Winter in the Book Cliffs

[_gloomis]

How was this past winter in the Book Cliffs unit? Will there be substantial winter kill, or is the winter range sufficient enough to accomodate the deer herds in this area?

I'm still trying to solicite some of you MM experts for information about this unit (ie. ideas of where to scout/hunt, hunting pressure in these areas, & quality of trophies).

 

[NickJ1980]

The winter wasn't bad on the southern portion, but I can't speak for the rest of it since I never saw it. A lot of deer winter on the south side, and we saw half a dozen different bucks in the 30" range between the end of October (after the hunts) and the first part of March, including a real bruiser. He was a symetrical deep forked 6x6 with what is best described as an extra G-3 on both sides. He was running 8 or 10 does and didn't have a care in the world (except...you know) as we watched him from 20 yards--while sitting in the truck. Most of the big bucks we saw were typical four points, some with brow tines, most without. The mature (using body size as a judge) 4 points had good mass from bottom to top. Buck to doe ratios were looking good, but a lot of the bucks were small 2 and 3 points.
You'll have a good hunt and I'm sure you'll see good deer on the unit. I definitely reccommend getting a map and putting it to good use, both for vehicle access and to find a place to hunt once you get there. There is a lot of country you won't want to waste time trying to hunt and a good map (topo) will help you sort that out.

 

[_gloomis]

Thanks

I have received some info about McCook Ridge and India Ridge. Would you say this is a good area to scout/hunt? Any info would be appreciated.

I do plan to study maps and scout before the hunt. I'm just looking for info on general areas to concentrate my scouting efforts.

 

[archeryelkaholic]

NickJ1980, What map(s) do you recommend?

 

[Robin_Hood]

I heard stories about 10'-12' feet of snow in the Books this past year. I had to check it out for myself. I made the trip from Greenriver up Hay Canyon, over to the Divide and then to Roosevelt. Saw very few animals, it was in the middle of the day. But, not much snow either. I was amazed at how bad the road is. There is a lot of oil exploration that is going on. Saw one new rig down Main Canyon. But all in all, the road is very bad. I plan on calling the BLM to see if something is going to be done about this. Honestly, I am glad I didn't draw a tag for there this year. I think with all the people messing around with oil, the animals will be hard to find.