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Utah Paunsagunt Deer
Mule Deer
Contributors to this thread:
Zim 28-Jul-24
drycreek 28-Jul-24
HDE 28-Jul-24
3dvapor 28-Jul-24
DConcrete 28-Jul-24
BULELK1 29-Jul-24
badbull 29-Jul-24
MQQSE 29-Jul-24
Zim 13-Aug-24
pav 13-Aug-24
iceman 13-Aug-24
BOHNTR 13-Aug-24
midwest 13-Aug-24
Zim 14-Aug-24
Zim 16-Aug-24
t-roy 16-Aug-24
Zim 16-Aug-24
Treeline 17-Aug-24
NorCalVineyards 17-Aug-24
Bowboy 17-Aug-24
wildwilderness 17-Aug-24
ki-ke 17-Aug-24
Zim 17-Aug-24
Zim 17-Aug-24
BULELK1 18-Aug-24
BULELK1 18-Aug-24
Zim 18-Aug-24
t-roy 18-Aug-24
Zim 18-Aug-24
Gib 19-Aug-24
Bowboy 19-Aug-24
WV Mountaineer 19-Aug-24
Zim 19-Aug-24
tkjwonta 20-Aug-24
Rut-Nut 20-Aug-24
Paul@thefort 20-Aug-24
Treeline 20-Aug-24
Zim 21-Aug-24
Glunker 21-Aug-24
Bowboy 21-Aug-24
APauls 21-Aug-24
StickFlicker 21-Aug-24
Zim 22-Aug-24
wildwilderness 22-Aug-24
Zim 22-Aug-24
NorCalVineyards 24-Aug-24
Zim 26-Aug-24
tkjwonta 26-Aug-24
midwest 26-Aug-24
Bowboy 26-Aug-24
Bowfinatic 26-Aug-24
Treeline 26-Aug-24
Bill in MI 27-Aug-24
Speedgoat 27-Aug-24
HDE 27-Aug-24
BULELK1 28-Aug-24
Zim 28-Aug-24
Tilzbow 28-Aug-24
Zim 28-Aug-24
Zim 28-Aug-24
t-roy 28-Aug-24
drycreek 28-Aug-24
Zim 28-Aug-24
Supernaut 29-Aug-24
Zim 29-Aug-24
Zim 31-Aug-24
Zim 31-Aug-24
midwest 31-Aug-24
MQQSE 31-Aug-24
molsonarcher 31-Aug-24
Supernaut 31-Aug-24
Bowfinatic 31-Aug-24
Zim 31-Aug-24
Supernaut 01-Sep-24
Zim 02-Sep-24
DConcrete 02-Sep-24
DConcrete 02-Sep-24
Zim 02-Sep-24
Highlife 02-Sep-24
drycreek 02-Sep-24
DConcrete 02-Sep-24
Zim 02-Sep-24
Zim 03-Sep-24
Zim 03-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 03-Sep-24
Rut-Nut 03-Sep-24
RK 03-Sep-24
Zim 04-Sep-24
wildwilderness 04-Sep-24
Zim 05-Sep-24
MQQSE 05-Sep-24
Supernaut 05-Sep-24
Zim 05-Sep-24
9er 05-Sep-24
Supernaut 05-Sep-24
midwest 05-Sep-24
MQQSE 05-Sep-24
pav 05-Sep-24
HDE 05-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 05-Sep-24
bigeasygator 05-Sep-24
MQQSE 05-Sep-24
Tilzbow 05-Sep-24
Bowfinatic 05-Sep-24
deserthunter 05-Sep-24
t-roy 05-Sep-24
njbuck 05-Sep-24
Buckeye 05-Sep-24
Will 05-Sep-24
wildwilderness 05-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 05-Sep-24
HUNT MAN 05-Sep-24
RK 05-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 05-Sep-24
Tilzbow 05-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 05-Sep-24
Stoneman 05-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 05-Sep-24
pav 05-Sep-24
badbull 05-Sep-24
butcherboy 05-Sep-24
HDE 05-Sep-24
HDE 05-Sep-24
JBunn 06-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 06-Sep-24
Tilzbow 06-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 06-Sep-24
