I need your opinion on points use...Please

[Zeke]

I have 10 resident Utah Mule Deer points and would like to hunt in the next year or two if possible. 190"+ buck would be my hold out size class. I've taken a few in this class over the years and it's time for another one. My last good buck was a 178" from Colorado 3 years ago. I burned through my points there for a while. So it's time to draw UT.

Since there are alot of bright people on this site I would like to hear some opinions please.

WHAT would you do and WHY?
Rifle, bow or muzz? Regular unit or cwmu?

Thanks, Zeke

 

[tabbyhntr]

If you want to do it with a bow considering your points I'd go with San Juan or pauns. I'm right there with you on points and That's what I'm choosing between. Your at the high end in points for both of those units. I wouldn't even consider Henry's because it could be 10 years before you draw. Cwmu's are iffy but that depends on the operators. If you choose a cwmu do your homework diligently...

 

[Zeke]

Tabbyhntr;

Good info!

I'm a little concerned about cwmu's as well. I heard there could be a little bit of the run-around with when and where to hunt. There has to be some good ones out there though.

Homework is the key for sure. I'll do a bunch before I make application.

Thanks, Zeke

 

[walleye1121]

I think Tabbyhuntr gave you very good advise. If you are willing to be that selective on those units with a bow then I think you could find a few to chase.

I have heard good things about Fillmore Oak Creek and you are pretty much there with the points for a muzzy tag. I don't have any first hand knowledge though. It could be that 190" might be pushing it a bit there.

 

[Zeke]

walleye1121

Hmmmmm..... I used to hunt Oak Creek a ton but it's been a couple DECADES since I have. Good thought, I'll check it out.

I used to bow hunt down there even before I was married. Thats been 34 years ago. I probably hunted it for about 10 years straight.

If nothing more, it brought back fond memories!

Zeke

 

[swbuckmaster]

with 10 points it is still 10+ years on the henerys for a measly bow tag. you will never draw muzzy or rifle in your lifetime with those points.

the san juan archery would be my first choice, Filmore oak muzzy hunt next, Filmore rifle third, pauns last. maybe deseret cwmu.

Vernon next then the bookcliffs. Now this year on the bookcliffs there were several bucks at or above 190. We hunted two of them but with 10 points I just have a hard time putting them in on the bookcliffs.

There are no big bucks in Utah! LOL

 

[Zeke]

Thanks for the info SWBM.

Your info fits into what I've been hearing from other people who know a thing or two. I'll look hard at San Juan or maybe Oak Creek Muzz.

I hunted down there in 1984 in a HUGE snow storm. The deer had all but pulled off the top but we didn't know where to look so, with the help of 4 tire chains, we just hunted the tops. We lucked out and still killed a couple 180"+ bucks with the rifles.

I've been putting in for the Henrys just to build some points and hoping for a lightning strike but it's time to get serious and draw.

I need to hunt a good buck and jump back in on elk points and get another crack at a Wasatch bull with my bow before I'm too old.

At my age it looks like, at best in Ut, I'll have a deer tag and maybe another archery elk tag before I take up knitting socks and scarfs.

Thanks again and please keep the opinions coming guys. I need all the help I can get! haha

Zeke

 

[littlebighorn]

Zeke,
I have seen your socks and they could use a little knitting!
My question is why a 190 buck when a spike tastes better? You have always told me you were a meat hunter. Right?

 

[Zeke]

LBHorn

Bigger buck = more meat.

The 190" is the measurement from nose to tail. It denotes the amount of meat I will get! LOL

I'm so broke that I need the Meat. Got any Dall sheep meat for me? Do you have your 'bou antlers yet?

Zeke

 

[littlebighorn]

Zeke,
We did get the boo horns this weekend. I have been sick but finally feeling better. If you want a peek give me a holler.

 

[bowhunt]

Zeke,
With your hunting skills, get it done with a General Tag, and transfer those points to me.

I would go with: San Juan Archery, Oak Creeks Rifle, Oak Creeks Muzzleloader.

If you are set on a 190 Buck then get a guide for either of those Units. The Blacks for the San Juan, or the Steeles for the Oak Creeks.

Mike

 

[Zeke]

Mike

It looks like it's unanimous for the San Juan.

The archery success is not too bad either. Like I said, I hunted there in 1984 (rifle) and had a blast.

I went through that country for the first time in 1980 on a desert sheep hunt. It was closed to deer hunting at that time and the deer were everywhere up on top.

Like everywhere else, I would imagine there are fewer deer down there now.

Good info! Thanks!

Zeke

PS: I wish points were transferable. I would buy a few! haha