Utah CWMU Units

E

EyeGuard79

Guest
Fellow Hunters, I'm curious to know if anyone has hunted and or what type of success have you had on any of the Utah CWMU's for Deer. I've heard good things, and not so good things, and I'd appreciate some feedback.
 
STAY AWAY!!!! From Thousand Peaks Ranch!!! Weber/Florence Creek CWMU!!!!! STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!

I Went on a hunt there this year. The day before the allotted dates they gave us to hunt there was trophy elk/deer/moose all over....Opening morning they hearded approx 2000 head of sheep out of the property along with every elk, deer, & moose! Didn't see another animal for 14 days! Wait....on about day 11 another one of the lucky 6 people that drew this unit heard a few shots from over the crest of the mountain...which was forbidden for the 6 individuals that drew a tag to hunt...a heard of elk came running over along with a nice bull--with a helicopter right in tow! The chopper immeditely hearded the elk right back over the mountain! The guy & gal that witnessed this said the helecopter was so close to them it blew their hats off!

This is only one of the reasons I'd stay away from this unit. There are too many others reasons for me to type with two incompitant fingers!
 
My 82 year old grandpa drew a deer tag on the Little Red Creek Ranch operated by Gary Stringham. I talked with Gary several times before and everything he said he would do he did. It was the trip of a lifetime! Grandpa harvested a buck that scored just under 170. I am sure we could have done better but grandpa's physical limitations would not allow us too. Gary and his crew are top notch in every way!!!!!
 
I work on a few CWMU's, i can give you a little info on the Deseret, Hell Canyon & Two Bear.
Send me a PM and i'll answer anything i can for ya. :)




Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
I drew a Desreret tag in 1998. I had a great time and a fun hunt. I only regret not committing myself to the entire hunt (hunted only 3 days) but I'd definitely do it again.
 
I drew out for Deseret last year and it was worth the wait. Todd and the crew were very helpful and it was a great hunt. Shot a nice deer and my buddy wounded another nice deer. We could not find it....one of the rules on Deseret is "You draw blood and cannot find your deer, you are done". We looked for two days and went up the next weekend and could not find it.

I am sure that we could have kept hunting and no one would have found out, however, their deer population is awesome and they have done a great job and we felt like they deserved our respect.
 
I do believe that the bad experiences on CWMU's are an exception not the rule. The very first word in that title (Cooperative)should be, and generally is the rule. Your phone call prior to applying for the tag should give you a good indication of how the rancher would be. You should be able to hunt anywhere on the ranch they do. There may be designated "safe haven" zones that the landowner doesn't hunt but that should be the only exception.

It's always an adventure!!!
www.awholelottabull.com
 
I feel very lucky to be able to hunt on the CWMU's if not for that program think of all of the land that we would not be able to access. I do disagree that people should be able to go where ever they want on the ranches. The public doesn't have to pay the thousands or even hundred of thousands to lease the property. The operators don't tell us what to do at our business so why should we get to tell them where we are going to hunt. Alot of these ranches are working ranches and the operators have no control over when or where they move livestock. Alot of people think that just because they draw a tag it is garuanteed to kill something. I have hunted the Weber/florence and had a great hunt and lots of animals. The only prblem is you actually have to get off the road and either walk or use horses to get back in the huge canyons, you can't just sit on the road and think someone will push one to you.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-27-08 AT 10:46AM (MST)[p]Singleshot21...I don't knoy why, but I feel your post was aimed at me??

-First of all let me start off by saying when I hunted this CWMU I be willing to bet I hiked more during my hunt than you drive your car on a normal day...so don't assume I'm some idiot sitting by the road waiting for someone to push an elk for me to shoot!

-Secondly, I never said I should be able to hunt all of the land...the land that the people that got more money than they do sense are allowed to hunt...I just believe that herding the elk with a chopper is a lil' over the top & un-called for!

--Third, I'm sure that was just a coincidence with them herding all those sheep out of there all night the day of the hunt! I guess I just jumped the gun on that assumption...
 
Wow, i sense a little hostilty in a post here!

Thanks for the plug on Deseret streetcourt, glad you had a great experience up there!
And most of all, THANK YOU for respecting the ranch rules AND the wildlife by choosing to NOT hunt for another buck after wounding one.

I've been working up there a lot of years, mostly on the elk hunts and we DO have some lost animals on occasion.
Beleive it or not, MOST are found later and we have to report the location of the find to the F&G and the Deseret biologists so thay can retreive it.
In most cases, the antlers and skull are sent to the hunter, even years after they had been lost.
We run such a tight ship up there, they know who killed and lost what and where, it's all documented.

