Monroe Elk

[lucky_draw]

I will be going with a friend on the Monroe Elk hunt this year. What can be said about the quality of bulls on the mountain? Have the past few years been up or down? This is probably his one shot at a trophy bull. What are the odds of a 360+ bull? Let me know what you think.

Thanks

 

[huntin50]

20-30% would be my guess if he could pass a lot of 330 type bulls. There are some 360 plus bulls, but not many. Should be a good year for antler growth. Shoot one that he likes and don't get too caught up in numbers. Good luck.

 

[2lumpy]

LAST EDITED ON May-27-15 AT 11:52AM (MST)[p]What are his chances?

He has a chance, that's about it, a chance. ;-)

Is there "a" 360 bull on the Monroe right now. Yes.

Are there many. No.

Where there many 360+ when the Monroe was at it's peak, six or seven years ago? No, but there were a few, more than there are now.

Are there more 360s now than there were 3 years ago, when they reduced the number of branch antlered bull permit. Maybe. It takes time to get elk to 360. Not every elk can put out that much antler, regardless of his age. These top end bulls take a lot longer to show up than you might expect. Out of 50, 7 year old bulls, there won't be very many over 360 on the Monroe, in my opinion.

Let's face it, a 360 plus bull elk is a challenge to find on any unit, in any State in the country. It always has been. During Monroe's best years, it was tough to kill a 360 plus bull elk. It took many years of having elk on the Monroe before any bulls over 360 were killed.

The idea that 360 bulls are a general rule, on any Unit in Utah, even during the peak period of the trophy elk years, is a misnomer.

So......yes, there is a chance. Will he likely kill one........? Personally, I wouldn't count on it, but yea, I'd hunt for one too, if I had the permit.

.............the Monroe is considered a relatively easy elk hunt. For some it is............. others not so much. Even during the "glory years" I know of many people that came away very frustrated and disappointed. I've know people that ended up shooting young, small antlered bulls, because, after a week of work, they couldn't find anything bigger. While it may be "easy" compared to other elk units, it is "NOT" like shooting fish in a barrel, unless you just get lucky, which does happen on occasion.

If 360 is his objective, he should go for it and see what he can do....... there is a chance. That's part of the challenge of the hunt. We all have different expectations when we have a permit, some to just get out in the field with a weapon, some for meat, some of any bull, some for a specific kind of bull. Thankfully, we do not all want the same thing when we are hunting.

For me, passing up lots of animals, hunting for the one I want, is a great part of the joy I get from the hunting experience. And...... from year to year, my objectives can change.

The Monroe is a beautiful mountain in the fall. (Most mountains are. Relatively flat on top with large quaking aspen groves of yellow, orange and green in contrast with sage/grassy meadows, with some canyons and cliffs around the edges and a million (not really) miles of roads and trails that cover the mountain from stem to stern.

After this hunt has come and gone, I hope you have a great hunt and are happy with the outcome, regardless of the one you take home.

All the best.

DC

 

[30Hart]

LAST EDITED ON May-27-15 AT 12:31PM (MST)[p]Great advice 2lumpy...well said!!!

 

[Shadow]

360 is a pretty tall order. There are some and it is possible, just have to sort through a lot of bulls and have patience, but if the bull looks right to the shooter then it's the right bull regardless of score. P.S. Don't overlook the lower country around the oak brush and mahogany.

 

[lucky_draw]

Sounds like you guys have spent some time on this mountain, thats great to get some local info. Very helpful thanks. Yeah we are not some much in the numbers either that is just the quality of bull we hope to harvest. That being said, are there a lot of bulls on this unit? Do I need to worry about large tracts of private ground?

 

[2lumpy]

There are more bulls on the unit then there were three years ago.

We were killing the majority of the spikes for 3 or 4 years, therefore we where not recruiting the number of bulls each year that we had in the early 2000's. We only hunt spikes with archery and muzzleloader now, so for the last two (I think) a few more spikes have carried over and are now branch antlered bulls. So, there are a few more bulls now than there where three years ago, all be it, many of the bulls are young and have not matured yet. There is "gap" in the age of the bulls on the Monroe right now, reflecting the years we remove most of the spikes, on the spike any weapon hunts.

