27 Deer Points

Zim

Zim

Very Active Member
Messages
2,291
I’ve had a bit of a monkey wrench thrown into my next five years Western hunt strategy. Got diagnosed with heart failure last August. As if two torn Achilles & a blown out knee slowing me down weren’t enough. Had planned to burn CO deer points this year, and take wife to the Pauns around that hunt, to scout for a 2025 archery attempt. But at the rate my heart is slowing I am now hesitant to wait the extra year for scouting. After my latest Echo the doc said EF was 35 and he could not increase my meds due to my already low blood pressure. So I feel like I need to change all my strategies now. I have enjoyed several archery hunts for mule deer on the AZ Kaibab sitting tree stands between burns & bedding areas. And given my condition, sitting tree stands seems wise. Moved well enough for a four week mild elk hunt in WY at around 9,000’ elevation last year.

So I’m wanting to get some opinions on terrain for the archery hunt on the Paunsagunt. And if the deer density would make for a good archery hunt via tree stand as I had planned. Or if I might consider other hunts elsewhere given my health. Thanks for any input.
 
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I haven’t personally spent time in the Pauns, but from what I hear and see on videos, slow rolling it in your pickup is how most of those bucks die so as long as the oil pressure in your truck stays up you should be good on that hunt.
 
yotebuster17 said:
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I haven’t personally spent time in the Pauns, but from what I hear and see on videos, slow rolling it in your pickup is how most of those bucks die so as long as the oil pressure in your truck stays up you should be good on that hunt.
Click to expand...
As in road hunting? 😆 I saw dudes do that in MT & a few on the Kaibab, but I would never do it. I am happy tree stand hunting, and found it much more effective than stalking for archery. I’d consider a firearm hunt as well, but prefer archery due to the long season & slower pace.
 
I'd highly consider looking at the Oak Creek. It has consistently been producing the best deer out of the LE units in Utah the past several years. You have the points to draw the rifle hunt. A decent mixture of road access and hiking areas. Pretty much the entire unit is under 9000ft. Considering your unfortunate health circumstances, I'd give it a hard look.
 
Aerosith said:
I'd highly consider looking at the Oak Creek. It has consistently been producing the best deer out of the LE units in Utah the past several years. You have the points to draw the rifle hunt. A decent mixture of road access and hiking areas. Pretty much the entire unit is under 9000ft. Considering your unfortunate health circumstances, I'd give it a hard look.
Click to expand...
I had a tag in there once. It was one of the most physical hunts I’ve been on, for any species. I don’t think there’s a much more physical mule deer hunt in the lower 48 as far as day hiking goes.
 
yotebuster17 said:
I had a tag in there once. It was one of the most physical hunts I’ve been on, for any species. I don’t think there’s a much more physical mule deer hunt in the lower 48 as far as day hiking goes.
Click to expand...
It just depends on your approach to the hunt, the unit has good bucks spread through out the unit both high and low. If you are trying to kill one of the better deer in the unit you likely have to hike your butt off.
 
Hunting tree stands "could" be effective on the Paunsaugunt if you have plenty of time to scout it and place stands prior to the hunt, or go guided.

In your situation, I would consider a guide to make the most of it and for safety reasons as well with your heart. I am a 100% DIY guy but in your case, considering a guide may be the best option and will give you the best chance for success (unless you have the time and resources to scout like a mad man).
 
I'll 2nd What JakeH Said!

If You're Feeling Like Hiking Some FLAT Ground That Is Vertical Zim You Could Try & Draw The Henries!

Back To What JakeH Said!

Best Stay With The Multi Season PAUNS!



JakeH said:
Hell, if a longer season is what you are after, maybe look at some of the multi season tags on lesser units. With 27 points you can actually draw the Paunsaugunt multi season tag so just go that route.
Click to expand...
 
Zim said:
How do the multi-season tags work? Is that even possible for a NR?
Click to expand...
Allows you to hunt all limited entry hunts (archery, muzzy and rifle hunts) so if you have plenty of time it would be a great option.
Yes, it is possible for a NR if you have the points to draw and the time to hunt all seasons.
 
Pauns multi season would be great. Also with your condition you may get a lot of people willing to help you that you meet on the unit. Plus you can hunt easy and scale to the difficulty you desire. My recommendation is if you get in the sandy country wear shoes instead of boots. It’s much better.
 
Man I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis you received. Hopefully maybe there is some kind of other underlying condition not found yet that can be causing part of the problem.

Basically with the ms tag you can hunt every season (bow, rifle, muzzy) till you fill your tag.

I don't think any of the upper tier mule deer units offer any MS tags for non- resident hunters. Vernon and BC use to I think but not sure now.