The public deer hunts are a bit tougher, because your usually not guided, but if you report your lost animal and give a good description....you just may get it back someday!!! :)









Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-27-08 AT 06:12PM (MST)[p]Single,

I couldn't disagree more with your post. There is a reason it is called "Cooperative". Maybe I took it wrong, if so I apoligize.

Having said this, a landowner that signs up for the program should give the "drawn" hunters the same opportunity as the "paying" hunters. Its only fair, the landowner is not forced into this program. Of course, a hunter should be respectful while hunting, but a CWMU hunt should be more than
a tresspass hunt with limited access.

The landowner is free to do what he wants with his land. However, if commits to a CWMU, he should abide by it. Deseret is a great example of how a CWMU should by ran.

I actually applied for a CWMU this year. I think most of them are great. This thread is a good opportunity for us to hear opinions on different CWMU's.
 
>The public deer hunts are a
>bit tougher, because your usually
>not guided, but if you
>report your lost animal and
>give a good description....you just
>may get it back someday!!!

Thanks Slam. We gave Todd all of the information and he documented it. He was very concerned about getting all of the necessary information on the chance someone found the deer.

Again awesome organization.
 
About 10 or 12 years ago I drew a cow tag on a CWMU. I was only given 2 days to hunt and wasn't allowed to hunt the whole property. Guess where the elk were. I beleive in land owner rights. They can run thier CWMU hunts any way they want and do what ever they want, after all it is their property. That being said, I will never put in for a CWMU hunt again. I'll stick with public land where I can hunt as long as I want and where ever I want.
 
Sorry to hear about your misfortune shotgunjim.
Can i ask you a question (hoping it isn't interpreted wrong)?
Did you call that particular CWMU operator and get all the specifics PRIOR to you putting in for that property?

That is HUGE and imperative advice for anyone looking at putting in for a CWMU.





Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
Deseret:

Had a Cow elk tag this past year, Called Todd Repeatedly and he would NOT return my calls. It was the 2nd weekend of January when I decided to call Rick and complain, so I called and spoke to Kay (in the Office) and she told me that they had ended all hunting due to easy access to the elk during that time of year. So I left a message for Rick and he said he would look into it and get back to me....well guess what He NEVER DID!!!! So I have a cow tag that I should have had another 2 weeks to hunt and they would not let me go. What a Waste!

Ingham Peak:

Deer Tag for this past year...lots of 2 to 3 year old bucks...good hunt for an ATV or truck you dont mind getting scratched up. TONS of does with fawns but lots of spikes by twos humping all the does so just aware that this is not a Quality hunt.


Tallbuck1
 
Slamdunk, No I did not call prior to putting in for the tag. I was told by someone that there were a lot of elk there and getting a cow would be easy, so I applied. I did zero research, none, nada, zilch. My fault. I remember talking to the landowner prior to the hunt and he asked me if I was interested in hiring a guide, I told him no. I'am willing to bet if I would of hired one of his guides I would of been allowed to hunt the other part of the property where the elk were. Like I said before, it's his property and he can do what ever he wants. I just chalked it up as lesson learned and was happy I didn't waste any points on that hunt.
 
Ya that sucks.
Had you known prior to the hunt, you could have or would have applied for another unit and maybe had a much better experience.

Most CWMU's are excellent, but there are a few exceptions to the rule, unfortunately.

Let me know if i can help you if there ever is a "next time"!!







Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
hey shotgunjim wich cwmu was it if you dont mind me asking and who was the operator?
 
First of all, I am not a landowner. I wish I was, but I'm not. Second, I must clarify something about CWMU's. Landowners, when in the CWMU program have no more rights than you or I to hunt their OWN land. They have to draw or buy a tag just like we do. I have the opportunity to hunt a CWMU in an area my family hunted for years before it went by the wayside to it's various hunting groups; i.e. United Sportsmen, Private only, and ultimately a CWMU. I have spoke with the operator many times and have no doubt that I will have all the access that I want should I choose to apply for this hunt. That being said, not all are run this way. I also know that some people have not had good experiences on the CWMU that I am referring to. Operators are in a game of making money, and I guarantee that they DO and ALWAYS WILL give preference to people paying the big money before giving the guy that draws a tag the same chance. That, in my opinion, is one of the main unfortunate advantages that an operator has in running his CWMU.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-28-08 AT 08:19PM (MST)[p]I am from Alabama & have lived here in Utah for 3 yrs. now. From what I have personally seen/experienced...here in Utah--for the most part it's all about the MONEY! bottom line...MONEY!
 
