Utah Late Hunts

BridgerLake · Feb 19, 2015

I'm looking for some feedback from those who have had late tags or participated in late hunts.

I have 14 elk points now and plan to hunt in 2016...that's when my hunting partner is available. I'm weighing my options regarding hunting a mid-tier unit during the rut (early hunt) or a top tier unit on the late hunt. I'm interested hearing your opinions/experience...pm or reply to this post.

Mid-tier Units (early)
Wasatch, Manti, Mt. Dutton

Top-tier Units (late)
San Juan, Beaver, Boulder

bergy · Feb 19, 2015

I would not rate the San Juan as a top tier hunt on the late. Archery/early/muzz, YES! Late..... NO

Deerlove · Feb 19, 2015

IMO find a unit that does not have thick P@J in the low country, that stuff is thick and glassing is almost non existent. I hunted the south end of the Manti a few years ago and it was tough.

Vanilla · Feb 19, 2015

Don't discount the late Dutton hunt.

BridgerLake · Feb 19, 2015

Thanks for the feedback so far. Let me clarify on my definition of top tier. I consider the Pahvant, San Juan, Beaver, Monroe and a few others top tier based on age objectives, genetics, and the class of bulls that consistently come from those units. It seems like if the genetics and age class are there then a guy willing to work hard should be able to find a good to great bull on the late hunt. What I don't know is do the bulls become inaccessible during the late season (private ground or inaccessible canyons) and what percent of bulls have broken antlers? Do the big bulls migrate off of those units or are they just that much tougher to find during November.

Thoughts? Experience?

littlebighorn · Feb 20, 2015

I only have one late hunt experience, but it was not good. I was helping a friend on the Manti and while we saw tons of elk, all the big bulls were off where we couldn't find them. Many head to private land and others head to hidden hell holes where they will not likely be found.
If you know where they go, you have a chance to take a nice bull, but if not you are toast. It is also common that the good bulls you find may be busted up.
So unless you have info on where the elk are on a unit during the late hunt, I would avoid it, based on my one experience.
My friend is a great hunter and while he hunted every day of the season, he never found a good bull to shoot.

schoolhousegrizz · Feb 20, 2015

Pm sent

BrowningRage · Feb 20, 2015

I commend you for asking this two seasons in advance...

You need to choose a unit, or two close together, and go there this year during the hunt. Though things might change a little year to year, that'll be your very best way to gauge if you want to hunt there...

Good luck.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24

BridgerLake · Feb 20, 2015

That's the plan. Go on the hunt this year without a tag in my pocket.

devobrodie · Feb 23, 2015

Or maybe if there is a spike/cow hunt available in the unit you want you could go with a tag in hand, learn and hunt, that is my plan this year, if I do not draw but the only problem is I don't think they have any late season tags for adults