Between the three

BradA · Jan 25, 2018

So I have 2 points for general deer and have narrowed it down to three units that I am going to apply for.

Zion unit 29
Pine valley unit 30
Plateau, boulder/ kaiparowits unit 25c/26

My question to you guys is what is your thoughts, concerns and what would be the better unit to hunt? My goal going into the hunt would be to hopefully kill a 160 plus buck and I would be Hunting the whole season and willing to hike and also have a quad. Would a quad be useful? I would make a trip to scout before the season as well.

theox · Jan 26, 2018

LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-18 AT 09:24AM (MST)[p]Zion is mostly private. FYI. Is some good bucks to be had on public

Boulder huge unit less pressure less deer
Prob potential for a great buck.

Pine valley is gonna be weird with the new early hunt. Last year was terrible quality and was hard turning up anything over 160. I'm on my last year of dedicated and will prob switch units. That's not to say there isn't good bucks. But all the tags and several years of late season muzzy has dropped the quality.

You never mentioned what weapon you would use?

I'd almost suggest the beaver unit for your requirements.

Lots of public. Plentiful deer. Decent quality and ability to hike into places and away from people.

BradA · Jan 26, 2018

I really appreciate the input, and I'm sorry I spaced on what weapon I would be using. I would be using rifle. I will do some research and most defently consider beaver unit. I am young and able to hike so that isn't so much of a concern for me, would rather have to hike and pack out a buck to get away from crowds. I really appreciate the input thank you.

ridgetops · Jan 26, 2018

BradA,
who are you going to be hunting with?

Get ready for change because it's going to happen!

RSC68 · Jan 26, 2018

Actually Zion does have potential for some really large deer and the private land issue may or may not be a problem.
Pine Valley also has potential to produce some really large deer and more so than Beaver.
The Boulder unit is very large and if you scout it enough you can also turn up a slug or two.
My question to you is, If you were the one who is asked what unit to hunt in Utah to have a chance at a 160" buck, would you tell someone to hunt the unit you hunt or know about? Just a thought. Most hunters will not divulge their secret hunting spot or even a unit especially on-line. Finding a 160" buck is never guaranteed on any unit in Utah, but there are several general units that have that opportunity, of which you have named three. Genetics are among just a few of the factors that regularly produce larger bucks so don't always follow just one suggestion. Just my opinion. I have hunted all three units you mentioned as well as the Beaver unit and will tell you that there are no more magic areas on the Beaver unit that will give you an opportunity for a 160" buck than on the other units you initially chose to look at. Just go with your gut and what looks good to you. The days of someone giving up "their" unit/area are long gone even to close friends. Just my opinion.

BradA · Jan 27, 2018

>BradA,
> who are you going to
>be hunting with?
>
>
>Get ready for change because it's
>going to happen!

By myself

BradA · Jan 27, 2018

By myself

BradA · Jan 27, 2018

I agree with you on that and will have to just look at the information that I can and see what would be best to draw according to info and records like I have started. Thank you for your input and was just hoping basically someone could steer me into a direction of one of the units because I can't decide what's best .

ridgetops · Jan 28, 2018

BradA, sent you a PM.

Get ready for change because it's going to happen!

BradA · Jan 28, 2018

Sent one back

huntBPO · Jan 28, 2018

Brad sent you a p.m.

callsalot · Jan 31, 2018

Don't mean to hijack the conversation but I'm in the same point situation. The only difference is I've killed plenty of animals in my time and am not looking for a 160 plus buck. I would just like to show my son a lot of deer to spark his interest again and give him a chance at harvesting any buck that came along. We can both put the miles on our boots and he would be thrilled with a little three point since mule deer in Oregon are hard to come by now days.Which of these units would be best just to see a fair amount of deer and not worried about the score? Any thoughts are appreciated.

WiscoKid · Feb 20, 2018

Brad, I'd be very interested in hearing about your hunt or about which unit you decide to choose. I am in a similar situation having never hunted any of the three, but am leaning toward Boulder for an archery hunt. Id love to go in on a hunt with someone who knows what they are doing...I'd split 4 points in 2019 with someone interested in bow hunting the boulder if that interests anyone.