Utah West Desert Vernon Muzzy tag

[Auburnpack]

I was lucky enough to draw a NR West Desert Muzzy tag in Utah w 2 points. This came after applying at the last minute while thinking I was wasting my time and $ applying in Utah.
Obviously I have never hunted the unit but I did hike there 15 years ago which is the reason I applied for the unit. I hope to make a scouting trip sometime in late July. Would anyone doesn't mind pointing me in the right direction on where to get started, it would be greatly appreciated!
I also plan to camp. Does anyone know of a campground in the unit that has water?

Thank you!

 

[snik]

Congrats, that’s a great tag. Especially with two points! As far as camping goes, the most “improved” place would be Vernon reservoir, but there is no water hookups.

As far as the hunting goes, I’ll send a pm.

 

[realunlucky]

There's no water plan on bringing it with you. Also the campground isn't that nice anyways. You can buy ice and gas at the little store in Vernon

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[mountaingoat6969]

I also drew this unit as an archery tag with 2 points. It will be my first time hunting the unit as well. I am going to try and get out some pre season to scout also. I am planning to have a base camp and then be mobile to hunt high country. Seems like a lot of early archery guys are hunting out of ground blinds. I will be there closer towards the end of the archery season in September so my strategy will likely be spot and stalk. I’ve also never hunted mule deer so any tips greatly appreciated! I’ll shoot you a PM if I get out to scout and would be happy to provide any intell from my hunt during the archery season.


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[_getoutside]

I'd go towards the Erickson's pass area that's where I usually see the bigger bucks I hunt otc elk down towards cherry creek and rarely see big deer down that way.

 

[jvonbank]

How'd your guys hunts go in this unit of you don't mind sharing? I just got a call from Utah seeing if I'd be interested in taking an alternate tag in the unit for the rifle season the last week of Oct. I'm a NR with around 10 points and have never hunted the area, but hate to turn down what should be a good limited entry tag when given an opportunity. I have until tomorrow morning to accept the tag. Thanks for any info folks are willing to share!

Regards,
Jared

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[snik]

How'd your guys hunts go in this unit of you don't mind sharing? I just got a call from Utah seeing if I'd be interested in taking an alternate tag in the unit for the rifle season the last week of Oct. I'm a NR with around 10 points and have never hunted the area, but hate to turn down what should be a good limited entry tag when given an opportunity. I have until tomorrow morning to accept the tag. Thanks for any info folks are willing to share!

Regards,
Jared

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My buddy had the archery tag. We saw a decent amount of good bucks. He was able to put a couple stalks on but did not get it done. Hunting archery in that unit is real tough. On the other hand, muzzy and rifle is quite a bit easier out there. The last day of the archery hunt was the last day I was out there and there were still 4-5 bucks we were watching that were 180”+. Not sure how many of them were killed on the muzzy. Also, this was just one area of this unit. If I were tou you I’d take the tag considering it typically takes 18 points to have 100% draw odds for this unit for a NR.

 

[LONE HUNTER]

I would take the tag but i would do my damndest to get out there and scout before the hunt or show up early.

 

[Auburnpack]

Opening morning. 208 yard shot.

 

[cgasner1]

I haven’t looked at the odds but what are they for drawing I’m pretty sure you probably really beat them with this opportunity if you have the time I wouldn’t let it slip by


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[Auburnpack]

I had 2 points and the odds this year were 0.6%. That being said, I didnt draw Kansas Whitetail w 90% draw odds.

 

[jvonbank]

Thanks for the info and suggestions guys and nice buck Auburn!

I think my draw odds for the rifle tag were probably in the 3% range with 10 points. I wasn't going to be able to hunt the 1st half of the season, have never been to the area, couldn't scout before hand, and didn't have anyone to go with me to help. It was a hard decision to pass on the opportunity at the tag. I've drawn a couple other really low odd permits in the past so hopefully I'll get another chance at this one sometime in the next 20 years!

Jared

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