Deseret Elk Hunting

[sniper14]

Just was wondering if anyone has info on the type of bulls they are harvesting off the Deseret CWMU. I tried to find age info on what has been taken off there the past few years but it seems only age info is found on Utah Limited Entry Units. My dad has 18 Elk points and he is getting up there in years. He doesn't move like he used to, so we are trying to get a good bull on a "gentlemans" hunt. Let me know if you have any info on that unit. it would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[300WBYMULES]

I have spent a little bit of time on Deseret since 2000. I have mostly deer hunted the ranch, but in so doing have seen some of the elk areas. It is a huge place, and when it comes to elk and elk hunting, it probably compares to what Yellowstone once was like.

I would highly recommend Deseret for your fathers elk hunt. A couple of years ago, I drew a deer tag as I had 11 points and had a great hunt. Tom Land who runs the outfit was very cool to work with.

Quality of bulls, I would say you would be in for a 330"-340" as a reasonable expectation, but 350" plus bulls are taken year in and year out.

The great thing about the program up there as well is that they are very good to the draw hunters, treat you just like if you paid $18,500 for the guaranteed hunt.

The terrain is manageable in many areas and your father could get around well. I hope this helps. Good Luck and enjoy the experience with your father!!

 

[300WBYMULES]

Just wanted to clarify, when I said guaranteed hunt, I meant guaranteed tag, bypassing the draw. In hunting there are no guarantees in success on a specific size of animal.

That being said, your fathers points would be put to great use on that piece of elk country. Good Luck!

 

[sniper14]

>Just wanted to clarify, when I
>said guaranteed hunt, I meant
>guaranteed tag, bypassing the draw.
> In hunting there are
>no guarantees in success on
>a specific size of animal.
>
>
>That being said, your fathers points
>would be put to great
>use on that piece of
>elk country. Good Luck!
>


That is great to hear. Thanks for you input and comments. How did the deer hunt end up for you?

 

[huntin50]

You probably don't have enough points to draw desert. If you do, great hunt for your Dad.
I would check odds. A Monroe muzzle hunt would be an option. You can ride wheelers in a lot of areas. Lots of 330 type bulls with potential for 350. Good luck.

 

[30Hart]

I would say the same 330-340 with a chance at bigger.

 

[buckshot]

I have friends that guide on the ranch. They kill a lot of bulls every year. With that being said I would say more like 320.

Last year they changed they way they handle the state hunters. They are now sending 2 hunters per guide out. taking turns to be shooter.

You might want to look at Monroe. I have heard that is easier terrain?

 

[300WBYMULES]

Deseret has an excellent road system throughout the place. There are a number of places in which you can hunt that your not diving down into holes.


For what you are looking to do, you're looking at a good option in Deseret. It will be an experience you won't forget. Good Luck!

 

[BrowningRage]

I'd offer another alternative... The Book Cliffs Bitter Creek (Early) hunt. It had an 89% harvest rate last year, and I saw some of the bulls acquaintances of mine took. Definitely in that 320-340 range (one 360+). It looks like 18 points will get the job done for that tag this year. There are roads galore on the unit, and you guys will get to scout as much as you want, and hunt the way you want to hunt.

I'm not dissin on Deseret. As far as I can tell, they are one of the more friendly CWMUs in the state for the state hunters. But, you will be taken to the animals they want you to harvest. Maybe that sounds like exactly what your father needs, in which case, do it.

In fact, if you have a free day, I'd recommend you cruise up there in the next couple weeks. You will likely see herds and herds of bulls out in the open areas close to the highway out of Evanston. We've gone 2 of the past 4 years, and seen over 100 bulls each time. Head on up there this weekend and check them out. Has anyone else been this year and seen them..???

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24

 

[Vanilla]

My dad had the tag in 2008. He ended up shooting a 315-320 bull, but he was completely dependent upon road hunting. His health had deteriorated to the point where he was very limited in his mobility. This bull met every expectation he had and more.

Deseret does a fantastic job with state draw hunters. Your dad will be treated right. 18 points won't guarantee it. But you're getting close.

 

[slamdunk]

I have guided a lot of hunters over the years on deseret and these guys are spot on.....your dad will have the hunt of a lifetime with top notch accommodations!

 

[sniper14]

This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thank you all for you input and advice. We have some great people on this site. Thanks again

 

[huntin50]

IF you want a lot of help from a guide. And 1 guide per two hunters, flip a coin who gets the first elk. Lots of elk. a 320-330 type bull, a nice place to stay, choose Deseret. IF you wound a bull that is it.

If you want to camp, see a lot of beautiful country, help your Dad more, include more family camping and helping with the hunt, a good chance of shooting a 320-330 bull, potential for better. Drive around on a four wheeler and see a lot of good bulls. Hunt Muzzle loader Monroe if he can shoot up to 120-150 yards. You don't need to be a big hiker. He should draw this year. I have helped two hunters. One shot a 340 and one a 360, both shot at less than 100 yards.

Factors
1. Your Dads health and ability to hike some. 1/2 mile on Monroe. Pretty level in a lot of areas.

2. Availablility and Ability of shooting a muzzle loader.

3. If you have a four wheeler. Lots of easy riding trails.

4. Calling ability and hunting knowlege of family. Often times you have 10-20 bulls bugeling and you don't need to call much.

Just some thoughts. Two different hunts, both should be fun.
My Dad shot a 350 bull muzzle hunting at the age of 68 with two total knees on a more rugged unit. Good luck in what you decide.

 

[destroyer350]

And don't forget, you'll get to wound as many as you would like before you actually get one killed!!!!

 

[huntin50]

Destroyer,
I could care less what this hunter decides. I had a good hunt with my Dad a few years ago on a LE unit. I was just giving a fellow hunter some information so he could make a good choice for his Dad. Both are excellent, but very different hunts. We had a fun family hunt with my Dad. I don't believe you can bring many people with you while hunting on the Deseret. And yes, if you wound an Elk even if not fatal, you are done at Deseret. Good luck on what the hunter decides.

 

[destroyer350]

Yeah, my comment was probably not called for, but, I do have a problem with this issue and always thought that DLL had a very good policy when it came to dealing with it.