Unit 55 Late Rifle

OneMile · Sep 24, 2015

I'm helping a buddy on the unit 55 late hunt starting 5 OCT. He didn't make the opportunity to do any early scouting, but we will be heading up on the 3rd to do some hard last minute scouting. Anyone have any suggestions for the area? I'd like to whittle it down some so we don't go too blind. What can we expect as far as other hunters? Does this area cater to the road hunter, or is do a lot of people choose to get off the road? Appreciate any direction you are willing to offer.

OneMile · Sep 25, 2015

Sorry. Should've specified that the tag is for deer. Want to clarify that we prefer getting off the road at least a mile in, away from the human element.

idahoguy · Sep 25, 2015

Are you from out of state? Most controlled hunts are in October so that really isn't a "late" hunt. Anyways there is a ton of private ground over there and lots of roads. I wish you the best but have no more advise. Good luck.

OneMile · Sep 25, 2015

Yeah, I guess I'm in the habit of calling it late since it is the second hunt for this area. Originally from Idaho, now Utah. I'm from Kuna and often drive past this unit to visit home. Look forward to finally getting to check this place out. Thanks for the info!

tagsoup · Sep 26, 2015

I have had the tag. There is a lot of public land in the unit. But most of the BLM land has no deer in it. Like the Jim Sage Mtns. So stick to the NF. The back side of Mount Harrison has some big bucks. I spent most of my time around Mount Harrison. But I did go check out the Jime Sage Mtns even though people said to stay away from it. And I didn't see a deer. So I would stay away. I also spent a day around Mount Independence. I saw some deer and a few moose. But I liked the Mount Harrison area better. I also spent one day down toward City of the Rocks. I saw a few deer down there but again I liked Mount Harrison better. I know a couple guys that have killed some really big bucks on Mount Harrison the first week of this hunt. But after the first week the last week will be your best bet at killing a good buck.

"Go hunt for meat at Walmart."

OneMile · Sep 26, 2015

Excellent. That definitely helps work the options down. Had questions about City of Rocks as I'd heard that it held deer and assumed Jim Sage may not be the best based on what I've heard, too. Thanks for the confirmation.

tagsoup · Oct 13, 2015

Any updates?

"Go hunt for meat at Walmart."

OneMile · Oct 13, 2015

Yes. It went well. He literally ended up harvesting his buck in the first minute of opening day. We got up there did some good scouting as planned and identified a unique buck. Got out really early that first morning and I sat watching for the buck we wanted to take, while he sat at another vantage point on the other side of the ridge. He sat and listened to the deer he shot rustling and thrashing around for about 45 minute before the shot. I guess that was too much and he just couldn't resist the suspense and took this deer early. Very decent deer, but I think he wished he would've spent a little more time up there. Great hunt. Thanks to all for the great advise.

OneMile · Oct 13, 2015

idahoguy · Oct 14, 2015

Nice buck. I am glad you had success. Too bad you didn't get to do more hunting.

tagsoup · Oct 15, 2015

Congrats. Where did you end up hunting at?

"Go hunt for meat at Walmart."

OneMile · Oct 19, 2015

Been on the road so just getting back to you now. We went right where you suggested and it worked for us. The info about where not to go was also great for working our focus down.

Mason · Aug 12, 2021

I drew unit 55 this year the late Tag should I stick Mt Harrison or try other places

Calbuck · Aug 12, 2021

I'll be in 55 also. I have lots of places to go! ?

Mason · Aug 12, 2021

Any tips

KickrBuk · Aug 12, 2021

Calbuck said:
I'll be in 55 also. I have lots of places to go! ?

Looks like I should’ve pikd up one of the leftover tags ? Is this a controlled hunt ?

Calbuck · Aug 12, 2021

Mason said:
Any tips

Hunt hard! Don't shoot the first buck you see unless its a dandy!

Calbuck · Aug 12, 2021

KickrBuk said:
Looks like I should’ve pikd up one of the leftover tags ? Is this a controlled hunt ?

yes controlled

KickrBuk · Aug 13, 2021

Calbuck said:
yes controlled

I swear I saw a 55 tag in the leftovers

Outdoordan · Aug 13, 2021

There are 55 tags in the 2nd draw, but none as "leftovers".

Calbuck · Aug 14, 2021

Yes, there are 55 tags in leftovers..they are for late archery

Outdoordan · Aug 14, 2021

Calbuck said:
Yes, there are 55 tags in leftovers..they are for late archery

Calbuck said:

yes controlled

Click to expand...

Not if it's a controlled hunt.

Calbuck · Aug 15, 2021

Yeah ok. Splitting hairs. There are unclaimed 55 controlled hunt tags available in the second draw. There are leftover OTC late archery 55 tags available (or at least there was) in the leftover tags.