More Book Cliffs archery advice

[dgwoody]

Alright, I just got back from my first hunting trip. I learned some things and had a lot of fun, but wasn't able to find any great bucks. I did find a few good bucks (24"-27") though. My question is, how much are these bucks going to move between now and the first week of September? Also, any advice on where to find a great buck (180ish +) later in the hunt would also be greatly appreciated. I am willing and able to go into the roadless area if needed, but my packing help wouldn't, so I wouldn't want to venture in too deep. Anyway, thanks in advance for any PM's.

 

[bowhunt]

Good luck out there.
The bucks will start to move as soon as they strip off the velvet.
Keep at it. I do not think I would pass up a 27inch buck

 

[littlebighorn]

IMO bowhunt is right!
You might hunt the rest of the hunt without seeing a 180+ buck in the books, but there is nothing wrong at all with a nice 25+" 4point with a bow...in almost any area.
Good luck on your quest.

 

[dgwoody]

I found two bucks in the 25" range that I'd like to take, but I'm worried they won't be there when I get back. Sounds like my fears might be realized.

 

[elkhunterUT]

We have spent the past 4 years straight out on the book cliffs during the bowhunt on various family members tags (my little sister tagged out opening day this year on a decent 3 point). You will find that most hunters will tag out early on in the hunt and the craziness will die down quite a bit out there allowing the deer to somewhat return to their normal habits.

Last year, my Dad hunted most of the entire first week of the hunt and a good portion of the last week of the hunt. He still saw plenty of deer and good bucks that last week but the one very special buck we chased on opening weekend (190 class 4x4) was not seen again. The very rare 180+ class bucks do tend to hide up after the opening weekend zoo out there, so you may have your hands full if you limit yourself to that number.

You should be ok finding bucks again when you return as they will still be in the same locations for the most part, but I wouldn't pass up a good 24-27" 165 class buck as that is a solid buck for that area in my opinion.

 

[Elkhunter96]

They start the drop off. Last year, they were on top during the first week or two of the season. The last week of the season, they were definitely not on the top anymore and down in the draws. It makes them much harder to find vs the first week or two of the season.

However, the pressure is all but gone. Hardly saw a person hunting the last 14 days of the bow season last year.

 

[HuntinFoo]

I have the same tag and have scouted alot and have not seen a buck that was bigger than the 170s. So I am not going to pass a buck in that range and wouldnt advise you do. There are a few better out there but not many. I dont know how much they will move but hope I can find a few of the better bucks I have seen. Good luck to ya.