111 Muzzy Bull - DIY vs. Guide

GhostWhisperer · Jun 3, 2016

I was fortunate enough to draw a Muzzy Bull tag in 111 (Oct 22-Nov 5). I am a little overwhelmed seeing as it will likely be another 15-20 years before I have this opportunity again.

I did a solo late Muzzy Mule deer hunt last year in 114-115 and took a nice 5x5 in 115 but I fear that has me nowhere near prepared to handle an elk-in fact it has made the task feel a bit more arduous. The year prior I had a rifle tag for 111-115 mule deer and harvested my first mule deer near the top of success loop. Considering I now have 2 years of experience in this area w/ roughly 30 days in the field between scouting / hunting I am 100% overwhelmed on where to start knowing the animals I have seen on both ranges. Given my lack of experience and the potential here to harvest a pretty amazing animal I would really like to better understand everyone's thoughts on whether or not a guide vs. DIY makes more sense.

Another element that has me pondering hiring a guide here is the date of the hunt. Based upon last year?s scouting, assuming the same would likely hold true this year, the bulls seamed to still be screaming in late October. That coupled w/ these dates coinciding w/ mule deer rifle season has me a bit anxious as to what the right approach would be.

My ego says DIY but given the potential of this unit I am really wanting to maximize my opportunities here. I would certainly appreciate any advice.

thatswhatcheesehead · Jun 3, 2016

It seems that you have plenty of days in the field. I'd go DIY, especially if your partners are worth a damn. It'll be more satisfying if you slam a monster on your own. I'd start looking in the big buck gully area.

Beulahsetters · Jun 3, 2016

I'd also go diy that unit has some real toads in it. Be prepared to glass for hours and the Bulls should appear.

azbiggame · Jun 3, 2016

"CONGRATS" on drawing a elk tag that has the potential of being GREAT !!! From reading Your post,My take is You have limited knowledge of an area between Osceola & Shoshone on W. side of Wheeler Peak and another area between Ely & McGill on Westside of Schell Crk Range.1st area has very limited amount of elk and other area has some elk and LOTS OF HUNT PRESSURE from deer & elk hunters ...My advise from 1 Hendersonite to another is spend likely the better part of late Summer through mid Oct. to learn the areas that hold best elk herds or have a hunt partner that knows these areas or hire a guide that has this experience.Plenty of good ones that guide this LARGE unit group for elk.

Your decision, many,many,many trips to maybe learn correct area that will have elk in late OCT or just have fun and maybe find a MATURE BULL or any bull.Good Luck and stay safe

Bruce & SilverGrand

mlycrzy · Jun 3, 2016

Great tag to have! It sounds like with the amount of time you'll have to scout/hunt I think you could find what you are looking for on a DIY hunt. If you decide to go guided there are some great services to choose from as well. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.

hwkeye308 · Jun 5, 2016

pm sent

silverstatehunter · Jun 8, 2016

Finding a good bull is the easy part in that area. Packing him out is what I would want the guide for. lol

PM sent

buckhorn · Jun 8, 2016

At this point in time I would suspect that all the good guides are booked up. You will most likely be looking at D I Y. I am sure that if you put in enough time and be persistent you will find some good bulls to hunt. And all the money you will save on the guide fees Will go a long way on a D I Y hunt. Good luck to you.

Jonstone · Jun 11, 2016

I would rather shoot a 330 bull on my own , then a 390 that someone points to and says shoot. You sound like a do it yourself hunter...shoot a giant on your own and research a local packer to get them.out for you..I have done this twice now for under 500. Good luck that unit has big ones just about everywhere.

Pucci · Jun 11, 2016

>I would rather shoot a 330
>bull on my own ,
>then a 390 that someone
>points to and says shoot.
>You sound like a do
>it yourself hunter...shoot a giant
>on your own and research
>a local packer to get
>them.out for you..I have done
>this twice now for under
>500. Good luck that unit
>has big ones just about
>everywhere.

I'm with him on this. Hired a guide 2 years ago in 121 who by all means did a great job. If I were to do it again I would DIY. More personal satisfaction on my part. Knowing that I went out and did it on my own.

BeDawg · Jun 11, 2016

I would rather shoot a 330 bull on my own , then a 390 that someone points to and says shoot. You sound like a do it yourself hunter...shoot a giant on your own and research a local packer to get them.out for you..I have done this twice now for under 500. Good luck that unit has big ones just about everywhere.

+ 1

Go DIY, save the guided hunts for your old age and retirement. Now is the time to go DIY while your health is intact.

GhostWhisperer · Aug 8, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Aug-08-16 AT 04:56PM (MST)[p]Update on summer / scouting progress-I have committed to the DIY route. There are so many beautiful animals throughout this hunt unit. Makes a fella feel pretty blessed! Here is a cool shot of a group I've been watching. I am confident they will be scattered come late October but this sure does a solid for my daydreams! I certainly appreciate everyone's insight.

Muley_Slayer · Aug 31, 2016

Congrats!I drew this tag in 2013. I'm glad you aren't using a guide. I did DIY and nailed a 350' bull. There are a lot of bulls in that country and they aren't too awful hard to find. Good luck!