Paunsagunt Archery

elkassassin · Monday at 8:55 PM

I Never Could Figure Out What The Fun Would Be By Eating & Breathing Dust All Damn Day?

rmanwill said:
Same thing a few years ago. At least it was only general season muzzy. They hit every road with their big utv's and flew their drones a bit. At least it was just one day and they didn't leave their UTV's.

Zim · Monday at 9:17 PM

Had a good hunt this evening. Only one other truck cruising. Hiked back in and saw 15 bucks come out, six in the 170”-180” range. I found where they are piling down the hill. Will reposition there tomorrow evening.

The wind will be right for my Ghost Blind saddle tomorrow morning. Will move there and look for a 190”. I know the 230” doesn’t use that.

Zim · Monday at 9:40 PM

Bye bye Labor Day tourists! Enjoy your work!

Zim · Tuesday at 7:24 AM

Yesterday evening I set up on the 230’s route, and where I could glass the draw behind that ridge. Saw lots of deer activity back there, including 15 bucks, 6 of which were 180’s. But 150 yards away. No way the spotters could see them. Will relocate there in the coming evenings. Got ten days left. I may not be as picky.

I think the 230” frenzy has slowed. That buck rarely uses that visible ridge. Quite sure the minions have not seen him. But I know his preferred route on the back side of the hill.

OpeningDay · Tuesday at 8:21 AM

Would someone get a PhoneSkope into Zim's Hands immediately !! haha. I would like to see all these big bucks he's seeing every day.

Tikka · Tuesday at 8:30 AM

OpeningDay said:
Would someone get an PhoneSkope into Zim's Hands immediately !! haha. I would like to see all these big bucks he's seeing every day.

LMAO! That was great OD....

Zim · Tuesday at 8:49 AM

OpeningDay said:
Would someone get an PhoneSkope into Zim's Hands immediately !! haha. I would like to see all these big bucks he's seeing every day.

Sorry I’m not using my scope. I doubt they make those for my compact binoculars. Almost all these bucks are not long distances. So I must prepare to take a shot. I don’t bring a cameraman like some of the clients.

OpeningDay · Tuesday at 8:54 AM

Zim said:
Sorry I’m not using my scope. I doubt they make those for my compact binoculars. Almost all these bucks are not long distances. So I must prepare to take a shot. I don’t bring a cameraman like some of the clients.

Razzin Ya Zim. You got us all on the edge of our seats!! Good Luck out there !

Dr_Hunter · Tuesday at 11:45 AM

Fingers crossed for you. I have enjoyed this thread. Good luck today. Hoping today you knock an arrow, draw back and send it!

coloradoman · Tuesday at 12:06 PM

Zim said:
Just went from bad to worse. Glassed up a giant 230” monster Saturday evening. Unfortunately, one of the minions also saw him, and called in the cavalry. So the circus is now a traffic jamb of minions. What a system. Not sure if any of these dudes will leave Tuesday with the rest of the Labor Day crowds.View attachment 156311

View attachment 156312

And you put this kind of post on the internet because why?
I guess you want every looky-loo in the area beating up and down the road for a photo opportunity.

If it’s even true. Doubtful

Hunter21 · 2024-09-04T15:53:24-0600

coloradoman said:
And you put this kind of post on the internet because why?
I guess you want every looky-loo in the area beating up and down the road for a photo opportunity.

If it’s even true. Doubtful

It’s not a big secret there’s big deer on the Paunsaugunt. Pretty sure every looky-loo is already beating up and down the road looking for a photo op. Zims posts aren’t doing anything to increase that. Really not hard to believe he’s seeing big deer after being there for three weeks

LIK2HNT · 2024-09-04T16:14:14-0600

Should be getting another update by tonight.

coloradoman · 2024-09-04T16:42:24-0600

Hunter21 said:
It’s not a big secret there’s big deer on the Paunsaugunt. Pretty sure every looky-loo is already beating up and down the road looking for a photo op. Zims posts aren’t doing anything to increase that. Really not hard to believe he’s seeing big deer after being there for three weeks

Just asking with the background pics and all. No sweat off my back!

Zim · 2024-09-04T19:17:06-0600

Got a shot yesterday morning at a wide 190” but it was 50 yards and he jumped when his buddy saw me draw. I’ve never taken any shot at game from that far, but the M34 has been drilling those w/broadheads consistently. Clean miss. I’d definitely been happy with that buck at this stage. Between my last two sits I counted 25 bucks from between 30 -140 yards. This included a heavy 4x4 180” this morning feeding alone broadside but 70 yards out. He never got any closer. I was torn if I should take him if he came in range. Glad I didn’t have to decide. Standards are lower but that’s still bottom lol. It’s so tough to not get spotted. Hard to get one isolated with less eyeballs looking. This saddle is really nice as new bucks show up here every morning. I’ll sit here for next three hunts while the wind is perfect NW. After that I’ll go back after the Monster. Went exploring yesterday evening, but nothing gained, so will devote my last 8 days to my two most productive areas. Always see deer at these two places. No more photos within bow range, I got busted twice this morning.

elkassassin · 2024-09-04T19:29:19-0600

So Zim?

