So what do you think? Mule deer hel

Blank

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LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 10:36PM (MST)[p]Many on here know me from previous posts, helping others, and they also know I don't ask for help very often.

Posted this in the Utah forum also. Looking for a few options.

As it gets time to apply for deer again in Utah, I am forced to make my choice once again but with another difficult decision in front of me. I have been applying for deer for over 20 years, and through some life changes and other screw-ups, I have missed a few opportunities to accumulate max points but still have a lot (about 18).

My question is this. Would you continue to apply for a premium tag like the Paunsaugunt or Henry Mt. or go for the new multi-season tag offered to NR's like the West Desert, Vernon? Would a nine day hunt down south be better than 44 days spent in the same unit over and over? If scouting and hunting time isn't an object, could I kill a respectable 180+ deer on the WDV?

This would be DIY, and I can't afford a guide. I am 64 years old, but still in good shape, I hate 4WD ATV's and can still bone and backpack my elk off the mountain. Interested in some informed opinions.
 
Blank,

I will give you a 5 year projection on both tags (henries/paunsagant) at your point level so you can make a informed decision. The only wildcard is the new tags have no history. I think the answer will be very clear for you.

Rich
 
Well it looks as though the rifle tags for the Henry's and Paunsy are no more than a lottery for you. Even with 18 points, you're still never "guaranteed" a tag. Unless they have now allotted Bonus Tags for the units for NR and I didn't see that. They have had a Bonus Tag for the Paunsy Muzzy hunt, but even with 18 points, there will likely be others with more points who will get that tag.

I'm guessing 18 NR points will get you the All-Season tag on the Vernon unit. It will give you ample time and opportunity to seek out a worthy buck for your tag. I'm sure if you are able to scout and hunt for any substantial amount of time, you will find a 180" buck... Not only that, you can hold out for as long as you need to before killing a buck because of the multiple seasons. If you get down to the end of the rifle hunt and you still haven't found a 180" buck, then you have done all you can and should feel great about whatever deer you do harvest.

DO NOT expect the Vernon to give you the same experience as the Paunsy or Henry's. It is not even close. But, you will get to hunt for 3 months in some beautiful country that holds lots of deer and will likely find a trophy...

:) :) Good luck.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
Blank,

Here is the information that you should consider.

Paunsagant:
2014 points
19 points: 100 %
18 points: 40%. ( 2 out of 5)
17 points: 0 % 17 in this pool

Assumptions based upon same number of applicants in 2014, you having 18 points going into 2015, with no one changing choices, changing hunts or putting in after only applying for points only. Another way of looking at this is this is the best scenario and probably will vary year to year and you can reasonably add several years this scenario and still be conservative.

Drawing odds:

2015: 0%
2016: 17%
2017: 21%
2018: 37%
2019: 60%
2020: 100%

Henries:

Based upon same assumptions above.

It will take until 2023 before the folks who now have 20 points to all receive a tag. In 2014 there were 6 more applicants that didn't apply in 2014 that are still out ther that have shown interest in this hunt. There are 19 people who now have 19 points ahead of you. That will tale an additional 20 years to get to your point pool.
If your are applying here you are hoping for the random draw in your lifetime.

The new hunts have no history and will draw some folks out of these point pools. I agree with blanding boy that the San Juan tag is much better than Vernon. Odds however are unpredictable unit after the 2015 draw.

I hope this helps direct you in your decision.

Rich
 
Thanks everyone, I'll keep thinking on it 'til my head hurts, read all the odds and info, look at YouTube videos, talk to folks at Expo and let you know what I decide. Then it's just waiting to see if the draw gods smile. Geez, I love this time of year in all the states. :)
 
The San Juan multi season tag is not available to NR's and your still a long ways out on being guaranteed a Henry's tag. Personally, I would would take a multi season tag on either the Vernon or Bookcliffs over a Paunsaugunt rifle tag. I think 180+ is very doable on either unit. With a 46 day season you will be able to look over a lot of bucks searching for that special one.
 

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