Soldier looking for a cow in Utah

[USSoldierbowhunter]

Hello,

New to the forum and after six years of putting in for a elk draw around the US, I got a cow tag for the Central Manti mountain area. Wasn't really familiar from the area, but have a military buddy that is from Utah, but never hunted....what was he thinking.

I'm stationed at Ft Riley Ks and will be hunting the entire time if that is what it takes. Unfortunatley, no bull, just a cow, but this is my first elk hunt ever. 6-18 October

Looking for any insight or guidance anyone may provide...

Thanks in advance.

 

[sled_guy]

What hunt exactly did you draw? I'm really familiar with that area, elk herd is pretty big down there.

Reply with the exact hunt number so I know what you will be hunting.

sled_guy

 

[USSoldierbowhunter]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-31-12 AT 08:00PM (MST)[p]It's a Central Mountains, Central Manti.. 4018 Antlerless, any weapon.

What does the hunt # dictate or assist in?

John

 

[littlebighorn]

First Thanks for your service Soldier!
Your cow hunt is during the any weapon spike bull hunt, which means most other hunters will be looking for a spike bull. The Manti is a huge unit with lots of elk. It should not be too hard for you to find a cow, especially if you are planning on shooting it with a rifle.
I hunt deer in this area and while it is steep, there is pretty good road access. You can see the unit boundaries online if you look at the Division Website.
Unfortunately, I will not be hunting elk in that unit or I would be glad to help, but I am sure you can find someone on this site who might lend you a hand.

 

[sled_guy]

I wanted the hunt number to know exactly which of the Manti hunts you drew.

As has been mentioned, you'll be hunting during the spike hunt, which means there will be a lot of people down there... both good and bad, its hunting.

We have a cow tag for North Manti, the unit just north of your's, for the same time.

When are you planning on coming in to town... a day or 2 before the hunt starts? Do you already have good maps of the area?

Give me a call any evening and I'll be happy to help you with some info.

I'll pm you my phone number.

sled_guy

 

[rmanwill]

Thanks for your service!!! The Manti is a good tag for a cow. Should not have much problem finding elk. I will be in Colorado with two of my boys that draw antelope tags at the same time, but am willing to help out as much as possible. I was on the same unit last year with one of my sons and in two days he had chances at spike bull elk.

Bad weather last year made it a real mess for travel, but usually not that bad. As you get closer to the hunt let me know and we will see what the weather is and I can give some advise to help you out. PM me anytime!!!

 

[USSoldierbowhunter]

Thank you all so much. I love what I do so so much. Three deployments to Iraq and Bosnia/Kosovo, and after almost 18 years of serving. Wouldn't change a thing...

I will stay in touch with you all.

What mountain or area should I focus on, or should I go all over? I have another medically retired buddy that too drew the same thing, as we put in together for safety, and my known blindness of Manti.

In October will they be coming down low?

What calls should I utilize?

Thanks in advance.
John

 

[nocwalker]

I don't have anything to add to yout hunt situation but, I wanted to say Thanks for your service !!

Nocwalker

 

[sled_guy]

In Oct you won't be calling, especially because your hunt is during the general spike hunt, everyone will be making all sorts of noise.

As has been mentioned, it will depend on weather. If it hasn't snowed the elk are going to be high still. If you look at a map the road that runs along the top of the mountain from Fairview canyone to Ephraim canyon is called "Skyline Drive". All along that road there are bowls that drop off. Last year the elk were thick in the North Fork of Pleasant Creek and in Staker Canyon to start with.

As we get closer to Oct and see what the weather is doing we can give you some more direct pointers.

sled_guy