Have you Located The Water/Weep Nearby In That Area?

Zim said:
Got a shot yesterday morning at a wide 190” but it was 50 yards and he jumped when his buddy saw me draw. I’ve never taken any shot at game from that far, but the M34 has been drilling those w/broadheads consistently. Clean miss. I’d definitely been happy with that buck at this stage. Between my last two sits I counted 25 bucks from between 30 -140 yards. This included a heavy 4x4 180” this morning feeding alone broadside but 70 yards out. He never got any closer. I was torn if I should take him if he came in range. Glad I didn’t have to decide. Standards are lower but that’s still bottom lol. It’s so tough to not get spotted. Hard to get one isolated with less eyeballs looking. This saddle is really nice as new bucks show up here every morning. I’ll sit here for next three hunts while the wind is perfect NW. After that I’ll go back after the Monster. Went exploring yesterday evening, but nothing gained, so will devote my last 8 days to my two most productive areas. Always see deer at these two places. No more photos within bow range, I got busted twice this morning.

View attachment 156698

View attachment 156699

Zim · 2024-09-04T19:34:46-0600

elkassassin said:
So Zim?

Have you Located The Water/Weep Nearby In That Area?

The only water source I have seen here is the Sevier River. Many deer head down to that private at night.

2lumpy · 2024-09-04T20:47:49-0600

Zim said:
The only water source I have seen here is the Sevier River. Many deer head down to that private at night.

How are the fairways playing this year?

Zim · 2024-09-04T22:33:35-0600

No golf courses even remotely close to where I’m hunting.

notdonhunting · 2024-09-04T22:56:11-0600

Zim said:
No golf courses even remotely close to where I’m hunting.

I have saw golf carts pretty close to where you are hunting.
Keep at it, I am having more fun following along with this thread than hunting myself.
Well almost.

2lumpy · 2024-09-04T23:24:43-0600

Zim said:
No golf courses even remotely close to where I’m hunting.

Well, it’s actually quite possible your Ghost Blind is set up on the 7th green. Things are a little different in Utah, folks multitask around here.

elkassassin · 2024-09-05T02:49:56-0600

Kinda Wondering Now If Zim Did Find The Green?

And These Might Be The 180" & 190" RACKS He Hasn't Been Sharing With Us?

Zim · 2024-09-05T06:41:34-0600

Poll: With 75% of the hunt now over, how many of you would settle for a 180” if one presents a shot?

hornkiller · 2024-09-05T06:47:32-0600

You shoot what makes you happy zim! I would shoot a legit 180 buck yes.

elkassassin · 2024-09-05T06:52:54-0600

It's Not up to Us Zim!

Best Of Luck & Give It Your Best!

Zim said:
Poll: With 75% of the hunt now over, how many of you would settle for a 180” if one presents a shot?

Dr H. · 2024-09-05T06:59:43-0600

Don't ask me how I know this. On the Pauns you just shoot a few and then it is easier to measure them on the ground. You can THEN make a more informed decision on which one to tag. Per CCO bylaws. (Possible, hearsay satire)

Looks like you are seeing quite a few and having fun! Awesome hunting trip reading the play by play. Curious to actually see what one you pick!

hossblur · 2024-09-05T07:06:18-0600

Zim said:
Poll: With 75% of the hunt now over, how many of you would settle for a 180” if one presents a shot?

I'd sit and enjoy what your doing until about 3 days left.

How many more chances will you have to do it in the future?

c3 · 2024-09-05T07:17:24-0600

I'd have shot the first buck over 180 that I got a clean opportunity at the first day. To me a 180 buck is huge and would go straight up on my wall.

Good luck and thanks for bringing us along for the ride !!!

Cheers, Pete

yoteduster · 2024-09-05T07:20:47-0600

It's your hunt Zim..shoot one that you'll be happy with..your the one that'll be looking at him every day and remembering this hunt..if you don't find one that trips your trigger..so be it you still have the memories of a great hunt..that's just my 2¢ worth

Bigwiffy · 2024-09-05T07:32:53-0600

With the amount of 180-190" bucks you are apparently seeing I wouldn't shoot one under 230" until the last day. 180-190" can shrink to 150-170" between where you hit them and where they die....

2lumpy · 2024-09-05T09:12:54-0600

Not all 180” are created equal, nor are the 200”.

Where the rubber meets the road, when you’re alone, at home, looking at the mount, remembering the hunt and how he looked in the field, I hope you can say to yourself, wow, he’s a beautiful mule deer and of all the bucks I could have killed, I’m really glad I killed this one.

