Utah, Fillmore Pahvant tag...

[work765]

Some questions.

I know whats coming, but some good always comes from it.
Most of this we have all heard before, and for the jokers- please save your comments for the next guy to post the same thing(unless its really funny).

I decided to apply for out of state hunting this year and actually just got notice that I got a unit in Utah. Fillmore tag. Deer any weapon. Oct 20

Questions I have.. for those that have hunted this area. Fillmore, Pahvant
• it seems like there are tons of roads in that that mountain range. Is everyone road hunting? Or ATV hunting? Im trying to figure out what to expect. I own a 4x4 and an ATV. I’m wondering if I should bring the ATV.
• Will there be a lot of hunters out?
• Like many in the past, and many to follow. I have limited time off of work, and wont be able to scout before hand. Scouting will be done via google earth. I can’t change this, and trust me if I didn’t have bills piling up; I would be there scouting now.
• After reading a bit online, it seems like this area has been in a decline. Does anyone have a current status of how it is? Its going to cost me a lot to take days off of work, and do the whole trip. I want to at least have a decent chance at getting a deer. And It doesn’t need to be a trophy at all. Just something in the 180 class! I’m kidding
• would there be any value in trying to find a semi-guided hunt? Considering I don’t live up there and cant scout? I want to do as much as I can, and hate the idea of having a guide. But I can clearly see my limitations. How much are semi-guided hunts?
• My plan so far is to be there by Friday for some pre-day opening glassing/scouting, and then be ready for the opening day.
• I have my eye on about 3-4 spots, and will hopefully have things narrowed down as time gets closer. I will probably focus more towards the south end. The beaver side.
• I read the average temps in Fillmore are around 65 day & 30 night during that time. Can I expect at least -15 deg of that on the mountain? Its apx 8000-10000 feet in elevation.

I’m sure I will have more questions. If you can help in anyway, please post here, or PM me.

Thanks!

 

[toadmeister]

Tagged for interest, I have no knowledge of the area. I am going to Philmont scout camp next Summer and was curious if there was hunting in the area.

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[mfllood3800]

Fillmore is about 40 miles from me. It has decent hunting, but it will also have lots of traffic as this opening day of general season. I would definitely take the quad. I met a guy last year who drew this tag who asked for some guide service. I declined because of a few reasons, but I would look North of town, to the East. Hay fields are every where as will be quads, trucks, cars, tractors and a sea of orange.


It could be cold so check the weather forecast prior to leaving, as it could also be warm. I was colder during the archery hunts last year (Aug) than the Muzzle loader hunts (Oct).

Find water by fields, then look for deep nasty pockets higher up for bedding- same as most any western state.

Pressure will push big bucks off fields well before day light- so think high, then look even higher.

Best of luck to you.




You will discover many camps already set up every where, as you will be late to the dance.

 

[Riles1050]

I grew up hunting this unit. I no longer do as you said it has been on the decline. However, it seems to have leveled off and even slightly improved the last few years. There will be lots of hunters and guys driving the roads. There are plenty of opportunities to hike into areas that you can't shoot at from the road. Definitely take the quad. If you get some weather it isn't uncommon for those roads to get pretty rutty and muddy. I would find a good looking drainage, get as high as you can on the quad, hike as high as you can from there and glass glass glass. Especially opening weekend stay out all day. The pressure pushes bucks around and they will come across a ridge into view at all time of the day. If you hunt hard for several days you should see a fair amount of deer and some 3+ yr old bucks.

 

[work765]

Thanks guys! now I’m getting even more excited about all this!

I’m healthy and able to hike a bit and that seems like the plan. I’ll take the ATV too to cover more accessible land. And glass like crazy.

Do most hunters camp at the camp grounds all through that area? Seems like there are a few. Or do people just set up camp wherever they like?

Lastly. This question keeps coming to me

What are people’s thoughts on going mid week to end of the season instead of the first half with opener?

On opener- you get lots of bucks being pushed. But, if I started mid week till closing day. I would get less hunters and more calm deer?

Is there a preferred outcome for success?

I can only take off 3 days from work. So it can only be or the other.




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[mfllood3800]

Thanks guys! now I’m getting even more excited about all this!

I’m healthy and able to hike a bit and that seems like the plan. I’ll take the ATV too to cover more accessible land. And glass like crazy.

Do most hunters camp at the camp grounds all through that area? Seems like there are a few. Or do people just set up camp wherever they like?

Lastly. This question keeps coming to me

What are people’s thoughts on going mid week to end of the season instead of the first half with opener?

On opener- you get lots of bucks being pushed. But, if I started mid week till closing day. I would get less hunters and more calm deer?

Is there a preferred outcome for success?

I can only take off 3 days from work. So it can only be or the other.




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Big bucks never calm down. They get big on purpose. The dates are your choice to make. Do you want meat or horns. The mature bucks will last unless someone is dedicated or just lucky. They get big for a reason. The 2-3 year olds will be shot up first week, you just have to decide what you want to take home, and then dedicate your hunt to that. Just going out and taking what ever comes your way often leads to tag soup.

Make a plan, dedicate yourself to that plan and go, then learn why you were or were not successful, then make changes and soon, you will become effective in all your hunts.

These animals are pressured 365 days a year. Their will to survive is often greater than ours to kill them. You have a great start- just make a plan and go get them.
We look forward to your pictures and stories from the hunt.