Utah Elk

[IDABOW]

The Idaho Elk season has been over for only two months now but I'm eager to plan my next years hunt now.  This will be my third year putting in for a special archery draw in Utah and wanted to know if anyone had any input as to which are some of the better areas?  I was looking into the Manti area. Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
Bill

[Steve O]

Ida,

All the limited areas are good.  If there is more than one NR tag in an area one tag goes to the person with the most points that has put in for that area, the others go for a random draw of the tags left.  If there is only one tag, everybody is in for a random draw.

I've got 9 points going into this years draw, but the season ends so early I am thinking about switching to muzzleloader.

The Manti is a PREMIER unit.

[IDABOW]

Thanks for the info., I'm looking forward to the day when I get this, I just want to nake sure all my ducks are in a row.
Bill

[just_a_hunter]

There are hardly any elk in Utah. Save yourself time by not puting in. (That way I might have better odds).

Just kidding of course.

The Manti is an exellent unit. The closer you get to SLC, the more people you are going to have to deal with. Still plenty of elk everywhere though.

Good luck,

Todd

[steadman]

The manti is a pretty good unit, if you draw let me know, I hunt that unit a lot. There are a lot better units, but it depends on what type of bull you are after. If you want a 350 or better, wait a few years, then let me know, I can tell you what unit. The mati can be hard, especially with the hunt being so early this year. Water will be a good bet. Good luck on what you decide and if I can help, let me know.
Steve- good choice on the smoke pole for this year. let me know what happens and where you put in for.

[IDABOW]

Thanks again for the info., I am taking note of the little tidbits that you are all offering and eventually will have a good foundation to work with.
Bill

[Nate Fikkert]

A couple more things to add.  3 points is a bit of a long shot, but someone has to draw.  I always thought that I would cash my points in ONLY on a unit that does not have spike/cow hunters on it.  I am not sure but it sounds like now all LE units will have spike hunting, I haven't confirmed that though.  Ryan or Todd, what have you seen with the new regs?  

After hunting some of the spike/cow LE units I definately would say it would be an advantage to not have to compete with the spike/cow hunters.  Not sure that can happen anymore with the rule change if that is true.  

There are some things happening in Utah that may push the archery season later.  It is a long shot, but could happen.  May want to sit back for a year or two and see how things develop.  I think that is what I am going to do.  Now that I don't live there anymore I am going to make sure I get it right when I do draw.

Nathan

[Steve O]

Nate,

They can go in all the LE units now, but are done a week earlier than the LE hunts go; the 6th I think.  Doesn't look like the rifle hunters get into the LE units until after the any weapon and muzzleloader hunts are done.


Why would a guy who loves to hunt move from Utah to Wisconsin?        :D

[Nate Fikkert]

The real question is why would a guy who loves to hunt move from Pinedale Wyoming to Utah???  That was where I lived before Utah.

Honestly my wife and I are both from Wisconsin.  My job took me out west for a few years but an opportunity came up to move "home" and I took it.

The west will always be there!

Sorry to get off topic,

Nathan

[just_a_hunter]

Nate and others,

You don't have to compete. I have helped many a any bull hunters to thier goal of a bull just by being in the mountains cow and spike hunting.

Most hunters that don't have a bull tag will share info on where the big bulls are.

That being said, some of the preciouse units are now way huntible like the San Juan. I don't know why they opened that up to everyone.....

Utah is a place where its harder to find a cow then it is to find a six point bull. I hope the management changes aren't for the worst.....

Time will tell.

I've never been to crowded when hunting elk in Utah. Leave all the road hunters on the road, get out and hunt, and people won't be a problem.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

Nate, I hope your putting in for where I'm putting in. I promise you won't be dissapointed!

Todd

[Nate Fikkert]

Todd,

As usual very positive and useful advice.  Todd we will talk.  It is a interesting management decision to open up some PREMIUM units to spike/cow hunters...

Nathan

[snag]

I have 8pts this year. I have a limited-entry unit in mind. Being a NR it will still be hard to draw. I'm thinking maybe in another couple of years...?

[steadman]

Depends on which unit snag. Plus as mentioned, you never know what this state will do next. They might change the bull age objective, they might wipe out a herd again, who knows. If you wait a year or two, at least the calendar will "flip". Meaning you'll be able to hunt later.
Nate, you know how I feel about you moving to UT from WY. Tried to talk you out of that from the get go. Sent you an email.