south Slope Diamond Mountain Archery

[scoutdog5]

Greetings:

One of my partner's drew non-resident archery elk for South Slope Diamond Mt. He had 0 points, but it looks like 4 points was a guaranteed draw for both non-resident and resident, so it is obviously not one of the high demand units for Utah.

Regardless, us Oregawn boys are excited, and looking forward to a great hunt. He is looking at going guided, given the amount of private land on the unit. Any suggestions, experiences, ideas about guides in the area would be appreciated.

Would also appreciate any info on what would be a realistic expectation as far as bull. Here in Oregon, a 260 bull will draw a lot of attention in many units, so we are more easily impressed than you spoiled Utah boys. He figures this will likely be his only elk hunt in Utah in this lifetime, so hopes to tag a nice, mature bull.

Any help is appreciated. We are happy to share our knowledge of our home state, although it is unclear to me why any of you would want to hunt here, for the most part, except for sheep and antelope. Good luck drawing one of those tags.

Thanks everyone, and good luck this year.

Scoutdog5

 

[rutnbuck]

If you go guided make sure he has private land access. There is plenty of good elk but the problem is private.

Rutnbuck

 

[DidIDraw]

You'll do fine - a guide should be able to get you around the private land and get you on a bull. You will see lots of 260-300 bulls and a few bigger bulls. Getting in shape will also help your odds because getting around the private means lots of walking and some pretty steep ridges to climb.

Good luck - make sure you post pictures this fall.

 

[bschnoor]

Scout dog. I also live in Oregon and I drew last year. I will share my info with you if you would like. Brian

 

[tradarcher]

Call Brad Horrocks of two dogs hunting in vernal.

 

[scoutdog5]

Brian:

We would love to talk to you. I am in West Linn, my partner is in Clackamas. If you are in this area, we would love to buy you lunch and pick your brain.

Thanks a lot

Mike Morris
503-317-7576
[email protected]

 

[scoutdog5]

Everyone, thanks for the help and suggestions. We will follow up on them all.

Scoutdog

 

[littlebighorn]

It's always a little entertaining to me when we start talking about "what kind of bull we can expect"!
The fact is 80% of last year's archers on that unit, went home without tagging any bull. (Less than 50% of archers tagged out in most of Utah's very best units!)
I highly recommnend that you get a good guide and then still go with the idea that you may not bag your once in a lifetime bull. We all watch way too many "in your dreams" videos and think we are the guy that is going to score on a big one! IMHO

Hummm...maybe I am bitter because I didn't draw?

 

[MortgageMan]

Thats why we hunt though. There is always that chance that you might be that guy that kills that "big one". As small as that chance may be, its what keeps us coming back. Good luck on your hunt!!

 

[JakeH]

I agree with Tardarcher, call Brad Horrocks in vernal, there guide service is called 2 Dog, they've killed some really good bulls up there the last couple years. Good Luck.



Jake H. MM Member since 1999.

 

[Gus05]

>I agree with Tardarcher, call Brad
>Horrocks in vernal, there guide
>service is called 2 Dog,
>they've killed some really good
>bulls up there the last
>couple years. Good Luck.
>
>
>
>
>Jake H. MM Member since
>1999.
>

Is Brad related to Dave? Good guy.

 

[JB48]

Scoutdog,

When you and Brian meet for lunch let me know. JB

 

[BLU]

Don't let the private property thing get you down nor the percentage of "succesful" archers. That will depend on your abilities. I was all over that area last year helping my son and saw plenty of bulls to go after. My son ended up with a 6x7 that gross scored 332 and that was not the largest bull we saw. We had a 360 (my best estimate and it was quite a bit larger then the 332 bull) at 75 yards but couldn't close the deal. We only hunted for 4 days before tagging the 332 and let me tell you,when you have a 300 plus bull of anything screeming at you when you can feel it in your chest, it is enough to make any man wet his pants. I would set my sights for a large mature 6x6 min and let that be your guide, anything around the 300 or more mark. We were seeing about 8 nice branch antlered bulls everyday, so you will have fun. Good luck.

 

[scoutdog5]

Thanks a lot everyone. Very helpful information both on the forum and in pm's and phone calls.

I expect my partner will make a decision tomorrow, and I will post it. Looks like he will be able to take his Dad along, which adds to the experience.

Any of you guys want help with Oregon, let me know.

thanks again.

Scoutdog5