Paunsagunt Archery

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Zim

Zim

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Although this will be my 10th mule deer hunt, I still don’t feel experienced. I know tree stand hunting is not popular out there, but it’s my preferred method due to physical issues. But I also plan to mix in some stalks on my upcoming Paunsagunt deer hunt. I’m wondering if when stand hunting if it’s generally better to sit water tanks, or set up on major trails between bedding & burns. On several Kaibab hunts I never saw a mature buck when I sat water. Much better observations hunting the trails. But my sample size was not huge. Just wanting to get some opinions. Thanks.
 
I can't imagine sitting in a stand or blind without knowing a buck is moving through there would be any better than sitting in a truck and driving around..? If you have a buck located, and know his pattern to and from water or bedding, a stand or blind could work. But, you do miss out on seeing the landscape of the Pauns which is incredible and unique. 😃😃
 
Zim, you have to remember that on water the more mature Bucks will be in at last light, first light…Also, sometimes middle of the day! If you’ve got a good idea where they’re coming from, I’d set up well into that area, as they may just stage or poke around there before getting to the water…Muley’s are weird though and lil nomads doing their own thing….😁👊🏻🏹
 
BrowningRage said:
I can't imagine sitting in a stand or blind without knowing a buck is moving through there would be any better than sitting in a truck and driving around..? If you have a buck located, and know his pattern to and from water or bedding, a stand or blind could work. But, you do miss out on seeing the landscape of the Pauns which is incredible and unique. 😃😃
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I will be trying both stalking & sitting depending on what I see. If I feel confident in a setup after scouting, will decide based on terrain. The wife will fly out after my hunt to do three national parks.
 
GeorgeE said:
Zim, you have to remember that on water the more mature Bucks will be in at last light, first light…Also, sometimes middle of the day! If you’ve got a good idea where they’re coming from, I’d set up well into that area, as they may just stage or poke around there before getting to the water…Muley’s are weird though and lil nomads doing their own thing….😁👊🏻🏹
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Ya if I can pinpoint a bedding area I will set up close.
 
Many years ago, a person could catch bucks during archery season making their way up into the pines from the river bottom in the mornings, but I think people activity along that road has put an end to that.
When I was down there in 2012 archery hunting I searched hard for spots to set a stand, but never found anything I had high confidence in.
Once you get down there I’m sure you’ll come up with ideas of how to get after them.
Maybe you can find a big buck or two living just off the main road and setup a stand in a spot where a good buck or two are living.
 
Don't sit in a tree stand at all you're just limiting yourself from seeing the unit get out and see it it's beautiful down there and there are roads everywhere, and you'll see alot more deer from the road than sitting in one spot in a stand. I feel the very best way to hunt that unit is road hunt and glass open enough areas that you can and plan stalks accordingly.
 
Whatever hunting style you decide to hunt your buck with, Ken, have fun and enjoy as it was what? 28 years of points to draw the dang tag.


Travel safe,


Robb
 
I want to say that 28 years to wait on a deer tag is crazy, but I am sitting at 13 deer points in Colorado, so I am almost halfway to crazy. lol

Best of luck on your tag Zim. Can't wait to hear the story!
 
pauns08 said:
Don't sit in a tree stand at all you're just limiting yourself from seeing the unit get out and see it it's beautiful down there and there are roads everywhere, and you'll see alot more deer from the road than sitting in one spot in a stand. I feel the very best way to hunt that unit is road hunt and glass open enough areas that you can and plan stalks accordingly.
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Yes just siding this route. Keep in mind both my Achilles are torn, one very painful, recent torn meniscus in right knee swells up, plus heart failure.
 