Zim 06-Sep-24
WYOelker 06-Sep-24
VAMtns 06-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 06-Sep-24
Drnaln 07-Sep-24
Jeff Holchin 07-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 07-Sep-24
MA-PAdeerslayer 07-Sep-24
Zim 07-Sep-24
Ambush 07-Sep-24
Zim 07-Sep-24
Zim 08-Sep-24
MA-PAdeerslayer 08-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 08-Sep-24
Crazeymaez 08-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 11-Sep-24
Tilzbow 12-Sep-24
TGbow 12-Sep-24
Beav 12-Sep-24
Jonsey 12-Sep-24
Scoot 12-Sep-24
JRABQ 12-Sep-24
JRABQ 12-Sep-24
Jonsey 12-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 12-Sep-24
drycreek 12-Sep-24
Firsty 12-Sep-24
Brijake 15-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 16-Sep-24
duckhunterbrad 16-Sep-24
Huntcell 16-Sep-24
Willieboat 17-Sep-24
Beav 17-Sep-24
t-roy 17-Sep-24
bigswivle 17-Sep-24
RK 17-Sep-24
drycreek 17-Sep-24
RK 17-Sep-24
Ov450 17-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 18-Sep-24
RuttCrazed 18-Sep-24
Treeline 18-Sep-24
Pauns08 18-Sep-24
Rut-Nut 18-Sep-24
Ambush 18-Sep-24
JohnMC 18-Sep-24
Will 18-Sep-24
Highlife 18-Sep-24
RuttCrazed 19-Sep-24
Highlife 19-Sep-24
Jonsey 19-Sep-24
Highlife 19-Sep-24
drycreek 19-Sep-24
Thornton 19-Sep-24
JohnMC 19-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 19-Sep-24
Don K 19-Sep-24
Insheart 19-Sep-24
Paul@thefort 19-Sep-24
Jonsey 20-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 20-Sep-24
RuttCrazed 20-Sep-24
Bou'bound 20-Sep-24
DConcrete 20-Sep-24
Zim 20-Sep-24
JohnMC 20-Sep-24
Treeline 20-Sep-24
Jonsey 23-Sep-24
Zim 24-Sep-24
mountainman 24-Sep-24
Grey Ghost 24-Sep-24
Quinn @work 24-Sep-24
Bou'bound 24-Sep-24
CBFROMND 24-Sep-24
duckhunterbrad 07-Oct-24
t-roy 08-Oct-24
BoggsBowhunts 08-Oct-24
csalem 08-Oct-24
Grey Ghost 08-Oct-24
Quinn @work 08-Oct-24
Scoot 09-Oct-24
duckhunterbrad 21-Oct-24
Jonsey 24-Oct-24
Rut-Nut 24-Oct-24
Ambush 24-Oct-24
400 Elk @Home 24-Oct-24
Tracker 24-Oct-24
c3 24-Oct-24
BULELK1 27-Oct-24
From: Zim
28-Jul-24
Although this will be my 10th mule deer hunt, I still don’t feel experienced. I know tree stand hunting is not popular out there, but it’s my preferred method due to physical issues. But I also plan to mix in some stalks on my upcoming Paunsagunt deer hunt. I’m wondering if when stand hunting if it’s generally better to sit water tanks, or set up on major trails between bedding & burns. On several Kaibab hunts I never saw a mature buck when I sat water. Much better observations hunting the trails. But my sample size was not huge. Just wanting to get some opinions. Thanks.

