utah southeastern unit

doublehaul · Jul 27, 2010

Hi everyone,

I'm hunting the southeastern unit this year for deer. Does anyone want to throw me a bone?
I know the mountain areas will be crowded, but have the most deer- was wondering if anyone had hunted the desert areas? I've never hunted this area before and am just looking for any info at all... thanks.

El_Matador · Jul 28, 2010

The Southeastern is just like the other general Utah units. Lots of hunters in the areas that have deer. Find one of those mountain areas (that will be crowded) and do a little research to find a canyon that's steep and has no roads. Hike in at least 2 or 3 miles and do some scouting. When the hunt rolls around you'll know where the deer are and you won't have to compete for them. The Skyline Drive is hit hard by hunters every year but nobody ever gets more than a mile off the road. West of there are some very rugged hills and canyons that hold big deer. That may sound like a secret, but its the same story for any area, any state. Work harder and hike further than the crowds and you'll find success.

Flint · Jul 28, 2010

Depending on where you are hunting, deer in the desert areas are sparse. If you have lots of time to scout you might locate a good area. If you can find them on the desert, you'll have little competition and there are some good bucks.

doublehaul · Jul 28, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Jul-28-10 AT 09:23PM (MST)[p]Hey thanks both of you, really just the kind of info I was looking for. I am all about backpack hunting and hiking faaaar from the roads. Been hunting a long time and would rather have a quality experience than see as many deer as possible. What about the Abajos?
On a side note, my wife is out with friends and I'm in the kitchen gorging on elk steaks! Yeah!

Bman9900 · Jul 29, 2010

The problem with the Abajos is that its tough to get away from the roads too far without hitting another road. Also, a lot of the deer and many of the best bucks are in very accessible areas that are very hard to hunt. Good luck.

EROCK1313 · Jul 29, 2010

Are you Rifle hunting or Bowhunting?

Like was said about Skyline....Lots of Road Hunters, but that leaves plenty of Wilderness to hike around in and get away from people. At approx 9,000 - 11,000ft, the canyons can be some steep shiz!

The desert areas below Skyline, have deer but they are mostly resident deer and it may take awhile to locate the pockets of deer - IF accessable. I have taken deer the last 3 years (I started Archery 3 years ago) from this Unit... but they were mostly Meat bucks (all 3x4s in various configs) and I have missed 3 opportunities at BIG bucks in the last 2 consecutive years in the same general area.

Good Luck....But get AWAY FROM PEOPLE!!

?-ERock-> ?