Utah Youth Elk Advice

MuskegMan · May 5, 2006

My boy (14) drew one of the youth any bull tags for Utah.

The dates are Sept 16-26, which I think is prime-time rut. He can hunt any general bull unit that is not spike-only.

We are from Alaska and have never hunted elk "down south."

From what info I've gathered (Huntin' Fool and UDOW maps), Pine Valley and Zion look good for a nice bull.

He's got a .308 that I handload for. I have a good load for 150 gr partitions. While that should be adequate firepower, I could let him use my .338 handloaded with 250 gr partitions also. We are very good still hunters and have no problem with heavy cover or mountains. I reckon it will be pretty hot during the day at this time of year. 2 miles (one-way) is as far as I want to pack one out on foot.

Any thoughts?

TIA

MM

bobcatbess · May 5, 2006

MuskegMan!!!

WAY TO PULL A PERMIT!!!

.308 MIGHT BE BIG ENOUGH IN ALOT OF SITUATIONS BUT IF HE'S COMFORTABLE WITH THE .338 I'D HIGHLY RECOMEND IT!!!

THE BIG STINKY BULLS ARE TUFF HERE IN UTARD!!!

THEY CAN TAKE A BROADSIDE HIT LIKE A MAN & STAY ON THEIR FEET!!!

DON'T SCARE YOUR BOY THOUGH,IF HE CAN HANDLE THE .338 LET HIM USE IT FOR SURE!!!

THERE WILL BE MM MEMBERS CLAIM THEY CAN KILL AN ELEPHANT WITH A BB GUN,YA YA WE'VE ALL HEARD THAT B.S. A MILLION TIMES!!!

GOOD LUCK ON THE HUNT!!!

THE ONLY bobcat SUGGESTING THE BIGGER THE BETTER!!!

257Tony · May 5, 2006

Take the .308, trust me it will work, after all I did kill an Elephant last year with my Crossman .177

Seriously, if it were my boy, I would load a lighter load for your .338. Those 250's produce some SERIOUS recoil when loaded fullhouse. Id look into the 210 Partition or even the 185 Barnes X, both of which imo would outperform the .308 on Elk. As for units, I would look for some of those pockets of public land in the Nine Mile area. There is some fantastic Bulls down there and there is some public land, you just have to check the maps closely to find it. Or you could always pay a trespass fee. Good luck!!

Packout · May 5, 2006

Take the 308. I have shot many mature bulls with my 280 and it has done a fine job. The 308 will serve your son much better than a 338 mag.

Next, if you know the Zion or Pine Valley units then it would be a good chance at a bull. BUT, they are hard to learn. I would go on the South Slope and expect to shoot any bull you saw. Paying a tresspass fee would also be a good option, which probably would cost less than flying (or driving) from Alaska. This isn't a trophy hunt, rather it is a chance for youth to experience hunting without the main pressures from other hunters.

PM me and I can give you some areas that would be of interest. I have shot some nice mature bulls off the Any bull units.

Califelkslayer · May 5, 2006

Sent you a PM. Its a good hunt for youth but I wouldn't call it a trophy hunt. If your son hasn't got an elk yet, I would have him take the first legal bull he sees.

If he shoots the 338 well, have him use it. I'm a 338 fan but my son has taken both of his elk with a 280. with 140 gr. X-bullets and I've been pleased with them. The 308 with a premium bullet will do the job just fine.

outtabreath · May 15, 2006

I have dropped two bulls in the last two years with a 308. One shot kills. It works. Put it in the bread basket. Good luck with your son. Sounds like a good trip no matter what.