UT Bison Tag - Book Cliffs

[Spoony]

Somehow, I was lucky enough to get drawn for a once in a lifetime bison hunt in Eastern UT. Bull or cow, any legal weapon. I am a DIY solo archery hunter that takes great personal pride in the process; hiking in, finding the animals, making the shot, and of course the heavy packout if lucky enough (by myself). I am now looking for a reputable outfitter for the first time in my life that is inline with my hunt style. I do not need, and would prefer not to have, plush amenities like wall tents with stoves, food packed in, rental gear, etc. However I would like a pack out service to avoid meat spoilage that comes along with big animals/early season hunts and someone to help me find the animals since it is once in a lifetime hunt. 2 questions...

Can anyone list a few reputable, long time archery outfitters in the area? Does anyone have information about Wade Lemon Hunting?

Am I pushing my luck trying to find a reputable outfitter that provides a DIY "assisted" guide service for Bison?

 

[NorCal Mixed bag]

I would call Guy & Cody @ GT Outfitters. My friend hunted w/them for MD in the Books last year, and had been in contact w/them for several years prior, leading up to drawing. Although I wasn’t able to join the hunt due to several health issues, my friend (whose judgement I trust implicitly), had nothing but great things to say about their operation, attitude, skill, and knowledge of the area. I know they have mule/horse teams and plenty of other mechanized equipment, and they guide for bison in the units. The only question would be whether they had the time to help you on a partial DIY; no doubt they’re booked solid w/full-service clientele. If not, I feel confident they’d be willing and able to hook you up w/another reputable outfitter they partner with. At least give them a call, I know they’ll take some time to point you in a direction.

 

[Broadhead]

Congrats on the tag! You're going to appreciate having a guide on this hunt with local knowledge of the area. My buddy drew a late cow rifle tag a few years ago in the Books and we hunted hard for multiple weekends. Never turned up the herd. It was a bit disappointing for sure.

 

[CorbLand]

Asking about Wade Lemon on here may be opening a can of worms you dont want to.

I would call High Desert Sheep Guides. I dont know that he does bison hunters but I know he has been involved in a couple. He could probably point you in the right direction of a guide if he doesnt.

 

[Spoony]

The Bison hunt starts Sept 14, in the middle of my archery elk season. I will likely be leaving directly from my elk hunt to my bison hunt. I assume I will be spent after hunting elk so I have decided a full service plush hunt to "recover" since it is probably what I will want at that time. We all need to be pampered at some point. I have come to the conclusion that this tag is as good of a reason as any to spend $10,000 on a hunt (tag + guide). Hunting is a passion, I will figure out a way to pay for it (and convince the GF).

I understand there is some controversy with WLH and I am cautious. However, I am also hesitant trusting second hand information from news, forums, and the internet in general. There is always 2 sides. Flame on. I appreciate the leads for High Desert Sheep Guides and GT outfitters. I will contact them and see what they offer.

Thank you all for responding. This is helpful.

 

[Spoony]

And moderators, does it make sense to have a Bison section in the Hunting Forums???

 

[Woitey]

And moderators, does it make sense to have a Bison section in the Hunting Forums???

I'd like to see an exotics section, such as Bison, Nigali, Aoudad, Sika, etc.

 

[SandyCreek]

I pulled a cow tag in october for book/little creek/south got plenty of research to do but wouldnt mind getting some packer info

 

[realunlucky]

The Bison hunt starts Sept 14, in the middle of my archery elk season. I will likely be leaving directly from my elk hunt to my bison hunt. I assume I will be spent after hunting elk so I have decided a full service plush hunt to "recover" since it is probably what I will want at that time. We all need to be pampered at some point. I have come to the conclusion that this tag is as good of a reason as any to spend $10,000 on a hunt (tag + guide). Hunting is a passion, I will figure out a way to pay for it (and convince the GF).

I understand there is some controversy with WLH and I am cautious. However, I am also hesitant trusting second hand information from news, forums, and the internet in general. There is always 2 sides. Flame on. I appreciate the leads for High Desert Sheep Guides and GT outfitters. I will contact them and see what they offer.

Thank you all for responding. This is helpful.

I seem to remember Wade Lemon had his guide license suspended, simply do a search using the key words "Utah poaching case".

I hunted there in September and it was hot. Books can be steep and deep but also has lots of roads running though a good portion of the bisons habitat.



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[rogerthat]

You do you but if I drew a OIL tag I would focus on that. Elk tags are a dime a dozen. Ymmv