What should I plan for next year

american_jackal · Mar 2, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Mar-02-17 AT 12:21PM (MST)[p]I currently have 13pts for Elk, and this year I just bought a point. So next year with 14pts I need help on what to do. I know its not enough to draw one of my top 3 units (San Juan, Boulder, or Pahvant). That being said I have always wanted to chase elk on the pahvant, but I also want to draw a tag, and move on to putting in for deer. Any suggestions, or directions on what I should do. Any other units I might be able to draw that holds good bulls. My magic number is 360" but would be happy with a 340" bull. I would also like to stick to rifle, or smoke pole, since im useless with a bow.

Thanks

huntin50 · Mar 2, 2017

Pick any of those. You will be lucky to draw in the next 5-10 years.

arns · Mar 2, 2017

You could draw the Wasatch rifle with 14 points.There is still a lot of good bulls if you get away from the roads.And the unit is huge.

american_jackal · Mar 3, 2017

I have thought of that. I personally dont know of any areas to scout. I would have to draw on some knowledge from those in the know. Thanks for the advice

257Tony · Mar 3, 2017

If you're in good physical shape and mind a little cold weather, you may consider doing a late hunt. There are some good ones that can be had with your points.

american_jackal · Mar 3, 2017

Thats for sure. You always hear horror stories about nice bulls that are all broke up though on the late hunts. That being said I remember finding a 370 class bull on the Pahvant with both G1s and one G2 broke off, had a tip of another bulls antler broke off in his forehead, and ears were tore up. I would have loved to have that ole warrior on my wall.

WhiskeyDog · Mar 3, 2017

There are some great muzzleloader and late season hunts that would fit what you're looking for. Are you looking for a unit to try DIY or guided? Some units are better suited for trying your luck on your own.

257Tony · Mar 3, 2017

>Thats for sure. You always hear
>horror stories about nice bulls
>that are all broke up
>though on the late hunts.
>That being said I remember
>finding a 370 class bull
>on the Pahvant with both
>G1s and one G2 broke
>off, had a tip of
>another bulls antler broke off
>in his forehead, and ears
>were tore up. I would
>have loved to have that
>ole warrior on my wall.
>

My thoughts are, a big Bull is a big Bull, even if he has a few chips off the tips!

arns · Mar 3, 2017

Between Current creek and Duchesne on the south side of Hwy 40. Big country you have Timber canyon,Reservation ridge.Some private and tribal ground but not much.There is still some good bulls in there.

american_jackal · Mar 6, 2017

This will be a DIY hunt. I dont have a lot of experience with elk, but I have a lot of buddies, and family that do. So I would have some help spotting. That and my bank account cant afford a guide haha

american_jackal · Mar 6, 2017

This would be the Wasatch Mtns unit correct? Next year according to the DWR page I would have a 1 in 18 chance of drawing the early rifle tag. That would be a pretty good unit. I know a few spots up AF canyon as well to check out

american_jackal · Mar 6, 2017

I couldnt agree more. But what will eat at me, is knowing exactly what he scores. Im not a point chaser, but I do like know exactly what I have, if you know what I mean

arns · Mar 6, 2017

There was 54 tags on the bonus side for the Wasatch early every body with 10 points drew in 2016.So I don't know we're your getting your information.

BIGJOHNT · Mar 7, 2017

Why did you put in for a point ? Just keep putting in for the draw. Half of the tags go to a lucky person in the draw. It's not just about max points.

Vanilla · Mar 7, 2017

"There was 54 tags on the bonus side for the Wasatch early every body with 10 points drew in 2016.So I don't know we're your getting your information." -arns

Nope. For Wasatch early rifle there were 102 bonus tags and it took 15 points to guarantee the tag. Wasatch late rifle had 54 bonus tags, and it took 12 points to guarantee the tag. This is straight from the DWR draw odds sheet: https://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/biggame/pdf/2016/16_big_game_odds_report.pdf (page 255 and 256)

Here is something to consider---the Wasatch will for the first time have the "middle season" rifle hunt this year. Those tags, if I'm not mistaken, will come out of the early and late rifle tag allotments. We don't know how many will be removed from each or how those tags will impact draw odds at the top of the bonus point pool. But you will have the benefit of seeing that this year.

You have lots of options to guarantee a hunt with a rifle in 2018 with 15 points in your hand. Wasatch early will not be one of those guarantees, though.

american_jackal · Mar 7, 2017

BIGJOHNT - I didnt put in this year, because I will be going on a family trip that will be eating most my pto. And next year I can set aside all my pto for the hunt

american_jackal · Mar 7, 2017

Vanilla - Thanks for pulling that info, thats exactly where I got my odds, and was going to show arns that. Ya i just want to kinda scout my top two units i focus on, and make my chose by seeing the odds from this year, and what im able to turn up this year while scouting. Just looking for peoples input as to what they think would be best.