Book Cliffs or West Desert Vernon Deer

tracker12 · Feb 6, 2013

Looking for unit to put in for deer this year. I have 6 NR PP and figure I have at least a chance at either West Desert Vernon or Book Cliffs as a shot. Never been either place. Which would you pick given the choice. I understand that both can produce a 150-175" buck.

SLIVER · Feb 6, 2013

If I had your points I would probably do the books. I hunted elk there last year and saw some nice bucks, in really accessible places.

}}-SLIVER-->

tracker12 · Feb 7, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Feb-07-13 AT 11:04AM (MST)[p]Thanks for the info Sliver and the guys that sent me a PM. Do I need and would t be helpful to have an ATV on a Boof Cliffs hunt. Or is the best hunt going to be a pack in. How about the Muzzy hunt there?

highcountryfever · Feb 7, 2013

I think ATV's are a must in the Book Cliffs. It is very easy to rack up the miles and having a atv to run around on is nice. Of course it can be done without. Whatever you do, bring plenty of fuel! It is a long way to a gas station.

The muzzy hunt can be hard. It generally is about the time that the deer start migrating to the winter range. Depending on the year you will find deer all over from top to bottom or hardly see anything.

With only 6 NR points you are still a few years away from drawing any tag in the Book Cliffs. Last year there were 5 NR bonus tags to NR and 6 people with 11 points. It looks to me that it will take you another 3-4 years at least to have that tag. Even longer for a rifle tag. I think there are alot of people jumping to the Book Cliffs from the Vernon unit.

you can check the 2012 odds here to get an idea of what might happen this year:

http://neverstophunting.com/draw_odds_db_ut/nonres.php

it is a free site that has all the data compiled together from 2012.

tracker12 · Feb 7, 2013

Thanks for the input. I know I am aways from the bonus tag. But I have been lucky enough to draw a few tags on the random draw the last beng a Fishlake Elk tag in 2009 so I know it can be done. I just hate asking for a point with no chance of a tag and figure I might as well put in for something I just may get lucky and draw. Last year a NR with 2 and 5 points drew a tag.

Broadside_Shot · Feb 8, 2013

The Book Cliffs is a "Fun" hunt.

I think people need to realize that going into it. You see more bucks out there than anywhere else but the overwhelming majority of those buck are small 2x2, 2x3, 3x3, or crabby 4x3.

I tell people this and they seem to be just fine with it until after the hunt when they are frustrated that they did not see any good bucks and burned all their points.

There are a few out there but with the amount of people, they are scarce.

It sounds great leading up to the hunt but during the hunt the reality seems to get people down. Once you have seen 50 small buck in a day you naturally want to see a bigger one. When it doesn't show people get anxious. I think people really want a big buck on a limited entry hunt. I know I do.

That being said I put my Daughters in for the Rifle tag out there knowing that we are not "Trophy Hunting" neither have ever shot a buck.

I think if deep down the size really matters, which is totally Ok, I think the Vernon is the better choice.

JMO

highcountryfever · Feb 8, 2013

>I think if deep down the
>size really matters, which is
>totally Ok, I think the
>Vernon is the better choice.
>

Couldn't agree more. If I wanted a bigger buck I would do Vernon over Books. You might get lucky and find a nice 170ish buck in the Book Cliffs, but most people end up shooting 3x4s or small 4x4. The Books never have and never will be a "trophy" unit. Plus right now Vernon is alot easier to draw.

pumaguy · Feb 9, 2013

I can't speak much about the Vernon, seeing I haven't set foot on it for probably 25 years, but the Bookcliffs does have some great bucks. I can't see anyone saying a 180 typical or a 200 non typical isn't a trophy. They aren't everywhere, but they are there. I have guided two muzzleloader hunters to bucks grossing over 200". I have also seen alot of other great bucks, it takes patience, long days and a lot of miles and glassing, but they are there. Good luck on whichever hunt you put in for and best of luck on drawing out.

notags2 · Feb 10, 2013

I have hunted both units. I think the better top end bucks are on the Vernon unit. U really do need to know that unit to do well though IMO.

Downrange · Feb 11, 2013

You can draw book cliffs before Vernon. That's what the odds look like to me anyways.

rutnbull · Feb 12, 2013

Puma:
I heard the Bookcliffs and you will never be the same after NASTY JACK and that 200 inches!

canyoncrosser · Feb 12, 2013

The Book Cliffs are great, but on the West Desert you have a smaller chance of waking up with a squash in your sleeping bag.

pumaguy · Feb 12, 2013

Gene, now that Jack and JC both killed their 200 inchers, it's your turn to get a tag and add to the list.

tracker12 · Feb 14, 2013

Decided to go for the Vernon. Thanks for all the input.

8mmMag · Feb 14, 2013

I have never been on the Book Cliffs,....but I did hunt the Vernon a few years back. Go BOOK CLIFFS, the Vernon is way down,....to many tags being issued to shut people up wanting a tag. Over hunted badly, poached hard a few years ago, ATV's running all over the unit. Unless you have acess to private property.......dont even think about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tradarcher · Feb 14, 2013

you did not have to say you have never been to the book cliffs 8, but after reading reading what you said about the vernon, you should come to the books. you will be heading to the vernon and love it.