Paunsagunt Archery

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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.
 
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 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.
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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.
 

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

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

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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.

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

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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!
 
Zim said:
Poll: With 75% of the hunt now over, how many of you would settle for a 180” if one presents a shot?
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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?
 
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
 
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
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Been really enjoying this thread, good luck Zim, I’m looking forward to the conclusion.🤙🏽
 
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.
 
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!:D

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

And Not The Opposite!

Give Em HELL Zim!
 
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!
 
Excited to check in here and there to see your thread. I got to go tag along once on a pauns rifle hunt and words cannot connect how special that place is. I hope you are confident in your scoring and shooting and connect soon!
 
To those questioning my scoring judgement, I’m not an expert. However I believe my estimates are legit. I know what a 180 & 190 deer is. I’ve been hunting for 30 years, took a 195+ wt in 2021. Had locals estimate the same scores on several during my trip, including Mossback. I’m really sorry I’ve not posted any photos of the shooters. But when they are near, my bow gets all my attention, not a camera. I just can’t afford that. I got busted too many times from minuscule movements. I will get a photo of a 190 I had at 27 yards but could not draw. A Mossback friend took a good photo of him with optics I don’t have. The incredible giant I am hunting is a legit 230”. Here is the saddle I viewed him walk thru. Will hunt it again this evening. I don’t know if he uses it often, but at least I’m in the game, right? I don’t expect to get him. But can’t hurt to try.

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Zim said:
To those questioning my scoring judgement, I’m not an expert. However I believe my estimates are legit. I know what a 180 & 190 deer is. I’ve been hunting for 30 years, took a 195+ wt in 2021. Had locals estimate the same scores on several during my trip, including Mossback. I’m really sorry I’ve not posted any photos of the shooters. But when they are near, my bow gets all my attention, not a camera. I just can’t afford that. I got busted too many times from minuscule movements. I will get a photo of a 190 I had at 27 yards but could not draw. A Mossback friend took a good photo of him with optics I don’t have. The incredible giant I am hunting is a legit 230”. Here is the saddle I viewed him walk thru. Will hunt it again this evening. I don’t know if he uses it often, but at least I’m in the game, right. I don’t expect to get him. But can’t hurt to try.

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May a gentle breeze blow in your face tonight!
 
For me personally, at this point in the game, I would not hesitate to let the air out of a 180" buck (Ida got itchy trigger finger long ago). That's a helluva buck any day of the week (especially with a stick & string). But like others have said, you have to do whatever makes you happy.
Setting expectations can be a sticky thing. I'm sitting on 22 deer points and I'm already wrestling with realistic expectations. My opinion is that at the end of the day you have to somehow ignore all the internet/media hype and just do whatever makes you happy and have no regrets on the drive home.
Either way, this has been a fun journey to follow so thanks for not being afraid to share the realities of your hunt.
 
I’m less questioning your field judging skills and more questioning your sanity!!!

Just kidding Zim!

I’ve said a million times, the only opinion on if and how to end a hunt by putting a tag on an animal that really matters is the opinion of the tag holder himself. You’ve asked for opinions, so it’s fair for people to share, but ultimately, you’re the only one that has to live with the consequences of killing or not killing any given animal on your hunt. We are all just sitting in the peanut gallery!

If I had your tag I would have been absolutely happy with tagging out on a 190 early in the hunt. But it appears you have had some awesome experiences that you wouldn’t have had if you’d done what I said I would have done. Can’t put a number on that!
 
Meet a guy in Idaho years ago bow hunting. He had killed some big mule deer with a bow and a lot of good bucks also. His biggest was something like a 37” side NT. He had some great advice I alway remembered.

He said to many people only want the huge ones. And when they get the opportunity they mess it up because they don’t have enough archery bucks under their belt. To many things can and will go wrong hunting big bucks, your skill and calmness should not be one.

Given this was like 25 years ago and tags were easier to get.

Wish you luck and waiting on a grip and grin photo.
 
I archery hunted the same area you are hunting almost 30 years ago, had a dedicated hunter tag was able to hunt archery, rifle and muzzy. Killed a buck on the 28th day of hunting, not the buck I hoped for but over all it was a unbelievable experience.
I discovered the araa on accident, older gentelman standing on side of the road told me to drive this road and when you see your 20th buck stop and hunt. I saw probably the biggest buck of my life along that road, I would not be able to give a true score because my memory scores him 300 plus. A friend of mine that had the same permit drew back his bow on a honest 200 typical under 30 yards, I talked him out of shooting that buck, we never had another opportunity on a buck that size.
I only see the bucks as you detail them and that is good enough for me.
 
