051 Deer

Wanted · May 30, 2016

Anybody have any experience in this unit? I drew this tag on a recommendation from a good friend who hunted it last year, buts its never bad to have more than one opinion on where to go etc.

Wanted · May 31, 2016

Anyone?

Togwotee · Jun 1, 2016

I hunted it 10 years ago and my wife drew it this year. I don't know the area well but I know the basics.

Hunt high early in the season that's for sure all the bucks are as high as they can get. later on they seemed to be mid range.

The best access is through Paradise , you can go anywhere from on top. I was told the Osgood mountain were a good spot but I didn't see much of anything there in 2 days.

I'm not sure if it's better or worse than it was when I hunted it but at that time it wasn't that impressive. just okay but worth another try.

Maybe some one has someone current information that would be more helpful.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

bullskin · Jun 1, 2016

Just some observations from my most recent archery hunt, made several years ago...

This is a fair hunt. Not a lot of big bucks, but enough mature animals to keep it interesting if you are after a good hunt rather than focused entirely on a trophy buck. There is a lot of water and cover up high, and plenty of deer, but I have had my best success low on the mountain, in the rocks, where the animals are a bit more exposed. But that is archery season...

There will be a lot of hunters come rifle season, and so it may be wise to hunt later in the season if you wish to avoid crowds. Learn the area beforehand, and get away from the roads and trails. It may be good to approach from the bottom to take advantage of those animals pushed down by those hunting up top. Those who climb to the top are reluctant to head down again, nearly to the bottom to find those animals hiding in deep drainages. Glass these drainages in the evening, from the bottom of the mountain, using the sun to your advantage to locate deer. Then, kill them in the morning.

I'd like to hear how it goes. Good luck.

Wanted · Jun 5, 2016

What is the best map to obtain that shows roads? I will be picking up a OnXmap chip for my Rino but would like a paper map for seeing the big picture.

DeerManBran · Jun 6, 2016

I have hunted 051 ALOT (easy tag for us archers). What people have said is mostly accurate here. The big thing is that if you want a mature buck then hunt high. you can shoot a 2 point if you spend a week in the aspen drainages.

The Osgoods are OK, I hunted a group of 8 bucks for a week up there and only 2 of those deer were not 4 point. Not an easy hunt though. I like the north end near O'Dell Mnt. Not many people up there. Spend a lot of time behind the glass.

Now the southern portion of the unit. Granite peak to the south. Without giving away too much I have seen 2 of the biggest bucks I have ever seen in my life in this unit. The hiking will suck, the glassing will feel never ending, but they are in there. In consecutive years I hunted both a 5x5 with 2 cheaters and a 6x6 double drop tine up above 8,500ft.

Its a steep, unforgiving ##### of a mountain range. Good luck.

fullcurl74 · Jun 8, 2016

DeerManBran,
If you don't mind me asking, how long ago was the drop tine buck sighting? Wondering about a possible coincidence.

DeerManBran · Jun 16, 2016

It was 2 years ago. I didn't draw the tag last year, but had a buddy that did. Wasn't in the same area, or it was but he just couldn't find it.

Togwotee · Jul 18, 2016

I talked to a couple guys from Paradise yesterday who know the unit well. let's just say they weren't encouraging.

I'm going to have her turn the tag back in and get her points back. don't forget you have that option.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

GONHUNTIN · Jul 19, 2016

I. Seen a nice non-typical up on hinkey summit many moons ago while hunting lions never hunted it for deer

bullskin · Aug 4, 2016

If you are hunting from an ATV, then you will be lucky to even see a decent buck. Leave it at the base of the hill and walk in to where the folks with rinos won't go.