My choice likely wouldn’t be your choice………. you kill what you want to see everyday.

The meat is gonna taste the same, the antlers are gonna please the heart and soul.

Ain’t it grand when we have choices! How often does that happen anymore!

elkhunterUT · 2024-09-05T09:17:42-0600

Shooting a 180" buck on the Paunsaugunt (or any unit for that matter) with a bow is not "settling" no matter how you slice it, but you gotta do what makes you happy - it is your hunt after all.

pauns08 · 2024-09-05T09:23:18-0600

180" is a still a really big deer and you seem to see a bunch of 180-190" bucks every day. If they are truly legit 180-190" bucks yes I would shoot a 180" buck this late in the hunt in a heartbeat. You just want to make sure they don't turn into 160-170" bucks once they are on the ground.

pounder · 2024-09-05T09:46:56-0600

zIM been loving the thread but can see it’s a losing situation as if you post say a 180” plus folks will be mad as it’s showing the area and growth which is beautiful there this year. And if you post something say the land of 150-170” that’s a lot of them they will say why you shoot that.. I would just shoot one that pleases you and then just show us all an arrow. Then no one will get mad. Best of luck and hopefully that Achilles gives you some relief to get after it. Good luck

mevertsen · 2024-09-05T10:16:20-0600

I'd shoot one of those big forkies. Haha

Vanilla · 2024-09-05T10:30:38-0600

It's your call, but since you asked for opinions, yes, I would shoot a legit 180 inch buck today if I was in your position.

Bigwiffy · 2024-09-05T10:39:46-0600

Post up a few of these numerous 180-190 bucks so we can help you decide.

lundellhunting7 · 2024-09-05T10:42:17-0600

Zim.... at this point in the hunt if it was me with a tag I would not care about score. I would shoot the first deer that got my heart pumping!

Elknut33 · 2024-09-05T10:43:52-0600

Just remember Zim, none of us on here matter. If a buck trips your trigger, shoot it and to hell with any negative comments from the keyboard warriors!

pauns08 · 2024-09-05T11:06:47-0600

I agree with lundell score shouldn't matter anyway just find a buck that gets you excited. I'm burning my points next year on a paunsagunt archery management tag to hopefully shoot one of them big ole 4x3's that nobody wants.

JP · 2024-09-05T11:46:07-0600

if you have a couple 180’s on the wall already then go for the 230”.

SanPitch · 2024-09-05T11:50:58-0600

I personally don’t agree with the way your throwing around scores so much, and so confidently. There are SO MANY factors that make up a score of a buck and combine that with trying to add those factors together while on a deer hundreds of yards away with a body you have truly no idea the size of, it’s pretty tough to come up with such a confident score on most deer. A 190 buck can turn into a 170 buck real quick, but beyond that, score is usually never how I judge a buck, you can put 2 180 bucks together and they might be TOTALLY different in terms of different characteristics, we all have certain characteristics that we love on a buck whether it be mass, extras, width, height, whatever it may be, I say shoot a buck you like and don’t even score it

rmanwill · 2024-09-05T12:01:29-0600

Zim enjoy the hunt and try not to stress over score. Sounds like the hunt has been memorable and a great time already. The buck will remind you of this memorable hunt when you look at it, but it is not the ultimate thing that makes the hunt.

Shooting a 190 on opening day is awesome, but spending a month in the mountains and seeing so many bucks and tagging a little smaller buck will be much more memorable.

A 180 buck is a big buck!!!

Good luck, enjoy and keep us posted.

mata · 2024-09-05T12:44:49-0600

Been really enjoying this thread, good luck Zim, I’m looking forward to the conclusion.

ktg · 2024-09-05T13:22:58-0600

The funnest hunt I've been on was one that was unsuccessful. If the tag would have been punched on the first day, or even half way through season, a bunch of those memories wouldn't have happened.

elkassassin · 2024-09-05T16:14:30-0600

Well Boys!

There Might Be An Old Advantage Of The SmokePole Deer hunt This Year!

And I haven't Forgot These Memories!

It's Not Often You Can Shoot A Buck & Not Have Ground Shrinkage Like BIG Wiff Mentions Above!

But With The 1X Scopes Going Back On,The Only Thing I Ever Liked About Them Is After You Start Walking Towards A Buck You've Put Down They Seem To Get Bigger The Closer You Get To Them!

I'm Hoping This Is The Case With Zim's Hunt Here!

And Not The Opposite!

Give Em HELL Zim!

elkassassin · 2024-09-05T20:59:52-0600

How Bout it Zim?

You Guttin,Cuttin & Hackin This Evening?

Camper_A1 · 2024-09-05T21:12:51-0600

I’ve really enjoyed following along on your hunt. Enjoy the journey because sometimes the ending isn’t everything we wanted. The memories, scenery, and wildlife you’ve been able to enjoy is what counts. Good luck still rooting for a 200”er!