2023 Central and Southern Utah Horn Growth

[Togwotee]

Anyone think there's going to be better than average animals this fall due to the above average moisture? or do they normally have all that's required anyway.

 

[elkassassin]

Hey 440!

It Might Be Better In Places!

The Rain Has Been Spotty!

Feed Has Looked Good In The Areas I've Been So Far!

No!

They Don't Always Have What It Takes For Full Potential!

But Maybe This Year They Will!

 

[elkhunterUT]

I was in the high country on Saturday on the Wasatch front and saw several bucks that looked really good. Only had my binos and still a bit early to tell what they will be when finished but they had a solid start.

 

[Togwotee]

Would you say feed conditions are better than average for this time of year?

 

[elkassassin]

The Feed Conditions This Year Are Like What Normal Used To Be!

Yes!

It's Better Than It's Been In Many Years!

But One Good Winter Doesn't Fix Everything In One Year!

Would you say feed conditions are better than average for this time of year?

 

[elkassassin]

Hey dude!

Don't Turn The Tag Back!

Go Hunt!

Things Ain't Getting Better!

 

[Togwotee]

I will, I was just curious if there might be a little better development this year. I know I'm not going to come close to the bull I took in Utah 20+ years ago but hoping for the best.

I agree, the new elk plan makes waiting any longer a losers bet.

 

[Shiras]

Would you say feed conditions are better than average for this time of year?

Would you say they aren’t? Are you not aware of the winter we just had?

 

[elkhunterUT]

Was back up again this morning-it is about as green as I have ever seen it with dense foliage. Lots of snow still in some north facing areas as well.

What do you think?

I think antler growth will be better this year but we are all just guessing ??‍ if you have a tag, it is a great year to get after it (as is every year)!

 

[Bigwiffy]

Everything I'm seeing seems behind and slow to develop, they should finish strong I would think.

 

[2lumpy]

Last week the Monroe Unit was not lush above 8,500 feet, but it was still 26 F, so I would expect it to green up better still. It hasn’t seen much moisture for the last 30 days however.

 

[2lumpy]

I can say this however, our winter range this coming fall, should be excellent. Our sage is as green and lush as I’ve seen it since the mid 1980’s.

 

[hossblur]

Still lakes in high Uintas that are frozen.

Spring aint here yet

 

[elkhunter81]

Everything I'm seeing seems behind and slow to develop, they should finish strong I would think.

I was thinking the same thing

 

[woodruffhunter]

Yes, there is more feed than I can remember seeing.
I saw some elk when I was on my bear hunt. I was very surprised at the growth. The elk looked very good.

 

[maxpower]

Yes, there is more feed than I can remember seeing.
I saw some elk when I was on my bear hunt. I was very surprised at the growth. The elk looked very good.

I like the sound of that.

 

[Central_Hunter]

The Elk here on the Nebo unit are looking Great! Seems the deer are having a slow start but should finish strong.

 

[Packout]

Those critters had to use a lot of their energy reserves in many areas last winter just to get by. That gives them less energy at the start to put into antler growth. This year, they may put more energy from the current lush feed into their recovery rather than using it to grow antlers. Many bulls are done growing the end of this month and their summer range was covered in snow much later (some still is).

They should go into this winter in great shape and then, if the following winter is average, next year they will have the energy reserves to grow exceptional antlers/horns right from the start.

 

[deadibob]

The Feed Conditions This Year Are Like What Normal Used To Be!

Yes!

It's Better Than It's Been In Many Years!

But One Good Winter Doesn't Fix Everything In One Year!

I thought one good winter was gonna fill Lake Powell to the brim. Are we there yet?

 

[deadibob]

Hey dude!

Don't Turn The Tag Back!

Go Hunt!

Things Ain't Getting Better!

They grow what they grow, it is what it is. Might as well worry about the things we can control and just go hunt.

Anyone who turns a tag in because they think it isn't a good year for antler growth needs their blue card revoked and trigger finger cut off.