From: drycreek
28-Jul-24
No help Zim, but good luck !

From: HDE
28-Jul-24
Set up your stand in saddles if you can.

From: 3dvapor
28-Jul-24
Hire Mossback, if not get you a honda 500 and put a Benz silent exhaust on it. Those bucks will let you drive right by.

From: DConcrete
28-Jul-24
In all seriousness, I know zim won’t do it because he doesn’t like guides, but I would hire mossback. Their guides for the pauns are awesome. Good group of guys. Any haters should take the time to meet them.

From: BULELK1
29-Jul-24
+1 Jeff

Travel safe Ken and Pick-a-$pot,

Robb

From: badbull
29-Jul-24
I have never hunted the Paus but I will say scouting has helped me more than any other one thing when it comes to mule deer. I know that you are well experienced but if I had the tag I would scout it if at all possible. Good bowhunting to you, Badbull.

From: MQQSE
29-Jul-24
Good luck! Enjoy the effort

30-Jul-24
The more mature deer I’m familiar with being killed there. Where killed away from water and the chaos of water tanks.

Tent blinds set up on trails

From: Zim
13-Aug-24
Made camp yesterday by Tropic Reservoir. Busy scouting now. Very scenic country.

From: pav
13-Aug-24
Good luck on yet another hunt of a lifetime Ken!

From: iceman
13-Aug-24
Good luck!

From: BOHNTR
13-Aug-24
I hope you let the air out of a good one, Zim!

From: midwest
13-Aug-24
Good luck, Zim! Keep us updated if you can!

From: Zim
14-Aug-24
I scouted up three studs so far, all in bow range just feeding. All within two miles of my camp. 180-190". Only problem so far is all the bounty hunters I've bumped into. None with a tag of course. Screened all my pre-determined spots except one. Hatch Bench. Anyone know what roads to access this area? Most of it looks private. Thx.

From: Zim
16-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Bryce Canyon Entry Road
Zim's embedded Photo
Bryce Canyon Entry Road
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo

From: t-roy
16-Aug-24
Good luck, Zim. When does your season start?

From: Zim
16-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Tomorrow morning. This buck is in the same spot every morning, but my target buck is wider.

From: Treeline
17-Aug-24
Congratulations on the tag and opportunity! Good luck! Hope you get your target buck!

17-Aug-24
Go get em! We be hoping for the best, good luck!

From: Bowboy
17-Aug-24
Good luck!

17-Aug-24
With mule deer in Velvet I would recommend shooting one as soon as possible. It’s one hunt where each day it gets harder.

Other hunts like archery elk it gets better as the season goes so holding out is always on the mind.

Same with Fall whitetails- the hunt gets better into the rut.

From: ki-ke
17-Aug-24
Good luck! Can’t wait to hear the report…..

From: Zim
17-Aug-24
Five decent bucks in one group feeding between rain storms this evening. But no shooter.

From: Zim
17-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo

From: BULELK1
18-Aug-24
I worry for ya Ken, with those freaking crazy downpours and Flash Flooding.

Good luck, Robb

From: BULELK1
18-Aug-24

BULELK1's embedded Photo
BULELK1's embedded Photo
Seeming every single day.

18-Aug-24
I agree with Wildwiderness. The summer pattern bucks can lull you into thinking they are pushovers. Then with a little pressure and shedding velvet. 2 weeks later your still lugging your bow :>))

It is unfortunate how many people are assisting the tag holders. Increasing the pressure.

It would be nice if each tag holder received 2-3 vouchers for people assisting.

Each hunter is only allowed so many people in the field. of course it would be hard to enforce, but if you were caught assisting a hunter without a voucher, it’s a hunting violation.

From: Zim
18-Aug-24
The downpours have washed out many trails, but I still have many accessible. I've actually never seen so much rubble moved before. Some half acre fields. But my camp site is situated just fine. No problems there. Got a good practice range set up. Shoot my new bow every day. It's very accurate.

From: t-roy
18-Aug-24
Keep after it, Zim!

From: Zim
18-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Too foggy to see anything this morning. This evening saw ten bucks but no shooters. This one fed within 30 yards of my truck.

From: Gib
19-Aug-24
Thanks for posting pictures I’m, and hopefully you find a giant. Good luck

From: Bowboy
19-Aug-24
Are there any other hunters around?

19-Aug-24
Good luck!!!!

From: Zim
19-Aug-24
There are other hunters glassing on the main road but other than that no.

From: tkjwonta
20-Aug-24
Good luck Zim, sounds like it is just a matter of time until you find what you're looking for. Keep grinding!

From: Rut-Nut
20-Aug-24
That one was NOT a shooter Zim?

From: Paul@thefort
20-Aug-24
Ken, seems like you are in the right place. MY best Paul

From: Treeline
20-Aug-24
Stick to it! One of those big boys will make a mistake and you will be there to capitalize!

From: Zim
21-Aug-24
Before my health decline, I was a very good elk hunter. Mule deer, not so much. ?? I really suck at this spot & stalking mule deer hunting. Bumped another stud at 40 yards yesterday morning. Four in the same 50 acres over five days. Moved to a more stalkable terrain and glassed another shooter across the canyon, but it was hot out and he came out way too late to try a stalk. Back here this morning same spot. A good start, minions here!

