Paunsagunt Archery

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.
Click to expand...
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

View attachment 156312
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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 🤔
Click to expand...
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.

IMG_3110.jpeg


IMG_3122.jpeg
 
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
Click to expand...
 
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!
 
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!
 
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
 
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.
 
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!
 
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.

IMG_3136.jpeg


IMG_3138.jpeg
 
Last edited:
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.

View attachment 156872
Click to expand...
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.

View attachment 156872

View attachment 156874
Click to expand...
 
RRCowboyStar said:
Hope you weren't waiting for this one? Post said it came off of the Pauns.

View attachment 156894
Click to expand...
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
 

Similar threads

Founder
Mule Deer and Elk Hunts in Idaho
Replies
0
Views
586
Founder
Founder

Member Gallery Photos and Videos!

Wide Load!
Winter Range 1.jpg
20210717_221943.jpg
59B37502-3B58-43AC-94E5-7C94B360300F.jpeg
IMG_7719.jpg
IMG_5241.jpeg
67543EC9-2D8F-4DB2-974A-A3436951EB96.jpeg
IMG_0060.png
20200513_194717.jpg
20200307_165756.jpg
20160820_085929.jpg
BAD4D63B-CFFE-4CCE-9308-7E4837120CB9.jpeg
Bearpaw Outfitters

Experience world class hunting for mule deer, elk, cougar, bear, turkey, moose, sheep and more.

Wild West Outfitters

Hunt the big bulls, bucks, bear and cats in southern Utah. Your hunt of a lifetime awaits.

J & J Outfitters

Offering quality fair-chase hunts for trophy mule deer, elk, shiras moose and mountain lions.

Shane Scott Outfitting

Quality trophy hunting in Utah. Offering FREE Utah drawing consultation. Great local guides.

Utah Big Game Outfitters

Specializing in bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, mountain goat, lions, bears & antelope.

Apex Outfitters

We offer experienced guides who hunt Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Sheep, Bison, Goats, Cougar, and Bear.

Urge 2 Hunt

We offer high quality hunts on large private ranches around the state, with landowner vouchers.

Allout Guiding & Outfitting

Offering high quality mule deer, elk, bear, cougar and bison hunts in the Book Cliffs and Henry Mtns.

Lickity Split Outfitters

General season and LE fully guided hunts for mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, lion, turkey, bear and coyotes.

Back
Top Bottom