^^^^^^
wow Sounds like its going to be tough on you no matter how you do it zim..good luck to ya..I'm sure you'll find one or two decent ones you'll be able hunt easy enough
 
With all that going on it looks like you have no choice. Geez forget the tree stand and get a blind with an easy chair. There are trails where the deer frequent, but a whole bunch of area where they are sparse. That is big country. Scout, scout, scout. Had some friends come out from back East one year. The only way they liked to hunt was in a tree stand. Got them set up where the deer were passing thru. Saw the little ones, but no big ones. They said it sure isn't like hunting Whitetail. Not nearly as much activity. All that said, in your predicament, I may see what is around the Pink Cliffs area. That may be one of the better bets for blind hunting. Just remember one thing, Pauns deer have more intelligence than the average Mule Deer. :)
 
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Zim, Just enjoy and have fun. Honestly, too many people put too much pressure on themselves to do that. Good luck no matter how you hunt it!
 
As others have mentioned and I have told you in this thread and several others previously, your best bet is going to be slow-cruising the roads on your e-bike given your health issues. You will see more deer this way and increase your odds. Much more so than sitting in a treestand.

I would still take your treestands and set them up in some likely areas so you have multiple methods to hunt, but slow rolling the roads on your e-bike is really a great way to cover country and see bucks.
 
Hey Zim!

Just A Little Something To Think About!

There's Still Some Big Bucks On The PAUNS!

I'd Pay Some Close Attention To The Tracks Down There,You May Not See The Bucks But I'm Telling You When You See A BIG Buck Track You're Gonna Know It,There's Still A Few Of Them BRUISERS Around!

One Of The Last Places/Units I Know Of In This State That Are Still Packin Some Body Weight To Them!
 
Zim said:
Yes just siding this route. Keep in mind both my Achilles are torn, one very painful, recent torn meniscus in right knee swells up, plus heart failure.
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Wow that does sound rough and painful, is it more painful to climb in and out of a tree stand or cruise around in a truck or sxs? Not sounding ignorant just asking I would think climbing would hurt the Achilles pretty bad. Or is it the possible stalk you're worried about if you saw one from the truck? I've seen numerous 180 type bucks down there that have let me get out of my sxs and draw back on them right from the road. Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing what you end up harvesting.
 
pauns08 said:
Wow that does sound rough and painful, is it more painful to climb in and out of a tree stand or cruise around in a truck or sxs? Not sounding ignorant just asking I would think climbing would hurt the Achilles pretty bad. Or is it the possible stalk you're worried about if you saw one from the truck? I've seen numerous 180 type bucks down there that have let me get out of my sxs and draw back on them right from the road. Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing what you end up harvesting.
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It’s not a problem for me to ascend a tree in my Lone Wolf Assault climber. It would if I used stix.

My last two hunts were CO & WY for elk, and both were quite difficult for me. Nothing like my prior hardcore DIY hunts. My solo backpack days are definitely over with. I’ve altered most my applications to grampa units. On my CO hunt I biked in two miles, hiked another two, and got on a 400” bull w/6 satellites & 30 cows. And my legs were in such pain I could only shuffle around that bull like Joe Biden. It was beyond frustrating. I’d only seen two other elk that size in 30 years.
 
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Got a few last minute supplies in the mail last few days. One being a mini-Starlink. Last item is a portable generator to arrive Monday. Visited bow shop again for new bow sight tuning. Will start packing truck Monday. Can’t believe it’s already time to go. Departing Thursday morning.
 
Zim said:
Got a few last minute supplies in the mail last few days. One being a mini-Starlink. Last item is a portable generator to arrive Monday. Visited bow shop again for new bow sight tuning. Will start packing truck Monday. Can’t believe it’s already time to go. Departing Thursday morning.
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Let us know how it goes. Best of luck!! It is an amazing place to visit and hunt.
 
Good luck.
Check out the clear cut areas on the mid level. When I had my Muzzleloader tag a few years ago I was down scouting the opening weekend of the archery hunt and I saw several shooter bucks out feeding in the clear cuts. I also saw lots of the outfitters in that mid level. I figured there must be a reason they were there.
The mid level is also pretty mild as far as terrain goes. You should be able to do some spot and stalks without over exerting yourself.
 
So I was packin today and noticed I only got my deer tag and no license. Because last year was my buy year so I didn't need to get one to apply this year. I've not drawn in Utah for 20 years. I'm assuming I need to buy a 2024-25 gen hunting licence, but is there anything else, like a habitat stamp or something?
 