There is private land on the unit but it is primarily made up of public National Forest Land.

The private land is generally closed to public land permit hunters.

DC

 

[nebo12000]

Plenty of public land on the Monroe. We have a cabin on the north end of the unit / cove Mt area. Since the spike hunting with rifle was stopped there are definitely more bulls roaming around our area now. 2Lumpy is probably right about the gap in age class but I watched two different bulls near our place that would have hit 350+. Saw one other bull that was 7x8 but was young and would have been around 350ish. If he made it through last year and stayed healthy he would probably be 375ish this year. Hope you have a great time this year. If you are up around the Long Flat area stop and say hello, we are at the end of the Lake Meadow road below Deep Lake.

 

[lucky_draw]

Is there somewhere I can look that tells me the average age class and size of bulls for this unit? Thanks for the great feedback.

 

[lucky_draw]

What time of the year would be the best for scouting?

 

[2lumpy]

I'd scout early and as often as you can afford the time and money for fuel, "to learn" where the many roads and trails go.

Scouting too early can be frustrating at hunt time because the elk shift from their summer range to their rutting range, in September. So the elk you see in July and August will not necessarily be any where near that location during the hunt. They could be, but it's not a good idea to count on it.

Once you know the roads and trails, I would concentrate scouting for the elk you want, after the first of September.

Take nebo1200 up on his offer, he sleeps in the middle of summer elk country!

DC

 

[lucky_draw]

Sounds good. Yes it is going to be an expensive year for fuel cost. Ok so the Deep Lake area sounds pretty good. Without giving out any secret spots, or anything like that, where would be some of the other good places to look? Thanks you guys are great.

 

[nebo12000]

You need to check with someone who knows the south end of the unit. I've heard there are some good bulls there.

 

[lucky_draw]

Will do. Does the terrain vary much from the south end to the north? And is there about the same accessibility on one end or the other?

 

[Shadow]

Which tag does he have?

 

[2lumpy]

This post and others from years past might answer a lot of your questions.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID30/2759.html

Using the "Search" tool on the Forum should give you a boat load of information about the mountain, the elk, and where to find them. The mountain doesn't change much from year to year and the elk are fairly predictable. They tend to rut in the same general locations from year to year.

The US Forest Service in Richfield has great maps of the roads and trails on the mountain and other maps that give elevation/topographical info. Google Earth is also very useful when it comes to learning terrain.

However,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you can drive nearly every road on the mountain, from the numerous access locations on all four sides of the mountain, across all areas of the mountain, in a 2 day weekend. I would suggest you might consider doing that.

Well before your hunt starts, come down, drive the roads, identify the areas that are listed on the Forest Service maps, that way when someone gives you some information, or you read a post on a hunting Forum, you'll be better equipped to put it to best use.

For starters, if your not hauling a camp trailer, there are pick-up passable roads going onto the Monroe, from Glenwood, Annabella, Monroe, Marysvale, Kingston, Angle, Greenwitch and Koosharem. Possibly others. I'd drive every one of them and get a feel for the kind of terrain they come and go from.

That way, if someone tells you they've seen elk near Burnt Flat, or in Rock Springs , you'll know how to get there and what to expect when you do.

DC

 

[Gator]

I think that is the best advice you could get right there. Know the where and how to get there is going to be the thing you will have know WELL.
Lot of good elk country on that rock pile.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

 

[lucky_draw]

He has the premium tag!!!

 

[lucky_draw]

This is all very good advice. Thanks guys. We are pretty new to hunting big bulls, so we will take any suggestions openly.

 

[Shadow]

PM sent

 

[HorseCreek]

Don't overlook the low country on the Cove side of the mountain. That would be a huge mistake, especially with a premium tag.


