11 points, need to make a descision

Hoyt1cam2002 · Feb 9, 2007

I need help!
I have 11 pts for elk, I always put in for the archery hunts and I go though this dilemma every year.
I have a very good shot at drawing monroe this year but I'm a little nervous puting in for an area that has a general season deer hunt running at the same time as the LE elk. I've never bow hunted on monroe so I really wouldn't know what to expect other than the unit has a great reputatation.
So the question is, go for monroe now and just try to stay away from the crowds or keep building my points until I draw San Juan? Or any other suggestions. I've spent very limited time on any of the southern units so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

elk_horn · Feb 9, 2007

San Juan

cantkillathing · Feb 9, 2007

I would stay away from the san juan archery, they have included the management hunt during the same time, it will be madness during the archery elk hunt, 11 points is a good number to wait for a rifle hunt. I know the archers this year are going to be pissed off with all the extra hunters screwing up their hunt.
Archers have the worst time, the elk are pre-rut, and the best part of the hunt is the last week when the rut is starting, but then you have all the rifle hunters down scouting for their bull, I wish they would make a 1 week gap between the hunts so that archers get a break from having so many people down scouting around during there best time.

huntin100 · Feb 9, 2007

Nothing wrong with any archery elk unit in Utah if you are an archer. Lots of 320-340 type bulls on Monroe. Some 360-400 class monsters. More upper end bulls, 350 plus at San Juan. Good luck.

Hoyt1cam2002 · Feb 12, 2007

I believe Monroe is also included in the management bull hunt as well so no advantage either way on that issue.
Looks like I might be using the old scientific method of the coin toss to decide.

huntnfool · Feb 12, 2007

San Juan is the only archery management hunt. The Monroe is a late season rifle management hunt.

Hoyt1cam2002 · Feb 12, 2007

Oh, thanks for the clarification.

littlebighorn · Feb 12, 2007

I don't know how true it is, but I know a guy this year who had a San Jaun Archery tag that ate tag soup. He said only two archers filled their tag this year, probably because they were all looking for a 380-400" bull. My guess is the Monroe will have less pressure and just as good of a chance at a good bull. Good luck!!! (but don't eat tag soup--cause it leaves a nasty taste in your mouth for years!)

TrophyMaster · Feb 12, 2007

go san juan, pahvant, nine mile. they are all good if you know where to go!!!!! The monroe management hunt is not a very good option i think. YOu can take a monster but it has to be nontypical (5X7) or something like that. if you take anything larger than a typical 5(6X6 and up) point you lose all your points plus you dont get to keep your bull. If I save up all those points I want a trophy to put on my wall. I dont want to lose my points for nothing