Paunsaugunt Archery help

FAB · May 4, 2006

I'm new here to posting messages but have been enjoying MM site for some time now. I live in Kansas and was very fortunate to draw a Pauns. archery deer tag this year and could use some help. I would like to make this a DIY hunt (I've never had a guided hunt before) but realize it could be tough to find a great deer going in cold. I'll have 15 days to scout/hunt (arrive 3 days before opener). I've heard guys say the area around Tropic Res. is a good place to start and that most deer are high during the archery hunt. Am I kidding myself thinking I can find a good/great deer on my own or should I consider getting a guide (they have already started calling)? My goal is a deer 170 or better and dont mind eating a tag if I have too. Any help or advice from guys who have hunted or scouted the unit is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

jrccarter · May 7, 2006

I hunted that area 3 years ago. I took the dirt road that heads south (it goes right by Tropic Resevoir) about 15-17 miles and hunted on the top of the red cliffs. There are signs all over telling you where the differant areas are. I shot a 24 inch 4X4 with a lot of mass. It wasn't one of the big 30 incher's that people have shot down there but I was happy with it. I saw 2 deer that were close to the 30 inch mark but I had already filled my tag. One thing I would mention is I scouted for 3 days over the 24th of July weekend and saw many many deer. One month later when the hunt started there were cattle around where the deer used to be. I didn't see a buck the whole opening day. I then went higher away from the cattle and there were 100's of deer. I only saw 2 deer bigger than the one I shot but I saw a lot that were about the same as the one I shot.
Jason

FAB · May 8, 2006

Thanks for the help. Everyone I've talked to about hunting the Pauns. during archery season says there are plenty of deer which is good to hear. I cant wait for August!

bowhunt · May 10, 2006

It has been a few years since I hunted the unit, but it was FUN!
We hunted on the top around the pink cliffs. We did see some good bucks above Tropic Res. off of the Whiting Bench road.
Look at the clear cuts early in the morning and in the evening. You are going to have fun.

Hawkeye · May 11, 2006

bowhunt-

I will be rifle hunting the Paunsaugunt in October. I plan on doing several scouting trips during the summer. I would be happy to share some information from my scouting trips with you in exchange for you telling about what you find during the archery hunt. I think that we would both benefit from this arrangement. COntact me if you are interested. Good luck.

Hawkeye

Hawkeye · May 11, 2006

Sorry bowhunt, my message was meant for FAB.

Hawkeye

FAB · May 15, 2006

I,d certainly be willing to do that Hawkeye. Contact me at [email protected]

cobowhunter · Jun 14, 2006

FAB,

How many pref. points did you have when you drew your tag? I too am saving up points for this hunt.

Mark

FAB · Jun 15, 2006

I had two points going into this years draw.

cabinfever · Jun 15, 2006

You could hire a guide and probably do very well, however you could also use the money for a good scouting trip instead of a guide. Probably be a more rewarding hunt. If you really want a good buck and have a fun hunt come out in July and scout.

Mike

Dub · Jun 15, 2006

Fab,

I grew up there. Give me a call and I'll help you out. Have your map ready. 801-592-6866

Dub

cobowhunter · Jun 16, 2006

How much would it cost to hire a guide just for the hunt? - no lodging, meals, etc. needed.

Mark

FAB · Jun 16, 2006

I've had a couple of guides call and your looking at anywhere from $4500-5000. One guide offered a 10 day hunt the other 5 day. I think those prices are pretty typical for LE type units in Utah and Az ( I think thats not including lodging). I am going to make this a DIY and save my money for when I draw a Strip tag someday (hopefully in the next 20 years or so, LOL). Thanks Dub, I'll give you a call next week. Already have my maps and the gears packed! FAB.