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

 

[NoBark]

Make good use of the advise you get from these people. We came a long way (twice) and couldn't have done it without their help!

 

[lucky_draw]

Yes indeed. I am very grateful for all the help we can get. NoBark so are you saying that you have hunted this unit twice!? If so when? and how did you end up?

 

[lucky_draw]

If anyone has pictures of some bull from this unit and are willing to share that would be great!!

 

[2lumpy]

Do you want pictures of them on the hoof or on there side?

DC

 

[NoBark]

Lucky, Hunted it only once, first trip was a scouting trip wrapped into a longer summer vacation trip. 2Lumpy was of great help along with a few others.

 

[NoBark]

Here's a pic for ya!

 

[nebo12000]

 

[2lumpy]

That bull isn't near as wet, as wet as he is, as you were, my friend! Glad you posted that rascal up again, your bull was a great Monroe bull!

DC

 

[NoBark]

That WAS a wet day but, for some reason I don't think of how wet we were on that day !!

 

[lucky_draw]

NoBark that is a great lookin bull!! and with your bow!!

 

[lucky_draw]

All pictures are good. Helps me get an idea of what to look for. WOW how about that Spyder bull.

 

[Clownpuncher]

I've tried to search this but how many points does it take for the Monroe premium hunt for a non res? Just curious, I have no where near enough points. I wish I did!!!

 

[lucky_draw]

Non res = no chance, its for Utah residents only. Sorry

 

[lucky_draw]

Ok so I spent the last two weekends on the mountain looking for elk and areas to hunt. Monroe mountain is awesome elk country!! The elk could go anywhere on that mountain and be ok. I have also seen the benefits of eliminating the rifle spike hunt. Lots of young bulls around. My question is can anyone give me some direction on where to look this weekend for the big boys? and places that would be good to hunt the pre rut with a bow? We got a holiday weekend coming up so we hope to cover a lot of ground. Thanks again you guys for the help.

 

[JayScottOutdoors]

Lucky draw-

I hope you have a great hunt on the Monroe Mtn! I recently did a podcast interview Episode 39 and 40 with a hunter that hunted the Monroe Mtn. maybe something in their might help you out. Hope you have a great time!

Jay Scott Outdoors
Western Big Game
Hunting and Fishing Podcast
on iTunes for Apple users and
Podbean for Android/PC users
Website Instagram
Facebook YouTube

 

[lucky_draw]

Hey Jay thanks for the response. I listened to your podcast and looked up the video of the hunt, Very impressive bull!!! Can't wait to go hunting. This is going to be a good year.

 

[cannonball]

We start fishing the Monroe two times a week whether we want to or not during the latter part of August thru October. We see some large bulls at Box Creek, Deep Lake and Big Lake on a consistent basis right from the shore line.

Had to laugh when we were going to Deep Lake, a fellow was guiding a disabled person and asked if we had seen any large bulls lately. We told him to stay there at Big Lake until dark and he would get his bull. When we were coming back about dark they were loading a bull. Wasn't a 360, but was close to a 330 or 340 bull. Anyhow it was a very nice bull for Monroe.

 

[CAelknuts]

Lucky Draw, you may wish to go back in the archives and look up Monroe Elk Hunt from Sept 23, 2008. I chronicled my Monroe archery hunt while up on the mountain and it was a pretty popular thread. Quite a bit of information in that thread.

 

[lucky_draw]

CAelknuts sounds good I will have to do that. Thanks again everyone for your help this has been a good thing for us. We have been searching high and low and covering a lot of ground. Wow lots of roads and trials on the unit. Has anyone been out doing some summer scouting on this unit? With or without a tag. We have seen a lot of elk just haven't seen the "one" yet. What a great mountain.

 

[lucky_draw]

Well we had another great weekend on the mountain. We have covered a lot of ground and have seen a lot of big game. Horn growth looks to going good this year for both the Elk and Deer. The bulls appear to be moving around already. They are going to be hard to keep track of. Thanks again for all of your help. Opening day will be here quick.