Praying things work out better for you than their telling you.
 
Actually the torn Achilles & hyper-extended knee are putting me in grampa mode more than the heart condition, for now. Those result in chronic soreness daily. The only symptoms for the heart is poor hiking endurance and occasional dizziness…….so far. But according to the doctors and my family history it is likely in my best interest to burn my better points soon, while I am physically able.

I actually tested myself last fall, trying to return to my old stomping grounds the NM Pecos Wilderness. My backpacking attempt failed pretty miserably. Legs held up, but lungs could not deliver enough oxygen to get me in the game. It was a wake up call.
 
Last edited:
Damn Ken--- sorry to read about your medical issues.


I wondered where you have been.



I hope ya find the hunt you are looking to get.



Robb
 
What Me & JakeH Thought Might Be A Good Idea For You Zim Isn't Gonna Happen Unless They Offer A NON-RESIDENT Tag In 2024!

I Looked & From What I Can See,HORNhunter7 Is Right!

No NON-RESIDENT Tags Offered For Multi-Season Hunts Offered On The Henrie's Nor The PAUNS!

May Not Hurt To Check In The 2024 Bible/REGS Though!



HORNhunter7 said:
Man I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis you received. Hopefully maybe there is some kind of other underlying condition not found yet that can be causing part of the problem.

Basically with the ms tag you can hunt every season (bow, rifle, muzzy) till you fill your tag.

I don't think any of the upper tier mule deer units offer any MS tags for non- resident hunters. Vernon and BC use to I think but not sure now.



Praying things work out better for you than their telling you.
Click to expand...
 
If they don’t offer the NR Multi Season tag I would look very hard at the rifle or muzzy tag. That’s a great unit but it’s no gimme with a bow. Especially with all the outfitters running around day and night keeping tabs on the big bucks.
 
Zim said:
I should have specified I’m a nonresident.

I’ll be bringing my Asian lady with me. She wants to visit Bryce Canyon. We just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary yesterday.
Click to expand...
I didn't realize you was a NR. With that knowledge you would not be able to guarantee a multi tag on any unit as there is no bonus muti tags on any unit for NR

And rifle on both Henry's and pauns are not guaranteed.

Pauns muzzy should be a lock, but would depend on if others decided to jump into it in front of you. (Not likely with the new muzzleloader scope rules)

That said pauns and Henry's archery are both options for you. I can't help you with either of those units as I've not been to either. Judging by what I read and research the Henry's would be easier to glass bucks, but may not be as suited to your sit and wait method of hunting, the pauns could offer a better experience in that regard.

Good luck.
 
Zim

For you to have a decent chance of drawing any hunt there needs to be Bonus tags available.
With only 27 points, of the top three units with Bonus tags the Pauns hunts are your best option or maybe Oak Creek rifle but that unit is physically challenging especially for someone with ailments.
Whatever hunt you choose I recommend you get some profesional guide help. Especially if you want a better chance at a special Buck.
Like legacy said,
Call
Travis Roundy,
David Virostco,
or Doyle Moss for starters.
If you decide a guide is the way you want to go you should contact them ASAP.
The good ones will book up fast.

If you want to do your hunt DIY you will probably struggle to find anything special.
DIY could be a good experience but it will be likely be frustrating if your hoping to get on a really good Buck.
Best of Luck which ever way you choose to go.
 
buckhorn said:
Zim

For you to have a decent chance of drawing any hunt there needs to be Bonus tags available.
With only 27 points, of the top three units with Bonus tags the Pauns hunts are your best option or maybe Oak Creek rifle but that unit is physically challenging especially for someone with ailments.
Whatever hunt you choose I recommend you get some profesional guide help. Especially if you want a better chance at a special Buck.
Like legacy said,
Call
Travis Roundy,
David Virostco,
or Doyle Moss for starters.
If you decide a guide is the way you want to go you should contact them ASAP.
The good ones will book up fast.

If you want to do your hunt DIY you will probably struggle to find anything special.
DIY could be a good experience but it will be likely be frustrating if your hoping to get on a really good Buck.
Best of Luck which ever way you choose to go.
Click to expand...
Buckhorn has firsthand experience on hunts on both the Oak Creeks and Pauns. If you want to discuss my Pauns muzzy hunt shoot me a message here on MM or on FB.
 
Deerlove said:
Are there apple trees in indiana? Might want to start chasing some down.
Click to expand...
Got two in my back yard, from Menards.

Does any one know if e-bikes are allowed/effective given the trails/terrain?
 
