Monroe vs Dutton LE elk

[colorcountrykid]

Let's say within the next five years you have enough points to either hunt Dutton premium or Monroe muzzleloader for LE elk. Which do you like better? Is it better to have the benefit of multiple hunting seasons or is the quality of bulls on the Monroe better enough to justify only doing the muzzleloader? Lets say you are equally knowledgeable on both units and live a similar distance from both. I know historically Monroe has been considered a top-tier unit and Dutton a mid-tier. I have also heard that Monroe has gone downhill in recent years and I saw a lot of pics of some slammers that came off the Dutton last year. I'm still young so the roughness of the Dutton is okay with me. I've been hunting the Monroe this past week with my grandfather-in-law and saw a couple BOMBERS off the beaten path (the very very very many beaten paths on this unit) that have me pretty excited about Monroe. I sure like the idea of hunting with a rifle though, and that is out of reach for YEARS for me on the Monroe.

And just to further muddy the waters lets say that Boulder early rifle is a possibility as well. What do you all say?

 

[Wapitiwilly]

Premium Dutton for someone willing to hunt hard is a tag of a lifetime.

 

[Tikka]

A lot can change in 5yrs for both units...

 

[hogg_65]

Id take a Muzzy tag on any of those 3 units, hands down over early rifle. Magical time during the Muzz hunts for deer in southern Utah, watching and listening to those Elk.

 

[hogg_65]

Also, id hunt the unit that I know as well. To me that is the biggest part in being successful at harvesting a bull.

 

[fullthrottle]

One of those 3 units is the best in the state right now, but like others have already mentioned, a lot can change in 5 years. Most units in the state have gone through a glory day cycle and I would imagine these will too. I would apply for the best unit you have a chance at drawing at the time and if you don't draw be unit flexible as time goes by. Who knows in 5 years maybe another unit will be the big producer that might take fewer points because it's not on the radar.

 

[dillon]

Dutton premium would be my pick. I prefer to have a lot of days to look over a lot of bulls rather than a week to look over not as many bulls.

Good luck.

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com