 

[lucky_draw]

Has anyone else heard rumor of another Spyder like bull on the Monroe? Not sure what to believe but if there is, we sure would like to find him.

 

[lucky_draw]

Well hoping to see more bulls and less people this weekend. Last weekend was insane. I have never seen that many people up there before. Still hoping to turn up a giant somewhere.

 

[Cass]

>Has anyone else heard rumor of
>another Spyder like bull on
>the Monroe? Not sure what
>to believe but if there
>is, we sure would like
>to find him.

Wouldn't Suprise me one bit. It's been 7 years since denny killed it. if he follows suit look south


-Cass

 

[BIGJOHNT]

Yep the roads where turned to powder. Tons of bow hunter riding around.

 

[lucky_draw]

A little less people this weekend but not by much. Still not a lot of action in the elk woods yet but I did hear some bugles and noticed that they are starting to hit the wallows. The search continues for a shooter bull. Has anyone heard of any giants on the mountain?

 

[cmbbulldog]

Keep at it. Post some pics of your adventure to date.

 

[lucky_draw]

Thanks Leftysbowman for the PM I'll take all of the help and advice that I can get.
cmbbulldog I will see what I can do about getting some pictures on here. Hey thanks again to everyone for all the advice. We are having a great time and hope to turn up a monster bull.

 

[HorseCreek]

Where have you been looking/hunting? Give a bit of info and I can point you in a direction from there.


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

 

[lucky_draw]

We have been all over in the high country still trying to locate a 360+ shooter bull. From Big Lake to Langdon.

 

[muzzlemania]

Lucky_Draw I sent you a PM.

 

[BIGJOHNT]

Lucky_Draw
Where are you camped ? I have been on Fish lake across the road most of the time. But I have a trailer in Koosharem across from the Pizza place. I'll be coming threw again today.

 

[nebo12000]

Try looking in the evening in Henrys Hollow. You get there from off the Long Flat road and going north. Its best to use an ATV. Also try watching the south end of the meadows south above Annabella reservoir and Deep Lake. The bulls are starting to move around to find cows.

 

[lucky_draw]

Okay going to try and load some photos. Not to sure on how to do it.

 

[lucky_draw]

Well hope this works. Here are some pictures of our adventure thus far. Nothing to exciting yet but we have located a nice bull.

 

[lucky_draw]

Well just to give you an update we had another awesome weekend on the mountain. Things are still pretty tough with the full moon and warm temps. Hunting these bulls with a bow not during the rut is hard. We did however come pretty close to letting an arrow fly on what we think is a 360 bull!! Things were looking good until another herd of elk came running in to water and our bull decided it was time to leave. Hopefully we can keep track of the bull and make another play on him.

 

[Shadow]

Don't burn yourselves out trying to make it happen with a bow on a premium tag. Your best days are still ahead. You'll be amazed in a couple weeks just what that mountain can be.

 

[lucky_draw]

Shadow thanks for the advice. He would actually really love to kill one with his bow He has been a dedicated bow hunter for years. So even if we could kill a bigger bull with a rifle I think he will have a hard time passing the chance if it comes again.

 

[fishnut]

I live in Monroe and have spent a ton of time the last few weeks as well as the last 3 years in general. I did see a 350" class bull on Monday but most of the better bulls I've seen are more like 320". It was the same way last year until the Muzzy hunt. At that time, the bigger bulls really showed up. I'd wait if I were him unless you see something really special. Last year we found a 350" 5x5 I'd have hammered in a heart beat but I kinda dig the big 5's.
I'd give more info but I have a couple friends of friends who have Muzzy tags this year.

 

[heartshot]

Remember that he can still use his bow during the "any weapon" season.

 

[lucky_draw]

Thanks for the advice guys. So yeah our bull that we had located has eluded us. We are going to split up tomorrow check some trail cams and cover some country. We got some great guys helping us out and I am confident that we will turn something up. This has been a great hunt and its only going to get better!!!

