Choices??

[5K]

I am a non resident with enough points to have a possibility of drawing the following hunts:
Dutton Late
Plateau,Boulder Late
Dutton Muzzleloader
Which hunt would you choose and why. Or at this point would you hold out for several more years at maybe a chance to hunt Beaver, Boulder or Southwest.
I think it is time to hunt Utah and am ready to look at some lower tiered hunts. I am in great shape and capable of giving the hunt all of the effort it needs. All of my elk have come out in pieces over the last 10 years, so I understand the rigors of getting off the road and trails. It would be great to have an opportunity at 350 class bulls as I have taken several under that mark.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences. Thanks guys and gals!

 

[dillon]

I like the Boulder more than the Dutton. That said, I don't know much about the late hunt on Boulder. I have hunted cows on there several times, but we generally don't see very many bulls. I am sure they are in bachelor groups by the late hunt. The state of Utah manages for a much older age class of bulls on Boulder than the Dutton if I remember right. I have 12 non-resident point this year for elk. I am hoping to draw a mountain goat tag more than my elk in 2014 so I put in for early season elk on a southern Utah unit. I wish I was still a resident, but the State of Utah doesn't pay park rangers enough.

Good luck,

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com

 

[HorseCreek]

#1 Dutton muzzy
#2 Dutton muzzy
#3 Dutton muzzy

Being a non res the boulder will be a b!tch to hunt and scout. Weather is ALWAYS a factor for the late hunt no matter the unit. The boulders are a tough unit with very limited glassing points and SUPER thick. You'll need vantage points for a late hunt.
Dutton is a rough steep unit but it's a blast! The bulls will be vocal and moving a lot. If you're set on a late hunt go with Dutton. A lot of big canyons you can pick over with your optics. Boulder may have a few more better bulls but I think you'll see more elk and have a better chance with less scouting on the Dutton.


Traditional >>>------->

 

[5K]

Thanks for the replies and honest info. My preference would be to have a glassing situation versus still hunting through thick timber. I couldn't locate the data, but what age class are both units managed for?

 

[dillon]

5K look at the following link under age objectives:

https://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/biggame/pdf/elk_plan.pdf

Dutton: Goal 5.5-6.0 three year average age on bulls
Boulder: Goal 7.5-8.0 three year average age on bulls

The data is a little old in the plan but the three year average 2007-2009 was 6.3 for the Dutton and 8.1 for the Boulder. Every year the state adjust the number of tags based on tooth data.

Both are good units for elk. I like the Boulder because I know the area better than the Dutton. My biggest problem with the LE muzzle loader elk hunt it that the general season muzzle loader deer hunters are hunting deer at the same time are you hunting you elk you waited 12 years to hunt. The elk will be bugling still during the muzzle loader.

Good luck,

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com