Book Cliffs 2019

Tribe1 · May 10, 2019

I was wondering if anyone has been out to the books yet this spring?

I have 18 LE Elk points going into the 2019 season and I have put in for the roadside Muzzy tag.

Coming off one of the worst droughts last year and with all the other issues reported with this unit I'm curious to see what people have seen.

I'm feeling pretty confident on getting my tag but I'm very nervous about waisting my points on the unit for a 300 class bull or even getting skunked. My entire family have been very successful in this unit over the past 20 years, I would love have the same success.

Any info would be awesome, hopefully this years winter will help the unit, if there are animals in there. Feel free to pvt message me as well. Thx

elkassassin · May 10, 2019

When's the Last Time You or Family members have spent any time out there?

It's gonna take more than just good Moisture to Bring em back!

I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces

It Ain't Easy being Me!

slamdunk · May 12, 2019

I hunted it in 2017 and we took a 342" bull......by far the best bull we found in 5 day's.

t_boneking · May 12, 2019

I'm sure there are still a few good bulls out there but last year was rough. My dad drew the expo tag and we hunted the early rifle hunt. We hunted the whole season and didn't see a bull that would go over 330. He ended up eating his tag. We were sure glad it was an expo tag and he didn't use any points.

OpeningDay · May 13, 2019

As anticipated, my Cousin pulled a Books Muzzy elk tag for this fall. We have spent a lot of time out there over the years and are still confident we can turn up a nice bull. I dont know if our secret spots are as good as Slammy's, but we do have a few up our sleeve. haha. Maybe we will see you up on the mountain this fall.

Slymule · May 13, 2019

I also pulled a bull tag in the Book Cliffs this year, took me 17pts to draw a late season tag. Im also up in the air about this hunt, thinking I'll turn my tag in and put in for Manti muzzleloading next year. What say you guys, smart move or not? I'm 65yrs old, pretty decent shape so far.

arns · May 13, 2019

>I also pulled a bull tag
>in the Book Cliffs this
>year, took me 17pts to
>draw a late season tag.
> Im also up in
>the air about this hunt,
>thinking I'll turn my tag
>in and put in for
>Manti muzzleloading next year.
>What say you guys, smart
>move or not? I'm
>65yrs old, pretty decent shape
>so far.

We had the late tag about 10 years ago and it sucked Bulls were broke and hard as hell to find, the weather was terrible. I would wait till next year and go with your muzzy.The worst part is the Books are in bad shape since they started their Stupid spike hunt about 5 years ago.

elkassassin · May 13, 2019

Like arns stated!

The Spike Hunt is Really Shinning out there!

I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces

It Ain't Easy being Me!

Hnttillmt · May 14, 2019

Well sly I'd say turn it back in if you're having anything less than full excitement for the hunt
Especially if your a N/R. I would love to get the phone call!

Slymule · May 14, 2019

I'm leaning heavily towards turning it in. Unless I'm doing something wrong I figure I'd have a chance at muzzleloading the Manti next year, and be a shoe-in to draw the following year. My best friend and 40 year hunting partner would also have 17pts for next year and we could put in as a group, it would be the first time either of us ever hired a guide and both of us have shot numerous elk but nothing "big". And to hunt together on our first guided hunt during the muzzleloading season with bulls screaming, dont know how it could get better than that. If I do turn it in I hope you do get the call Hnttillmt.

rubble · May 16, 2019

what ya talkin bout! I had the premium last year after 24 yrs and it was the greatest hunt! (me being sarcastic...)

Slymule · May 16, 2019

Rubble, don't be bashful please fill me in- number of bulls seen, number of days hunted, highest scoring bull you saw, by yourself, guided, friends along to help scout, etc.

OpeningDay · May 17, 2019

Hahahaha.

Rubble, I have a better idea. Be a little bashful.

Skymule,
How familiar are you with the Book Cliffs?? Do you know much about the animal behavior out there between the Early Rifle / Muzzy Hunt compared to the Late Hunt? The Unit is Huge. Do you have a plan as to where you intend to start? If you answer no to any of the above questions, you will be far better off on the Manti during the rut. At least if they are screaming, they will be much easier to find.

wapitiman · May 17, 2019

Slymule, doesn't the late bookcliffs hunt normally take 10-11 points to draw? I hunted it last year with a friend. We did okay. But I wouldn't use 17 points on it.

Hnttillmt · May 19, 2019

Not by last years odds. 16-18 for both Rez and non Rez. I was really hoping that some of those top point holders would bail on the books with all the negative on the unit right now. I love a low odds challenge. Going on my fifth year of the mt unlimited ram challenge and I ain't quiting till I get one.

wapitiman · May 20, 2019

If slymule is talking the late season Hunt in November than 11 points is was what it took last year. 6 out a 8 with 11 points drew the late season tag last year. Everyone over 11 drew.

Slymule · May 21, 2019

LAST EDITED ON May-22-19 AT 02:26AM (MST)[p]11 points...if thats correct then I've been ripped off for the last 6 years! I've been putting in for the Book Cliffs Bitter Creek South, not the roadless area, for the last 18 years for rifle for the late season. When I read the stats I come up with needing 17 points to draw, figured I'd have a 50/50 chance this year and I finally drew. Wapitiman, how do you figure it should only take 11pts? I'm a nonresident.