Last edited:
Given a long life does not appear to be in my cards, my priorities are changed. I totally agree waiting this long for a premium hunt warrants a guide, but unfortunately that’s not in my cards either. I need to leave what I can to my wife & grandsons. I don't want to look back in regret. 20 or 30 more inches of bone isn’t going to comfort me. A good experience for both the wife & I will suffice. Even if I don’t score on any buck. From what I’ve researched, this area is also very scenic and popular for camping. I like that, as the wife will likely be in camp a long time.

Honestly, since getting my diagnosis, all I can think about is keeping myself alive for one year, eleven months & 361 days. Because if I don’t, my entire social security fund will be stolen by the feds. My wife won’t get a penny. But the socialists are happy to piss away my 50 years of contributions on illegal immigrants who beat up our police officers. What a system! This nightmare would just be a pipe dream in China or Poland. So as you could imagine, getting a big buck with these points is not that huge a deal for me these days. Lol, that’s just the reality.
 
Last edited:
Zim said:
Given a long life does not appear to be in my cards, my priorities are changed. I totally agree waiting this long for a premium hunt warrants a guide, but unfortunately that’s not in my cards either. I need to leave what I can to my wife & grandsons. I don't want to look back in regret. 20 or 30 more inches of bone isn’t going to comfort me. A good experience for both the wife & I will suffice. Even if I don’t score on any buck. From what I’ve researched, this area is also very scenic and popular for camping. I like that, as the wife will likely be in camp a long time.

Honestly, since getting my diagnosis, all I can think about is keeping myself alive for one year, eleven months & 361 days. Because if I don’t, my entire social security fund will be stolen by the feds. My wife won’t get a penny. But the socialists are happy to piss away my 50 years of contributions on illegal immigrants who beat up our police officers. What a system! This nightmare would just be a pipe dream in China or Poland. So as you could imagine, getting a big buck with these points is not that huge a deal for me these days. Lol, that’s just the reality.
Click to expand...
I wish you the best of luck with whatever option you choose. I’m sorry you are having health issues. And I hope you draw and have a phenomenal hunt👊🏻. 🤞🏻 you draw the pauns!
 
Hey Zim- My daughters room mate has low blood pressure...I forgot what the diagnosis is exactly. She's a candidate for a pacemaker but doesn't want one. Has your doctor told you that a pacemaker could help keep your blood pressure up?
 
HELL SAKES!

No Need For A Pacemaker!

All Zim Needs To Do Is Show Up Here At MM A Little More Often!:D



Wiszard said:
Hey Zim- My daughters room mate has low blood pressure...I forgot what the diagnosis is exactly. She's a candidate for a pacemaker but doesn't want one. Has your doctor told you that a pacemaker could help keep your blood pressure up?
Click to expand...
 
Wiszard said:
Hey Zim- My daughters room mate has low blood pressure...I forgot what the diagnosis is exactly. She's a candidate for a pacemaker but doesn't want one. Has your doctor told you that a pacemaker could help keep your blood pressure up?
Click to expand...
Lol Ive had a pacemaker since 2013 at age 55. Started due to a condition called atrial flutter (similar to a-fib but upper heart chamber). Heart took off to 230 bpm, got a monkey shock, ablation + some other treatments. The pacer stabilized my heart rate very well at 60 bpm. I had relatively low BP my entire life. This low ejection fraction is a different issue. It is the power at which the heart pumps. The only treatment is medication beta blockers & this new drug Entresto. I am already on the max dosage my BP can take. So there is no other option.

BTW - I highly recommend your daughter’s roommate do what the cardio doctor recommends. My pacer helped me immensely, plus it records every event the heart may have 24/7, so the doctors can monitor for irregularities at all times.
 
Last edited:
Zim said:
Lol Ive had a pacemaker since 2013 at age 55. Started due to a condition called atrial flutter (similar to a-fib but upper heart chamber). Heart took off to 230 bpm, got a monkey shock, ablation + some other treatments. The pacer stabilized my heart rate very well at 60 bpm. I had relatively low BP my entire life. This low ejection fraction is a different issue. It is the power at which the heart pumps. The only treatment is medication beta blockers & this new drug Entresto. I am already on the max dosage my BP can take. So there is no other option.

BTW - I highly recommend your daughter do what the cardio doctor recommends. My pacer helped me immensely, plus it records every event the heart may have 24/7, so the doctors can monitor for irregularities at all times.
Click to expand...
My daughter has a pacemaker...it is her roommate that has the issue similiar to you. She has chosen NOT to have a pacemaker put in as she wants to stay as "natural" as possible. To each their own I guess. I wish you luck and hope that they can get something figured out to keep you around a lot longer.
 
