Wasatch Mtns (17B/17C) MD Hunt

SpotnstalkAZ · Mar 9, 2017

Just wondering what can be expected if I'm lucky enough to draw the Rifle MD tag on 21-29 Oct in units 17B/C?
I'm a nonresident coming from AZ if I draw, so limited knowledge on the area but will be able to make a scout trip prior.
Any insight or past experience would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

desertpointbrian · Mar 9, 2017

Lots of people as it is really close to salt lake city.

Founder · Mar 9, 2017

There are lots of people everywhere unless you draw a super limited tag, so that should be a given on about all hunts.
I think there's a good amount of private ground up in that area, so make sure you have maps or something to show property lines.
I can't tell you any specific places, but come scout and you'll find deer. There are plenty of bucks in that country. You just have to find you one scouting and you'll have a spot to hunt.

Brian Latturner
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skyhawk · Mar 9, 2017

I hunt there every year. I can't say what it will be like people wise because I do the archery and muzzy but founder is right. Lots of private. Plenty of public too, you just need some good maps or GPS with the boundries. Almost impossible to get away from the roads but it can be done if you put in the time with the maps. I can't give any specific areas but there is some rugged canyons with big deer every year. If you draw pm me and I will help more.

SpotnstalkAZ · Mar 9, 2017

Thank you guys for the responses! I really hope to draw, will be my first time hunting big game outside of AZ. I will give it max effort and plan to hunt the entire season.

I believe the Flatline Maps are about the best you can buy, I have several for AZ units and they're fantastic. Not sure if you've used them in UT or if they're even available but i'll look into it.

Also thanks for the PM offer, I may be in touch once the draw results are posted- fingers crossed.
Likewise if you ever make it to AZ for a Javelina, Couse Whitetail or Elk hunt- would be more than happy to help out!

skyhawk · Mar 9, 2017

I use mytopo paper maps and OnX digital. Not sure if mytopo are as good as flatline, they are just what I'm used to. I may take you up on the coues info. I've been thinking about a AZ coues hunt for a long time. Let me know how the draw goes. Good luck!

littlebighorn · Mar 10, 2017

I don't hunt that unit but I know the country. There are good bucks in all units but they become real scarce by the general season. My advice is to not get too discouraged with the number of hunters you see the first weekend. It's always crowded, but by mid week competition will be limited. Find high glassing points and use your MM name (Spot and Stalk) and you may turn up a good one to chase. We did that very thing in a unit just south of yours this year and had a fine time. We killed a nice buck and left another dandy buck on the mountain because it got dark before we could get to him and then we got weathered out.
Best of luck!

shootem · Mar 10, 2017

I have hunted this unit for the last 10 years or so. It has definitely improved from 10 years ago. I have taken my 2 best bucks in 2015 and 2016 from this unit. Like others have mentioned it gets a lot of pressure on public land but since option 2 went into effect, I actually see fewer hunters hiking than I use to. Go for a short walk, glass and if your not seeing bucks walk a little further and repeat. There are bucks scattered all over this unit. The buck to doe ratio has been very good over the last couple of years with lots of 3-4 year old bucks. In 2015 everyone in my hunting camp filled their tags with 4 point bucks.