Book cliffs roadless area?

HUNTNNW

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I drew a muzzy mule deer tag for the Books, having not been there I am beginning to start my research. I have heard the roadless area isnt as good as rest of the unit for deer. Is this due to not as many people venturing into it chase deer? Any input or advice on the area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
The roadless is good during the archery and muzzy hunt but, most of the deer migrate out by the rifle. You'll have fun back in there during the muzzy hunt!

Smokepole
 
thanks for the reply. End up spending most of my time in there unless I get info on something good from a buddy who has the archery tag.
 
I think you could have some success in the Roadless Area. I don't know if it would really be any better success than you will find in the "Roaded Area" though.

I haven't spent time in the Roadless, but I have been over to the trailhead. For some reason, the increased success that comes with hunting elk in that area just doesn't really translate over to the deer population.

Had a couple family friends in 2013 with archery tags that spent the first 4 days of their hunt in the Roadless. They hiked and camped thoroughly for those 4 days. On day 5, they hiked out and started hunting closer to the Divide Road. They saw more deer, and bigger bucks simply from the Divide Road and its many "finger roads" or in canyons/ridges within close hiking distance of the road.

I think its a preference to hike into the Roadless Area. You get the feeling of solitude, but, with only 40 tags for that season, and such a huge area, you could feel solitude in other areas that hold just as many, or probably more deer.

Congrats on the tag. :) You'll have a blast.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
I've had the tag twice. First time I hunted the roadless. It was great, saw some nice bucks, elk, bears, etc. I saw a buck bigger than the one I killed on the divide road while driving home while the hunt was still going. The second time I scouted the roadless once on a pack trip and didn't see anything better than I had seen in the roaded portion. I ended up hunting from a truck camp because I could cover more ground, be more comfortable and logistics of getting a buck out were much easier with multiple guys with tags in the group. I do think there are probably some big boys in the roadless, but your going to have to put some time in to find one. If you put the same time and effort into scouting the roaded portion you could maybe turn up a big one there too. You might have more competition in the roaded though. If you like hunting off horses or out of a backpack the roadless is awesome. If you just want to get a nice buck then I think it's almost sixes. If a monster buck is your ultimate goal, then you drew the wrong unit. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Dax
 
A monster isnt what I am looking for I knew full well when putting in for this tag 5 years ago that it was a fun hunt with the potential to turn up a 180" buck, but realistically Im looking for a 160-170" buck would be my goal or a freak buck like a giant fork or big 3 would be great also.As I have gotten older the experience of the hunt has become more of it than having to take something. Being in the roadless section and not having to fight for a spot to hunt or a Atv riding up on you or ruining a stalk isnt for me and is just frustrating. Today I was able to talk to a resident with alot of knowledge of the area and sent me info on canyons to check out where they have taken some great muleys the last couple years.
 
Whacked this 10.5 year old buck (yep....per UDWR tooth aging......and he DEFINITELY looked it) in 2004 in Bookcliffs South Road area.

Had seen several bigger....including a number of 30"+ 200" types prior.

This one I didn't score but is 28" outside and likely 185"+. Ancient old buck.

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Here is a pic of a roadless buck. I hunted the roadless for elk in 2012, and saw a bunch of bucks with 4 that were great bucks. This one posed for me, but I have pics of the other three through the spotter, however they are 500+ yards away. One is a cool smaller non-typ, and the other two were in the 180-190 range and running together. I could give you some solid starting points to try if you would like. Send me a PM if interested.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/cgi-b..._thread&om=23467&forum=DCForumID6&archive=yes

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I've never spent any time on the roadless but here is a couple bucks in the road'ed area that made it through the season last year, just to get you pumped for your hunt.

Big 3 point.
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I really liked this guy, who doesn't love a tall buck.
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I named this guy, Ol'Curely
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Jake H. BIG BONE HUNTING Page on Facebook.
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Thanks for the pics guys! Those pics of the deer that made the season should be some great bucks this year! That 4 should be a stud.
 
I hope to contribute some pics from out there...drew the archery with two points. Brother had the the same tag a couple years ago and was into bucks the entire hunt.
 
I have seen a few really good bucks in the roadless area of the book cliffs. But it is definitely harder to hunt than the road hunt.

Never miss the chance at a hunt of a lifetime.
 
I drew this tag in 2000. This was back when you could hunt all 3 seasons as a dedicated hunter. Had a hard time with the muzzleloader hunt as the deer wern't to low and they had left the upper area. There were a few deer up high. Ended up taking a 24" four point with good mass and split eye guards. I have heard the area has gone downhill, but I have a rifle tag for the north area this year again, and I am excited. Hope you find a big one. I will go scouting in July. I'll try to get pics.
 

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