Wiszard said:
My daughter has a pacemaker...it is her roommate that has the issue similiar to you. She has chosen NOT to have a pacemaker put in as she wants to stay as "natural" as possible. To each their own I guess. I wish you luck and hope that they can get something figured out to keep you around a lot longer.
Click to expand...
Ya, I knew that, just typed wrong. Fixed it now.

I still feel lucky every day that I’ve been in the care of a top 10 medical team in our state, Northwest Medicine. My echo-cardio doc is Johns Hopkins & Cleveland Clinic educated. The best. I don’t worry about my health. Just need to plan around it.
 
Last edited:
pauns08 said:
Just road hunt the pauns it's super easy layed back hunt
Click to expand...
For the archery? I don’t like trying to stalk mule deer. I suck at that. I like to tree stand hunt between bedding & feeding. I gave up on sitting water tanks as all I ever saw was dinks & does. Are there burns there where they prefer to feed? If so, I scout for trails leading from North sloped bedding. Has worked well for me if I could do that on the Pauns.
 
Zim said:
For the archery? I don’t like trying to stalk mule deer. I suck at that. I like to tree stand hunt between bedding & feeding. I gave up on sitting water tanks as all I ever saw was dinks & does. Are there burns there where they prefer to feed? If so, I scout for trails leading from North sloped bedding. Has worked well for me if I could do that on the Pauns.
Click to expand...
I'm sure you could do that there are a few burns down there, I've only had the tag once and shot a 180 buck from my truck and saw numerous bucks that big from the road, no stalking involved.
 
With your stated expectations I'm guessing the Pauns archery could be the ticket Zim. I especially like your attitude about just having a good time. That is pretty country and I'm sure you could make it a great adventure.
I haven't seen Big Wiffy on this site for quite a while but he's a serious stick flipper and he used to hunt that country quite a bit. You may want to shoot him a PM and see if he will respond.
Best of luck
 
pauns08 said:
I'm sure you could do that there are a few burns down there, I've only had the tag once and shot a 180 buck from my truck and saw numerous bucks that big from the road, no stalking involved.
Click to expand...
Via archery? Dang they a little more spooky on the Kaibab.
 
Hey Zim!

The Apple Piles Are More Secluded On The PAUNS Now!

If You Find Or See Any "KEEP OUT" Signs You're Getting Close To The Gold!
 
I’m already picking a couple better odds Arizona elk archery hunts tonight as a possible combo hunt. That season begins same day as Pauns ends 9/13. Very nearby.

Ya I have no regrets I made hay on the trophy hunts when I was young & fit. Fact is now I gotta accept my situation and enjoy whatever experience the points will get me. Just told the wife. She is excited to finally see Bryce & the Ditch.
 
Last edited:
elkassassin said:
Hey Zim!

The Apple Piles Are More Secluded On The PAUNS Now!

If You Find Or See Any "KEEP OUT" Signs You're Getting Close To The Gold!
Click to expand...
Got it. If I draw I’ll be sure to pick some fresh ones up in Kanab on my drive in.
 
^^Ouch. lol

It happens. Sometimes we all need to vent about something. Zim just came to the wrong place to complain. lol I made the mistake of complaining about a hunt of mine back in 2019. Now, if I have a bad hunt, I just keep my mouth shut and move on. lol

Lots of us would like to re-wind the clock and have a do-over.
 
Coloradogirl, Wow aren’t you still cranky! I thought you posted you had that cob up your ass surgically removed in Denver last year? It seems it was a failure. My echo-cardio doc has a proctologist referral from Johns Hopkins he says is a master with the forceps. I’ll get his card for you.
 
All you had to do was man up and answer my question and I would have left that dead dog lie, just like you did that bull.
At least you got all of your excuses for failure out to everybody before this hunt has started.
Good luck to you
I’m done on this thread!
 
COgirl,

I don’t have to answer anything to certified trolls venting on other people’s threads. You know what? I had a MM moderator PM me about banning you due to your trashy posts that year. I actually declined him, encouraging him you just had a bad day or something. I had absolutely NO reason to do that, other than I’m a nice guy lol.

The fastest way to attain official MM tool status is by making unprovoked personal attacks on a public forum. Congratulations on your impressive accomplishment.

BTW - That same year ended up being a good one for me, scoring a Boone & Crockett whitetail on public land, with my bow. Not bad for a failure, huh? He in the book. I guess it was just karma.

