Utah Advice - Archery vs Rifle Hunts

bigsky2

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I'm a non-resident and am weighing my options for my elk application. I'm typically an archery hunter but I get quality archery elk hunting every year here in Montana so I was also looking into the late rifle hunts in Utah. I'm looking at both archery and late rifle hunts for the Dutton and Manti units and was hoping to get some general info about them. I was also looking at the second rifle season on the Manti (Oct. 5-17). Are the elk typically still bugling during that time or do they shut up after getting pressured during the muzzy and first rifle season? How glassable are both units? If the elk aren't bugling during the archery season it would be nice to be able to glass and obviously that is helpful on a late hunt too. I know the Dutton is a rough unit, I'm 31 and in good shape so I'm not too worried about that. I'd even consider renting some llamas if I was hunting solo. If anyone wants to offer info or advice I'm all ears. Feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to exchange info on MT or WY.
 
How many points do you have ? I am not a fan of the Mid season hunts. Sometimes here in Utah we have a hot archery season. So the bulls don't get fired up until the end of the hunt. The early rifle hunt they are going pretty good. Most archery hunters in the state have been try to get the Archery hunt dates moved up to help with this. Dutton is a great unit tough to draw. Manti is a good unit. Just a little easier to draw. It all depends on how many points you have. Or how lucky you are. Good luck !
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-20-19 AT 02:12PM (MST)[p]In a good unit, with lots of mature bulls, the discussion about the late rifle hunt generally gets around to "lots of busted up antlers". Even the outfitters generally will warn you about that.

Not sure about Utah, but in Colorado, last year my friend killed a bull in first Rifle (Started Oct 13) and had bulls bugling all around him and still with cows. But there was a 2 week break between the end of archery and the start of first rifle. Not sure if they get a break in Utah?

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
You are obviously an elk nut, bigsky, if you are trying to hunt down this way. Given your home ground, the archery and late hunts might be a disappointment?
Utah's archery hunt is long and good stickflippers can usually have a good hunt, especially the last week when bulls are talking. I'd be more inclined to go that route but that's me.

My experience is the late hunt can be tough if you don't have experience or good intel in the unit you would be hunting. Plenty of those old bulls find their way to private land, OR very deep dark out of the way holes during that hunt. If you happen to know those places then a guy can find an old dandy. If not it can be a bust.
There are plenty of open hillsides to glass in most units, but the old bulls know not to show themselves there during the late hunt.
Best of luck
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-20-19 AT 08:45PM (MST)[p]The archery elk hunt in Utah could be the most frustrating hunt you ever have. It will end on the 13th just as they are starting to talk, one of the bigger issues you will have is the rifle guys will move in on you that last week trying to scout for their once in a lifetime hunt. I have had better archery hunts on general tags in MT and WY then I have on decent LE units in Utah. I would strongly look at some muzzy options as it has been the best rut action over the last few years. A muzzy hunt on Manti could be excellent.
 
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