Paunsaugunt Archery

BlackAngusMT

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16
Hey fellow hunters. I'm new to this forum and this is actually my first hunting forum post of any kind. I've struggled with wether or not ask for help, but a tag like this has got me filled with anxiety (and excitement). I beat the odds and drew the Utah Paunsaugunt archery deer tag with 9pts (please don't hate, I've received enough already). I have unit maps, landowner gps chip, downloaded UT/AZ biological migration studies, state habitat and water improvement maps, and blinded myself with google earth. I'm a DIY archery hunter (nothing against outfitters or hunters that use them, just not my style). I get enjoyment from the whole experience (planning to harvest or no harvest) not from inches of antlers. With that said, the goal is always the most mature monster you can find, and with this tag comes legitimate opportunity at a true giant. I have ideas for areas to scout (1 trip June, 1 July, and go down Aug 15-29 for scouting and 10 day hunt) and was hoping through pm or email someone might let me know if I'm on the right track. I Don't participate in sharing places and names out in the open on social media. It's a 10 hour drive down from MT and hoping to locate and semi-pattern a few bucks by Aug 19 opener. If MT hunting is something that interests anyone, I'd be happy to privately trade info. Sorry for the novel, and thanks for any help!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jun-12-17 AT 01:33AM (MST)[p]Hi BlackAngus.

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on a great tag! That will be a fun hunt, and I hope to have that tag also in the next couple of years. Unfortunately I cannot be of much help regarding the Paunsy hunt. I have not spent much time there and never hunted it. Having said that, I think that your approach and wording in asking for help was well done, and I hope that some members with experience in the unit are able to provide some help and support for you. Congrats again on drawing a great tag, and wish you well in your hunt.
 
Congrats on a fabulous archery tag.!! There are few places that offer so much fun on an archery tag as the Paunsy. (Speaking from a LOT of second-hand experience).

First off, get used to seeing and passing bucks you might otherwise shoot in MT. I'm not saying you haven't killed any big ones, maybe you have, but in general, MT Muleys seem to be taken at earlier ages than you are going to experience on the Paunsy. So be ready to see some very nice deer regularly.

I think with your plan in place, you will have no trouble finding bucks, and good ones at that. Be prepared to see outfitters there and know that they are like anybody else (some are cool, some are jerks). It is HOT in June and July, so take plenty to drink. Otherwise, enjoy getting to know one of the best units in the world for Mule Deer.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
Congratulations on your tag. I also drew the Pauns with three points, but it is only the management tag. This is no secret, but just start scouting from tropic Res. south to the end of the road and all the arteries. There are deer in all of them. Forget the migration path and the lower country. There may be one or two there, but it may be a cold day before you see one and if it is a big one, the guide services will have a target painted on the side of it. If you want a big one follow the guide Services. That is the biggest problem you will encounter for a big deer. They spotlight, and will be there day and night, every day before the hunt with many scouts. Gad, I wish they would do something about it!! At least stop the spotlighting and require them to pull their cameras before the hunts start.
 
Yeah, the guide service circus would be a bit frustrating as a DIY'er. Regarding spotlighting, I guess it's legal as long as there are no weapons in the vehicle while doing it? I can see how having vehicles lighting up the mountain at all hours of the night during the hunt would be a downer. Having said that, there is still plenty of country to look at down there, and would be an incredible tag to have.
 

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