Bama, why were you allowed to hunt 14 days, Ive never heard of anyone allowed to hunt that long ?
 
They give us a 7 day window to hunt & then called us back a few weeks later & allowed us another 7 day window. I am not sure why? I think some of the other people called & complained about the lack of success & they decided to let everyone else have another chance. Not sure though....that's just what I think?
 
Bama-
They may have called you back because they did not hit their harvest objectives, and by that, they needed you back to make your kill.
I could be wrong, but the CWMU's i work on are managed this way.

It seems most CWMU's are a five day hunt, get in and get out type hunts.

CWMU's CAN be awesome hunts and a chance to kill the animal of a lfetime, especially for deer.

Deseret or Ensign ranches (just to name a couple) for example, bucks over 200" every year.








Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
Interesting read guys--I was biting my tongue as long as I could and appreciate those who have made comments. But it appears some still need an education.

I will be the first to tell everyone there are still some problems with the program, maybe not with the program but with how everyone (landowners, operators, sportsmen) interpret the program. It has been around 15 years and we are still learning. There are some bad apples but by in large the CWMU program is a great program. Those of you who think otherwise need to get an education. Those of you who think its all about the Money are so far of base it isn't even funny--if it was all about the money all CWMUs would be 40 acre cabin lots--grab a clue.

For those of you who have the time should take 23 minutes and watch the video on the CWMU web page at http://www.cwmuutahwildlife.org/

If you have more time, here are a few more interesting tidbits that CWMUs and the CWMU program does for wildlife. Remember YOU COULD BE COMPLETELY EXCLUDED FROM EVER HUNTING THESE PROPERTIES UNLESS YOU WERE WILLING TO PAY.


? Wildlife is now an asset rather than a liability to private landowners to participate in the program.

? Kept hundreds of thousands of acres from subdivision and 40 acre cabin lots.

? Habitat improvement projects were implemented on important private and state-owned winter ranges.

? Landowners/operators are now managing for other wildlife: including sage-grouse, chukars, turkeys, pygmy rabbits, cutthroat trout and others sensitive species.

? CWMU landowners/operators donate free hunts to handicap, youth, and disabled hunters, to military serviceman and hunts to the fallen miners in Emery Co.

? The CWMU program offers free access to over 500 Utah hunters annually FREE of cost to the hunter BUT AT A COST TO THE LANDOWNERS/OPERATORS of 1-1.5 million dollars (fair market value) annually.

? CWMU landowners/operators donate free hunts to various conservation organizations to help raise additional funds for habitat and research projects.



IS THERE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT? YES
? There are still concerns about ?comparable hunting opportunity? public hunters either being treated poorly or not getting what they expected.
?CWMU operators and UDWR are planning and managing together to minimize negative impacts to range health, public safety and other landowners, resulting from abundant big game populations.

If you have further questions you can shot me an email, thanks for reading.

Todd
 
Todd,

I do have an education--as well as a clue!

The first post was asking for people to state our experiences/opinion on our CWMU hunts...That's exactly what I did!

Whether you agree or not is fine....you have an opinion as well.
 
Bama sorry if you feel like I pointed you out specifically others agreed with you and so I posted to give an education.

Do you mind if I ask for some clarification? You did stated..."From what I have personally seen/experienced...here in Utah--for the most part it's all about the MONEY! bottom line...MONEY!"

Please share why you feel or have developed an opinion/experience along this train of thought. I didn't see that in your original post. I'm curious having been here only 3 years how you have developed this line of thought.

If it was really all about the money as you stated, then answer me this. Why wouldn't more landowners be selling their property for cabin lots, subdivision. I'm no real estate guru but I would think there is more MONEY in this business then there is in wildlife. Don't get me wrong, some CWMUs make good money being in a CWMU others enough to pay their taxes and keep them in the ranching business. What would you rather see out there cabin lots or native rangelands?

Todd
 
Todd-
You hit the nail on the head with your quote-

"Don't get me wrong, some CWMUs make good money being in a CWMU others enough to pay their taxes and keep them in the ranching business."

As many people know already, the ranching business has all but dropped out for sheep and cattle grazers, the CWMU's are keeping many of them alive.

Not "rich"....but "alive".

Some states, i beleive it's Colorado call it "Ranching for wildlife" programs, but whatever the name, it's about the same as our CWMU's and are a huge hit for not only the land owners, but for the sportsman as well.

