Late Manti elk

[HUNTNNW]

Well I lucked out and drew a manti late tag in the random. For the guys who have experience on this unit what type of bull would you hold out for? I have heard that you will turn up some good bulls, but they could be busted up. I've been told to not pass a 320" and I've also been told not to shoot less than 360". I dont look at this tag as filling my freezer and really have no problem eating it if I hunt it hard to the end. I just wanna know from the experienced guys realistic expectations of the unit. Hiking, backpacking in are not a problem as I spend 30 nights a year backpacking into places, I have the optics and bringing the side by side. Thanks for any input!

 

[AZGuy]

Congrats! I would say this whoever told you to not shoot anything less than 360, on a late hunt, must really know that unit and the elk there. I am not sure I would be passing 340-350 bulls.

 

[HUNTNNW]

Yeah,I wont pass a 330-340"bull

 

[Shadow]

I don’t think I’d listen to the guy who says don’t shoot less the 360. He either knows someone who got lucky or doesn’t really know how to measure. The late hunts can be tough to find good bulls, even if you know the area well and where the bulls hide during the late season.

 

[63Badger]

I drew an early rifle tag for it this year and will pass on any information I learn on my hunt. I’m not sure what sort of movement the elk will do between when I’m there and when you will be but if I can help I’m happy to.

 

[roadrunner]

Hunted it a few years ago. Biggest bull we saw was in that 360 -370 range, but couldn't get in close enough for a shot.

Most bulls we saw that gave opportunity were in the 280 to 320 class range.

 

[DBLung]

Lots of variables to consider. Deep snow, or little to no snow will determine the amount of hunting area you will have access too. Bulls don't move around a whole lot, their healing up from the rut, so you'll be able to see what's in a particular area after a trip or 2. Move on if nothing grabs your attention. I wouldn't pass up a 330" bull.

 

[Deerlove]

stay off the southern boarder i70 too many p@j imo.

 

[littlebighorn]

I helped a friend many years ago on the Manti late season. He is a very experienced hunter and he hunted hard every day of the season. His brother lives in the unit and also accompanied him the entire hunt. The first day I'm sure I saw 500 elk but no bulls bigger than rag horns. We were obviously looking in the wrong places.
Even with friends helping, he never saw a bull bigger than 310 and he passed it. On the last day he shot a rag horn 6 just to fill the freezer. From our experience the Manti Late hunt is by no means a cake walk for a big bull.
A 360 has become pretty rare now days in most any unit in Utah so if that is what you are holding out for...best of luck.
Have fun and forget how far the tape stretches.

 

[30Hart]

I helped a friend many years ago on the Manti late season. He is a very experienced hunter and he hunted hard every day of the season. His brother lives in the unit and also accompanied him the entire hunt. The first day I'm sure I saw 500 elk but no bulls bigger than rag horns. We were obviously looking in the wrong places.
Even with friends helping, he never saw a bull bigger than 310 and he passed it. On the last day he shot a rag horn 6 just to fill the freezer. From our experience the Manti Late hunt is by no means a cake walk for a big bull.
A 360 has become pretty rare now days in most any unit in Utah so if that is what you are holding out for...best of luck.
Have fun and forget how far the tape stretches.

I had a buddy same thing. Lives real close, owns plenty of stock...I scored his bull for him in camp...240. They kill some good ones out there but I give advice on what they

 

[slamdunk]

My daughter drew this same tag at the Expo this year (must be a conspiracy because I'm with the MDF!?)

It'll be a tough hunt, but I know we'll get it done.

Good luck @HUNTNNW

 

[twdjr]

Congrats on the tag!

 

[Themaddness]

350 is reasonable. Late hunt I would keep Huntington canyon on the radar. Horn mountain, trail mountain, the kitchen. Upper muddy creek.