IMG_7560.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Zim said:
I’ve had a bit of a monkey wrench thrown into my next five years Western hunt strategy. Got diagnosed with heart failure last August. As if two torn Achilles & a blown out knee slowing me down weren’t enough. Had planned to burn CO deer points this year, and take wife to the Pauns around that hunt, to scout for a 2025 archery attempt. But at the rate my heart is slowing I am now hesitant to wait the extra year for scouting. After my latest Echo the doc said EF was 35 and he could not increase my meds due to my already low blood pressure. So I feel like I need to change all my strategies now. I have enjoyed several archery hunts for mule deer on the AZ Kaibab sitting tree stands between burns & bedding areas. And given my condition, sitting tree stands seems wise. Moved well enough for a four week mild elk hunt in WY at around 9,000’ elevation last year.

So I’m wanting to get some opinions on terrain for the archery hunt on the Paunsagunt. And if the deer density would make for a good archery hunt via tree stand as I had planned. Or if I might consider other hunts elsewhere given my health. Thanks for any input.
Click to expand...
Do you have AV Block with pausing if so a pace maker can fix that right up. I've been hunting with one since 2013 and it hasn't slowed me down too much.
Hiking with a pack hurts where the pacemaker is but other that that and old age I'm good to go
 
DeerHunter53 said:
Do you have AV Block with pausing if so a pace maker can fix that right up. I've been hunting with one since 2013 and it hasn't slowed me down too much.
Hiking with a pack hurts where the pacemaker is but other that that and old age I'm good to go
Click to expand...

No, I have atrial flutter with a slowing ejection fraction. And it’s the speed with which it is slowing that is startling. My EF dropped from 45 to 30 in just the last 21 months.

I’ve already had a pacemaker for eleven years. And yes I had to forfeit backpacking in 2013 due to the strap pressure on the device.
 
Hey Zim, very sorry to hear about your worsening health problems. Your attitude about it makes me feel like a whimp! Keep at it and if your time on the mountain is truly more limited each year, well, just keep giving it hell while you can, nobody lives forever. Looking forward to more stories… and everyone’s reactions to them, LOL!
 
Katoom said:
Hey Zim, very sorry to hear about your worsening health problems. Your attitude about it makes me feel like a whimp! Keep at it and if your time on the mountain is truly more limited each year, well, just keep giving it hell while you can, nobody lives forever. Looking forward to more stories… and everyone’s reactions to them, LOL!
Click to expand...
Thanks Katoom, What makes me able to accept this is I got a great marriage. First one failed after 20 years. So I appreciate being happy every day. The only thing that I worry about is my wife’s security if I check out early. She is retired and has a condo in China, but I want her to be able to keep our house here too. She simply needs my SS to do that. As far as my hunting stuff, I’ve been on more than my share of great hunts & adventures. No regrets there. Lost a lot of good friends, family & coworkers younger than me. Some age 29, 31, sister at 49 cancer. Been to way too many funerals of guys in their 50’s. So I feel lucky. Love my job too.
 

Similar threads

SS!
  • Poll
What would you do?
Replies
26
Views
1k
wweaver79
wweaver79
Simpleton
Mule Deer Proposal
2
Replies
196
Views
4k
Vanilla
Vanilla
Simpleton
Points are Points
Replies
42
Views
3k
ElmerFudd
E

Member Gallery Photos and Videos!

IMG_2335.jpg
IMG_0597.jpeg
20200715_104749.jpg
1000014284.jpg
10620CB9-AEF4-4757-9570-C8ADB523AD63.jpeg
received_264129769575710.jpeg
6015D149-BD87-41E7-9223-5F50C8BE097E.jpeg
kaibabmuledeer.jpg
Colorado Bucks Part 2 - MonsterMuleys.com
IMG_2274.jpeg
PXL_20230910_185526434~2.jpg
IMG_1656 copy.jpeg
Bearpaw Outfitters

Experience world class hunting for mule deer, elk, cougar, bear, turkey, moose, sheep and more.

Wild West Outfitters

Hunt the big bulls, bucks, bear and cats in southern Utah. Your hunt of a lifetime awaits.

J & J Outfitters

Offering quality fair-chase hunts for trophy mule deer, elk, shiras moose and mountain lions.

Shane Scott Outfitting

Quality trophy hunting in Utah. Offering FREE Utah drawing consultation. Great local guides.

Utah Big Game Outfitters

Specializing in bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, mountain goat, lions, bears & antelope.

Apex Outfitters

We offer experienced guides who hunt Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Sheep, Bison, Goats, Cougar, and Bear.

Urge 2 Hunt

We offer high quality hunts on large private ranches around the state, with landowner vouchers.

Allout Guiding & Outfitting

Offering high quality mule deer, elk, bear, cougar and bison hunts in the Book Cliffs and Henry Mtns.

Lickity Split Outfitters

General season and LE fully guided hunts for mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, lion, turkey, bear and coyotes.

Back
Top Bottom