hunted or helped on the wasatch, manti, Dutton and san juan, so I would do book cliffs as I still want to hunt there. Any of those places, as long as you give yourself two weeks to hunt, you will be able to find the elk and have a 35% chance of harvesting one! That is the stinky thing of bow hunting in Utah. Crappy dates and poor success compared to muzzy and rifle. Still a great hunt.

 

[Cam@strawberry]

Really depends on the amount if time you have, if you can dedicate two full weeks too the endeavor, then not a bad idea. Don't think you can show up give it a five day hunt and have a good chance at a decent bull. A good outfitter can make all the difference as well. I'd order them like this

DIY:
book cliffs (best trophy potential) limited access hard to hunt
Manti (large elk population) huge unit with a million places to start
Wasatch (lots of elk easy access) lots of competition
Fishlake (good all around hunt) lot of private land issues

The remainder on your list I'd scratch off they each offer a particularly unique set of challenges. Unless you hire an outfitter that knows their stuff. Even with that I'd still only consider dutton. JMHO but there is nothing that the above four units won't offer that the others can with a much easier hunt.

If it were me I'd be putting in for the book cliffs if I was doing it on my own, or the Wasatch and hiring me haha!

https://www.facebook.com/strawberrybayoutfitters

 

[mickeyelk]

You've waited this long to get that great tag, wait a little longer. My 2 cents. I have 15 points going in this year for an early rifle. I'll wait til I get one. Later

 

[8mmMag]

>For a while I thought that
>I would try to hunt
>what will likely be a
>once-in-a-lifetime UT elk tag with
>a muzzleloader.
>But, after I get my 11th
>point this year, I am
>seeing a bunch of archery
>tags come into reach and
>an elk with a bow
>would mean a lot more
>than another with a muzzleloader.
>
>
>So with 11 or 12 points,
>what unit would you put
>in for.
>
>Here are some of the options
>that seem to be attainable
>or are just coming into
>range:
>
>Wasatch Mountains,
>
>Plateau, Fishlake-Thousand Lake,
>
>Panguitch Lake,
>
>Mt. Dutton,
>
>La Sal, La Sal Mountains,
>
>Central Mountains, Manti, and possibly
>
>Book Cliffs, Bitter Creek-South
>
>Thx for any tips you might
>have.


No way would I burn 11 Elk points on a archery hunt. Not on any Utah Elk unit. Utah archery L.E. Elk hunts start to early and finish to early. The success rate for most units is below 30%. The only this worse than waiting for a tag,...is... not filling the tag. Wait for a rifle tag, you will be much more happy !!!!!!

 

[WapitiBob]

I would have burned mine on another fishlake tag or wasatch before I got to 11.

 

[Cam@strawberry]

While the Wasatch may have 'a lot' of elk on it comparatively speaking, we have seen a severe decline in populations over recent years. Private land herds and inaccessible elk remain intact.

With some hard work, a great hunt and a fantastic bull are realistic opportunities.

I don't want anyone to think that I am contradicting myself, elk populations have declined recently and it shows across the unit.

https://www.facebook.com/strawberrybayoutfitters

 

[Bill_in_MI]

I've thought about it a lot and the archery tag will mean more to me than a rifle tag.

Considering hiring a guide though even though I can hunt the whole season.

A hunt that is more remote with good elk numbers and less hunters is the goal.

I'd love a crack at a 340 bull.

 

[Elkhunter96]

Without a doubt, Book Cliffs would be my choice. Especially since Ive done it before...I had a blast and found it to be a great archery hunt. I would wait until the archery dates go a little later on the calendar (At leaset later than the 15th) and hammer it.

As far as the early rifle, you would be 20+ more years before you made it to the max pool. Even 15 points puts you years behind the bell curve of the points system.

 

[Bill_in_MI]

At this point Book Cliffs and perhaps holding out for Boulder seems to be the way to go.

Thx guys.

 

[WhiskeyDog]

Make sure you do your homework on which Book Cliffs Unit you want. They can both be great hunts, but people often end up in the book cliffs without much idea of what to expect. If you decide you're interested in a guided hunt, we'd love to have you consider us. Or if you choose the roadless unit and just need a pack service. We offer that as well. You can find us at www.huntwithgtoutfitters.com or at GT Outfitters on Facebook. If you have more questions about the Book Cliffs feel free to contact us.

Cody Webster
GT Outfitters

 

[Bill_in_MI]

I am open to a guide.

BC bitter creek south is more reachable in the next 2 years than the roadless.

Boulder and BC Roadless have consistently better success though...