Keep After It Zim!

Nilly Is Still A Little Shook Up About You Turning That 2 Point Loose!

Zim said:
To those questioning my scoring judgement, I’m not an expert. However I believe my estimates are legit. I know what a 180 & 190 deer is. I’ve been hunting for 30 years, took a 195+ wt in 2021. Had locals estimate the same scores on several during my trip, including Mossback. I’m really sorry I’ve not posted any photos of the shooters. But when they are near, my bow gets all my attention, not a camera. I just can’t afford that. I got busted too many times from minuscule movements. I will get a photo of a 190 I had at 27 yards but could not draw. A Mossback friend took a good photo of him with optics I don’t have. The incredible giant I am hunting is a legit 230”. Here is the saddle I viewed him walk thru. Will hunt it again this evening. I don’t know if he uses it often, but at least I’m in the game, right? I don’t expect to get him. But can’t hurt to try.

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RRCowboyStar said:
Hope you weren't waiting for this one? Post said it came off of the Pauns.

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If you drive thru town and see all the rednecks grinning from ear to ear it's hunting season! "Jeff foxworthy" and yes he has been to alton on the pauns!! This deer in orig post sure looks like closer to glendale thru sink valley on the pauns! More elevation drop!

Did wade somehow rub all the hairs off it's back before he sold it.... wonder how??


JEFF ALTON UT.jpg
 
Zim said:
Blood is boiling due to a real authentic retard tool with a crap tag in his pocket. A pathetic hunter so desperate he sees fit following around an Indiana license plate to find deer. Really mofo???
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👎👎👎

Dang……. I was hoping we could have avoiding one of these incidents.

Hunting is definitely a competitive sport in Utah. Sorry to say it……… but it is a fact.
 
Zim said:
Blood is boiling due to a real authentic retard tool with a crap tag in his pocket. A pathetic hunter so desperate he sees fit following around an Indiana license plate to find deer. Really mofo???
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? In English please.
 
treedagain said:
Name a place it is not? When I had my Nevada ram tag seemed like the NV hunters scouted by stopping and glassing whenever they saw a stopped truck.
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Well……. in truth I can’t, I just find self degradation to be a soothing tonic. A honest response to an unfortunate event….sort of thing.
 
Some years they have had an archery or muzz management tag for NR. I know before I let my points build to the point of no return a few years ago I tried for the mgmt ( 3pt on one side) archery or muzz tag. But last two years it has been rifle only for the mgmt hunt I think.
Back on topic. Good luck Zim !!
 
If the media is saying it, you know it’s the opposite of what they’re telling you. MM people know it like it is, and we all know their is noting happy about the people or the State. Pure BS and where truth is told……. folks know, There is noting to see in Utah, it’s mostly likely in the bottom 10 happy places.

Here are the 10 happiest states to live in the US: See if yours made the list | Fox News

WalletHub released a new study deeming these American states the happiest among various key factors. Did your favorite spot make the list? See the results.
www.foxnews.com www.foxnews.com
 
2lumpy said:
If the media is saying it, you know it’s the opposite of what they’re telling you. MM people know it like it is, and we all know their is noting happy about the people or the State. Pure BS and where truth is told……. folks know, There is noting to see in Utah, it’s mostly likely in the bottom 10 happy places.

Here are the 10 happiest states to live in the US: See if yours made the list | Fox News

WalletHub released a new study deeming these American states the happiest among various key factors. Did your favorite spot make the list? See the results.
www.foxnews.com www.foxnews.com
Click to expand...
Hawaii? They can have that place...
 
2lumpy said:
If the media is saying it, you know it’s the opposite of what they’re telling you. MM people know it like it is, and we all know their is noting happy about the people or the State. Pure BS and where truth is told……. folks know, There is noting to see in Utah, it’s mostly likely in the bottom 10 happy places.

Here are the 10 happiest states to live in the US: See if yours made the list | Fox News

WalletHub released a new study deeming these American states the happiest among various key factors. Did your favorite spot make the list? See the results.
www.foxnews.com www.foxnews.com
Click to expand...
So you're telling me that tri-tip is both a member of the media and a taxidermist and a full time Monster Muleys troll? Dang that girl is busy. 😁
 
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