Book Cliffs Deer

_gloomis · May 2, 2005

A couple of friends and I have drawn out for the Book Cliffs buck tag this year. I'm not familiar with this area, so I was hoping some of you guys could give me an idea where I should concentrate on scouting. I have studied some maps, but haven't physically been there. I'm not looking for any secret spots, just an idea of where to start. Thanks in advance.

UTMuleyhunter · May 2, 2005

I have hunted there for myself and my brother 2 out of the last three years. Remember that during the summer, the deer are at higher elevations. But, during the rifle hunt in October the deer are on their migration down to lower elevations. We hunted near McCook Ridge and along Indian Ridge road. If you scout those areas in the summer time you won't see any deer, but at least you can familiarize yourself with the area. We saw some awesome bucks. You are in for a real treat. I shot a 29" buck, and my brother's buck is a sweet tall and heavy 4pt.

_gloomis · May 2, 2005

Thanks for the information. How is the hunting pressure in these areas? I would like to see some photos of these bucks you are describing. They sound like really good trophies.

UTMuleyhunter · May 2, 2005

Send me an email and I'll send you more info + photos. My email address is [email protected]

_gloomis · May 2, 2005

Check your email

archeryelkaholic · May 2, 2005

UTMuleyhunter,

I sent you an eMail.

Any help appreciated,

Gary

_gloomis · May 2, 2005

archeryelkaholic,

Were you also one of the lucky ones to draw for this unit? Do you have any info that you would be willing to share?

Dahlmer · May 3, 2005

LAST EDITED ON May-03-05 AT 03:46PM (MST)[p]Like UTMuleyhunter said, scouting can be tough in the Book Cliffs. I have hunted in the Little Creek unit the past two years and it can be really hit or miss there. The deer begin moving out of the high country about the time the hunt starts. Two years ago we got there early enough to catch them moving out and we were seeing 10 to 20 bucks a day. Last year we were there late and saw about a half a dozen bucks while we were there.

The deer will be moving during the hunt and you will have to find out where they are at. I suggest looking in the south part of the unit or down in Willow Creek, but they may be higher than that.

I have some friends that have hunted the last couple of years as well and had much the same experience as we did. They were hunting in the Bitter Creek unit.

Good luck on your hunt. If I had my way I would hunt the Book Cliffs every year. Both years we have hunted we have had very little to no pressure from other hunters. Two years ago we were there for 8 days and never saw another human...in my opinion that makes the hunt worthwhile.

_gloomis · May 3, 2005

Were you able to connect with a good buck during these two years? I would love to see some pics.

archeryelkaholic · May 3, 2005

Yep, _gloomis I have a tag there as well but am starting at ground zero. Any help appreciated.

grizzmoose · May 3, 2005

I hunted there in 02 and drew again this year. I have been out there several times and know lots of people who are old time hunters there. Each time people talk about it, they always talk about the deer moving from high to low during the hunt. Im not doubting what they say is true, but everytime I have been out there during the hunt, I havent found any specific place the deer are, or are not. I have seen big bucks out in the sage fields near rabbit mountain, near Tom Patterson, McCook Ridge, and Willow Creek. I saw the biggest buck out by Watson, which was really strange because NO ONE hunts that area. If you stick near the tower and McCook ridge, you will run into pressure. Its pretty much the same as anywhere else. . . get out of your truck and you wont see a soul. You will love it out there.

Dahlmer · May 4, 2005

We took two bucks the 1st year. One was a 4 point with good mass but it had weak forks and only about 23 inches wide. The other buck was a buck we had found during the summer and he scored in the 180's somewhere...don't remember exactly. Not a real strong main frame, only about 24 inches wide, but he had split cheaters coming out both sides and then a 3rd cheater on one side. Not the biggest buck in the world, but definatley a trophy in my mind. My dad missed the biggest buck we saw opening morning. He was a really nice four point, with deep forks, nice mass, and guard horns. I'd guess him around 27 to 28 inches wide.

The next year we had one tag and killed a good four point...biggest buck we saw. He's not particularly wide, 24 inches, but he has good tine length, guard horns, and mass. I don't know how to score them, but I'd put him in the low 170's at best. Would have held out for a better buck, but we were concerned about getting our rig out. Turns out we just barely made it.

Foreman4x4 · May 4, 2005

Don't know if it's already been said, but one thing I've found about the Book Cliff's is, you better go prepared for rain. Every single time I've been out there, whether it's summer or fall, it's rained, or maybe I should say, it's poured! You better pack some good rain gear and better oil up your rifle.

I had a ML permit last year and it rained every day. Even though my tent didn't leak (put tarps over it), the humidity inside was so high that nothing would dry out. Kinda makes for a miserable hunt when everything you own, including your sleeping bag, is damp.

I wish I would've held out for a better buck, but the cold and wet got to me, so I ended up killing a 24" 4x4 on the fourth day. I talked to some guys who stuck it out a few days longer and the rain never let up. I understand it was also a rainy, muddy mess during the rifle hunt.

Good luck.

Smokepole · May 4, 2005

I know what you mean about the rain and then the mud, slip, slick and slide!!!

I drew my muzzle loader permit for deer in the Book Cliffs. I have spent some time there but, it has been a few years ago. Last time was before the fire when I drew an elk permit in the roadless area and a friend of mine packed me in with his mules. I was curious to know how the vegitation is doing since the fire? Has anyone seen if the deer have been utilizing the burned areas much yet? I'm thinking after three years since the fire and with the recent moisture there should be some good new vegitation growth (which is what deer and elk like to eat the most).

I may not be able to get into the roadless area much if at all, but I have the whole season to try and find a dandy of a buck. If anyone has any suggestions for me, I would sure appreciate any information I can get.

Gloomis and others - good luck on your hunts and since I'm in the Books before you rifle hunters, I can let you all know what I see when I get done with my hunt.

Smokepole