Zim said:
So I was packin today and noticed I only got my deer tag and no license. Because last year was my buy year so I didn't need to get one to apply this year. I've not drawn in Utah for 20 years. I'm assuming I need to buy a 2024-25 gen hunting licence, but is there anything else, like a habitat stamp or something?
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You shouldn't need a hunting license to hunt since you had a valid one when you applied for the tag, all you need is your deer tag. Good luck kill a giant.
 
Zim said:
So I was packin today and noticed I only got my deer tag and no license. Because last year was my buy year so I didn't need to get one to apply this year. I've not drawn in Utah for 20 years. I'm assuming I need to buy a 2024-25 gen hunting licence, but is there anything else, like a habitat stamp or something?
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You don't need it unless you are wanting to hunt small game or birds, or go fishing. For your deer hunt you only need your deer tag.
 
AZ4life said:
You can also fish with your deer tag only.
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Oh thanks that’s interesting. I postponed departure a day to tune bow, and am packing today. Just looking thru my fishing gear. Good to know as that’s the only other activity I might do. Will also scout for a local in Zion if I tag early.
 
We will there as well for most the bow hunt. If you need something flag us down. I have a blue silverado and my brother has a white one.
 
elkhunterUT said:
Pretty positive what AZ4life said is not true - Utah has permits and licenses and they are different. Zim has a deer permit, but will be required to purchase a non-res fishing license to fish legally in Utah.
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You are correct if he wants to fish he'll need a non resident fishing license or combination license
 
pauns08 said:
You are correct if he wants to fish he'll need a non resident fishing license or combination license
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If so I may or may not. I think my Colorado license includes trout and I’ll be visiting my son there en route home.
 
My new PSE M34 bow is performing great. Best I’ve ever shot. Got a new sight from CBE vertical 3 pin slider. Slider has one yard increments I can shoot out to 100 yards. I’ve never done this. Check out my last shot.

IMG_2620.jpeg


IMG_2670.png


IMG_2665.jpeg


IMG_2666.jpeg
 
Also tried my regular fixed Thunderhead 100 broadheads out to 40 yards and they are patterning same as my field tips. This surprised me as my prior bows have always planed low right. Will try at some longer yardages when I get out there.
 
Vanilla said:
Not in Utah.
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Zim said:
If so I may or may not. I think my Colorado license includes trout and I’ll be visiting my son there en route home.
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Good luck shoot straight. Should be a great buck year.

I drew NR elk and put in for draw before last year’s license expired similar to you. DNR issued both my elk tag and a non res fishing license which are both listed on my tag.
 
Is this a non-resident benefit that comes along with a big game permit? Or did you purchase a combination license at time of application as well?
 
I assume so Vanilla. I looked back at my 2023 license and it was a 1 year non res hunting license. With that you get fishing as well.
 
I’ve never heard about this before and I’ve never seen anything in the regs about a non-resident big game permit coming with fishing privileges.

This would be absolutely new information for me. Heck of a deal, it was worth waking up today to learn something new.
 
Ac300win said:
I assume so Vanilla. I looked back at my 2023 license and it was a 1 year non res hunting license. With that you get fishing as well.
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NR does not get fishing with a hunting license. They would get it with a Combination license, but that is different than a hunting license.
 
I definitely had never heard about the nonresident LE tags coming with a 365 day fishing license. I’ve also never been a nonresident in Utah.

What a deal for you NRs! Don’t tell bessy. He hates anyone else besides himself having opportunity!

Hey Zim, when you coming to Utah? It’s almost go time!
 
This is true!
I am non resident and have received a fishing license with every hunting license I have purchased. With both
Limited entry and general applications
 
Vanilla said:
I definitely had never heard about the nonresident LE tags coming with a 365 day fishing license. I’ve also never been a nonresident in Utah.

What a deal for you NRs! Don’t tell bessy. He hates anyone else besides himself having opportunity!

Hey Zim, when you coming to Utah? It’s almost go time!
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My departure got postponed two days due to new bow, then hitch problems, but I finally left Saturday morning. I’m in Richfield tonight at a hotel. Will drive up and make camp tomorrow morning. Was very slow driving tonight with heavy rain.
 