A lot of these CWMU properties can be looked at (and should be) as a "safe haven" for a lot of animals during the hunts from the general open area's.

Assuming your from Blanding....look at the private property just out of town there during the general deer hunt, those fields are FULL of deer!!







Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"
 
When I said it's all about the money I was talking about a specific occurance that happened to me this year.

Todd,

-Since all the heavy snow fall this year the DWR & MDF was asking for people to donate their time & money to help disperse food to several locations here in Northern Utah. I personally contacted the individuals that was in charge & told them I was willing to do whatever was needed to help. They told me that they would get back with me...I still haven't heard from anyone!

So, basically all they wanted was money! I offered to volunteer my free time, gas money etc...to help in any way that I could & in my opinion all they wanted was money.

I love the outdoors as much as anyone & all I wanted was to help the cause. I have even volunteered to a few different CWMU's as well as some guide services to help out with anything just because of the way I feel about being outdoors & being involved with the elk/deer herds & it seems nobody wants anything but money.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-29-08 AT 12:16PM (MST)[p]OK I fail to see how the entire program is all about MONEY based on one bad expeirence with a bunch of sheep and being able to hunt privaate land for free for 14 days--I don't see the correlation.

Next, the CWMU program is NOT the UDWR and MDF. Further they don't have anything to do with CWMUs and their management of and feeding deer during the winter months. They the CWMUs do it all out of pocket themselves when need and the CWMU association paid 2500.00 towards this effort as well.

I feel your passion for wildlife and I think the vast majority of the CWMU landowners and operators do as well, as do I but I would hope you can see that is not all about the Money and I would hope that you have learned a few more things about the CWMU program and what it really is.

Todd
 
Yeah, I do! When I said the "all about the money" statement it pertained to the state of Utah & the management of the wildlife, not the CWMU's specifically. I was eloborating on my experience with a specific CWMU & rambled on to another topic.
 
Do your home work, and be thankful to even be able to access some of this prvivate ground that are in the program. I've been on alot of CW's, some aren't worth a rats a$$ and others i'd burn max points on.
 
Not to brag, & I can't speak for all C.W.M.U.'s, but I can tell you that all public hunters that have drawn our tags are treated no different than a paying client. In fact, if you want to put it in money terms, last year we alone gave away over $145,000 in free guided hunts to the Utah general public through this program, & this is does not include the public antler-less hunters who were also guided for free. I wish the public would not be so pessimistic towards the C.W.M.U. program.
2007
Elk $52,000
Mule Deer $50,000
Moose $43,00





Justin Richins
R&K Hunting Company Inc.
www.thehuntingcompany.com
 
Bottom Line. Just like everything else in life, there are good and bad experiences, people, etc. I wish everyone could have the experience I had watching my grandpa shoot his first 4 point at the age of 82. Due to his physical limits I needed a place to take him where I would not kill him physically and this CWMU was the place. Truly the experience of a lifetime in every way.
 
i am hoping to hunt my first cwmu this year.i did my homework enough to satisfy my decision.i currently have 3 bonus points and figured it would take me 5-7 more years to draw a book cliffs rifle tag,and when you size average all the deer taken this last season i decided to burn my points elsewhere i think alot of cwmu's can give the books a run for their money with 3-5 bonus points. OOPS i didnt mean to say money JK.i realize the area i have chosen is not a huge trophy area,but the operater told me they took a 28 1/2" buck last year.the average last year was 22"-28 1/2".and the success rate was right around 60% in 2005 and 2006.i dont think my expectations are too high i will settle for a buck in the 150" range. I DO HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU GUYS THOUGH- would you guys rather 7 days at the first of Oct. or 5 days at the first of Nov.?the area has a herd of about 250-300 deer on 21,000 acres and 22 tags annually.generally i like to hunt as late in the year as i can but maybe i should try to be one of the first ones in. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?
 
I drew a Heaston East cow tag several years ago. Met the manager at 4:00 p.m. and had the cow hanging in my garage by 7:30 p.m. I was in school at the time and just wanted to fill the freezer, so it was good for that year. I haven't put in there since. It was a guided hunt and scheduling with the manager was difficult. He said he would call me, but I had to initiate the calls to set up the "appointment." There were a few days that were open when I could go without the "appointment" but the manager openly admitted that the "open" area was marginal hunting.

The manager was overbearing and a little uptight, during the hunt. I felt like I was being babysat. I learned a few good things from the guy, but I've enjoyed my DIY public land successes far more than that hunt.
 

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