 

[lucky_draw]

Man I am glad that we have more than just a bow tag this year. It has been hot and dry and not much for rutting action yet. Keeping track of some of the better bulls that we have found has been hard also. Has anyone heard how the bow hunters have done on monroe this year? Hope that the rut will kick in soon!!

 

[Cass]

The heat can be brutal on the rut. I ran into that situation a few years back hunting them in nevada. The heat was horrid. 90+ days the elk stopped buggling completely and it was almost as if they got pushed out of the rut. Final morning woke up to thunder, lightining and snow. That cold weather sparked the entire mountain back to life in an instant. Best of luck!



-Cass

 

[Shadow]

Things should light up around the 15th or so and it gets better through the muzz season. I'll be there the 18th through the end of the muzz deer but I enjoy just watching the elk and would be happy to keep my eyes peeled for you guys if you pm me some contact info. Sounds like you've been camped there a lot, Where is your home base?

 

[elkassassin]

>Do you want pictures of them
>on the hoof or on
>there side?
>
>

>
>

>
>DC

Somebody wanna show me some OffSpring Prior or Post Kill of this Bull?

Thanks in advance!






Go Ahead!

Make Me take it down!

 

[lucky_draw]

We were not able to make it happen with the bow. We only got close once to one of our bulls on the hit list. Who was successful with their bow on the Monroe unit? Lets see some pics.

 

[lucky_draw]

We were able to harvest a great looking heavy bull on Monday night. I will try and get some pictures on here. Again thank you all so much for your help.

 

[Gator]

Nice, HOPE to see the pictures.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

 

[Tikka]

Post'em up...

 

[stillwaitin]

Let's see 'em!

 

[krazy]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-17-15 AT 11:39AM (MST)[p]Lucky-Draw, I saw a pic of your friend's stud bull from the Monroe on Facebook. Nice work for sure! Congrats!

 

[lucky_draw]

 

[DW]

C'mon lucky, let's see the rest of him! And congrats!

 

[Shadow]

Ok, so I'm guessing so far he scores around 70 inches with the 11" spread credit I can see in the picture. Where's the rest of him?

 

[lucky_draw]

Mark Blake and the crew.

 

[Shadow]

Congrats That's a fine bull. Love the mass on him. The country sure looks a lot like my stomping grounds, PM me if you wouldn't mind sharing where you were. Just curious, saw a couple of keepers over the weekend.

 

[treedagain]

Great bull. Thanks for sharing the pics and story

Shadow...you must know every tree in the unit if you think it looks like your stomping grounds by the little background in those pics.

 

[Shadow]

>Great bull. Thanks for sharing the
>pics and story
>
>Shadow...you must know every tree in
>the unit if you think
>it looks like your stomping
>grounds by the little background
>in those pics.


Not all the trees, just most I'm just curious to know if they had success in the areas I suggested to Lucky. The terrain looks oddly familiar to the stuff I like to tromp around. I'm headed back up there today to watch the bulls and if I see a buck worthy of a slug, well that's ok too. Congrats again to your freind Lucky on a stud bull.

 

[treedagain]

Good luck shadow. Post up some pics

 

[lucky_draw]

Mark with his massive bull!!!!

 

[sjhgraysage]

Great bull!
Congrats!

 

[lucky_draw]

Whats different about this bull?

 

[Cass]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-25-15 AT 07:33PM (MST)[p]Is that an arrow? or does he just like fire pits?


-Cass

 

[lucky_draw]

Yup poor guys got an arrow buried in his neck.

 

[lucky_draw]

So this bull with the arrow stuck in his neck showed up again on the same camera about a month later. The arrow was broke off and his neck looked all mangy. The next day this guy shows up!! Do you guys think the bull is dead or alive?

 

[huntin50]

That looks like a bear to me. Black Bears usually don't bother big bull elk. I guess unless they are dead. Dod you think there is a correlation?

 

[lucky_draw]

My guess would be that the bull is dead and that's what brought the bear in.