Glad you got here O.K. good luck..I'm sure there's a toad out there with your name on him
 
It Doesn't Bother Me At All!

Hunting Out Of State Is Spendy!

And I'm Glad They Give Them Something!

I Was Just Wondering If They Were Slippin You A Free Fishing License With Your LL That You Mighta Been Not Telling Us About?:D

Vanilla said:
This doesn’t bother me. Does it bother you?
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I think that including it with NR tag is a great idea. Really your there already and want take an hour to fish a creek in middle of nowhere during your season or maybe scouting. The impact is very very little. Idaho gives you three days with a NR license which you have to pick Dec 1 or the previous year - which is a joke, let me look into my magic 8 ball to know when I see that nice creek I want to make 6 casts in before continuing my hunt.

Back on topic, Zim I hope you find a nice buck and stay healthy out there the next couple weeks, all of MM is hoping for your success !
 
I have several good spots already scouted. The one that has evaded me is Hatch Bench. I drove through from Tropic Res over the top and came out on E Bench Road to familiarize myself. But there seems to be quite a narrow strip of public at the base of those hills. Was I in the right vicinity? Thx
 
Zim said:
I have several good spots already scouted. The one that has evaded me is Hatch Bench. I drove through from Tropic Res over the top and came out on E Bench Road to familiarize myself. But there seems to be quite a narrow strip of public at the base of those hills. Was I in the right vicinity? Thx
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I would head farther south if it was me with a tag! But if your seeing deer 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Zim said:
I have several good spots already scouted. The one that has evaded me is Hatch Bench. I drove through from Tropic Res over the top and came out on E Bench Road to familiarize myself. But there seems to be quite a narrow strip of public at the base of those hills. Was I in the right vicinity? Thx
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Hang out up around the area your camping in during the bowhunt, kanab creek, clay creek area, there were quite a few nice bucks hanging out right off the main road just past tropic res a couple weeks ago
 
I scouted up three studs so far, all in bow range just feeding. All within two miles of my camp. 180-190". Only problem so far is all the bounty hunters I've bumped into. None with a tag of course. Who knows what auction tag holder they may bring my way 8/17. Screened all my pre-determined spots except one. Hatch Bench. Anyone know what roads to access this area? Most of it looks private. Thx.

I have the entire 4 weeks so I want to move around, thus wanting to include Hatch Bench. Stopped by the forest service office in Panguitch and got some good tips, but not about Hatch.
 
Is this different than the Bench Road that goes right out of Hatch back across the unit?
 
If you get some down time, and you haven't done it already, take a visit to the wildlife museum right there off Highway 12.
Can't wait to see what you put in the dirt!
 
legacy said:
If you get some down time, and you haven't done it already, take a visit to the wildlife museum right there off Highway 12.
Can't wait to see what you put in the dirt!
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Just drove by there. Lol. Was wondering what that was.
 
Zim said:
I scouted up three studs so far, all in bow range just feeding. All within two miles of my camp. 180-190". Only problem so far is all the bounty hunters I've bumped into. None with a tag of course. Who knows what auction tag holder they may bring my way 8/17. Screened all my pre-determined spots except one. Hatch Bench. Anyone know what roads to access this area? Most of it looks private. Thx.

I have the entire 4 weeks so I want to move around, thus wanting to include Hatch Bench. Stopped by the forest service office in Panguitch and got some good tips, but not about Hatch.
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Zim - I sent you a PM
 
We were down there 2 weeks ago. The scenery ALMOST convinced me to burn my 22 deer points on an archery deer tag. Lol Yeah, it’s an amazing place for sure! Soak it all in!
 
elkassassin said:
Just RAZZIN Ya ridge!

You Huntin Deer This Year?

If So!

Best Of Luck!
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I'm not hunting deer this year. First time in 25 years I've decided to sit out. I'm going to have to experience the hunt this year though guys like Zim.
 
That is a pretty good looking deer from just that one pic, but you are in a great unit for sure. Good luck 🍀
 
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