Non-resident with 9 points

couesbitten · Jan 22, 2008

I have 9 points going into the draw this year, and I'm looking for your thoughts on which unit I would stand the best chance of shooting a good bull in, if I was fortunate enough to draw a tag.

These are the units I'm considering, all are early season, any weapon hunts. I'd be hunting on foot, able to walk 10 miles a day, and would love to be able to get away from the crowds.

Central Mts. Manti
Central Mts. Nebo
Wasatch
West Desert Deep Creek

Give me your ideas/opinions, so that I can make a final decision and get my application in this week. Thanks for your help, Scott

UTodd · Jan 22, 2008

Hello Scott,

Nice predicament you have found yourself in with 9 points- LUCKY! All the units you mentioned would be a blast to hunt. I love the Manti for the beautiful country, proximity to services and of course the big bulls. There are still many places on the Manti that you could still get a long ways away from the crowds.

A Wasatch tag would be fun also and I think that a remote hike in type of hunt could produce a nice bull. The Wasatch unit is huge and would allow for all kinds of different experiences in varied terrain. A lot of the archery hunters seemed to struggle last year on the Wasatch as the rut seemed to take it's time to develop. With the rifle you would be in good shape.

I think a Nebo or Deep Creek tag could be good if you want to hike- A LOT. From what I know of the Deep Creek Range it is about as remote as you can get and would be a true adventure.

Let me know if you draw. I would love to help you out any way I can.

-Todd

proutdoors · Jan 22, 2008

All have good bulls, with Nebo maybe a notch lower than the others. The advantage of the Manti/Wasatch is they give out a lot of tags, so you have a better chance of drawing. This is also a disadvantage, as there will be more hunters to contend with if you draw a tag. All have areas where it is possible to get away from the crowds, but the Deep Creek has a VERY small elk herd, and the last few years the bulk of the elk have been on private land for the 'rut' hunts.

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.

bowhunt · Jan 22, 2008

You have received the perfect advice. +1 on both posts.

couesbitten · Jan 22, 2008

Thanks for the replys, and offers of help UTodd. I'm still trying to decide which unit to commit to, and just hate decisions like this, 'cause once I submit the app, there's no changing your mind, and you have a tendency to second guess yourself. Anyway, I'm trying to do as much research and ask as many questions as I can to try and make a decision that I am comfortable with. If anyone else has any helpful insight, I would appreciate it. Thanks, Scott

tracker12 · Jan 23, 2008

Nice responses to your request. I have 8 NRP's and have been in the same boat trying to decide where to apply for. The more info you get the better it is to try to decide. I keep flpoong around not only on area but on weapon choice. I am really leaning towards an archery tag.