From: Glunker
21-Aug-24
Bed them and stalk them. Stand hunting works on a stud buck if you can pattern it. I think you get more action if you are in glassing position early and bed one. Waiting on a trail requires intel, wind etc. Good luck.

From: Bowboy
21-Aug-24
Agree with Glunker.

From: APauls
21-Aug-24
Good luck Aim!! Rooting for ya!

From: StickFlicker
21-Aug-24
This is going to be exciting!

From: Zim
22-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Getting closer. Passed on these two this evening at 30 yards. One had crab claws. The other a 3x3.

22-Aug-24
Very nice to have “backup” bucks. The only problem I have is they never seem to be there when you decide to shoot one!

That’s why the early archery velvet mule deer hunt is tough for me. Each day I feel it’s harder and harder to kill a good one.

What are you looking for? A certain P&Y score? Gross/net? Or a certain look? Age class?

From: Zim
22-Aug-24
Priority is just to stay healthy and enjoy my hunt. After the flu virus from hell destroyed my last 25 point CO hunt. Seven toddlers screaming in the restaurant I’m working in now. In one group! Thank god leaving now. Hate screamers. At least they weren’t coughing. As far as deer size goes maybe around 190” but more important is just something special, wide rack or heavy. I’m in the game now so I think I will get one. Not letting early season pressure change my standards.

24-Aug-24
Enjoying this thread, good luck Zim, we all pulling for you. Connect with one that makes you proud.

From: Zim
26-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Rain washed out Saturday. Had ten bucks in bow range this evening. Last one a big 2x2 lol.

From: tkjwonta
26-Aug-24
Way to stay picky Zim, wait for the one that trips your trigger.

Looks like you are having a blast!

From: midwest
26-Aug-24
Is Thornton your photographer? ;-)

The noose is tightening! Good luck!

From: Bowboy
26-Aug-24
You’re getting closer to finding the right buck!

26-Aug-24
Love the updates Zim Rooting for you!

From: Treeline
26-Aug-24
I might have been tempted by that big 2… Have seen a few giant 2’s over the years and regret not shooting them.

From: Bill in MI
27-Aug-24
Looking forward to an update- Good luck!

From: Speedgoat
27-Aug-24
You’re in The deer. It’s just a matter of time till you find the right one! Take you time on you’re stalk and shoot straight!

From: HDE
27-Aug-24
Zim - much better reading about your hunt here than that other forum. Keep up the reports!

From: BULELK1
28-Aug-24
Ya got some good weather for a few days, I hope that helps ya out.

Good luck, Robb

From: Zim
28-Aug-24
Not sure how to estimate mule deer rack width. If a buck has two full ear lengths on both sides when alert & facing me, 7” + head 6” + 7” + 7” + 7” = 34” ? Does that sound right?

From: Tilzbow
28-Aug-24
You’re close. Tip of ear to tip of ear is generally 22” on a mature buck. So if you’re looking a buck that extends 7” past each ear your estimate could be a couple of inches short. That said it’s not an exact science and you could be spot on if the bucks head and ears run a little small, or the buck might have a bigger than normal head and ears and could be approaching 40”. If he’s around other bucks to compare to that might give you a better idea.

From: Zim
28-Aug-24
Thanks Tilzbow

From: Zim
28-Aug-24
BTW - I failed to update last few days because I went down in a deep canyon and up the other side and really pissed off my left Achilles. It was barkin something awful and I needed to recover. It’s much better today, all stretched out too. So I had two close encounters yesterday but blew stalking attempts to where I totally gave up that option. Now it’s either vehicle drive by solo jump out style, or my Ghost Blind in a saddle. Also wanted to mention, I had a young Mossback guide flag me down to talk. He drove me to some nearby bucks he glassed and explained their travel pattern. Showed me their saddle route. I don’t think he ever met a regular state lottery permit hunter before? Guy was super helpful. I emailed their office to compliment him, and leave my cell number in case he wanted to take a client there.

From: t-roy
28-Aug-24
Good to hear you’re still at it, Zim. We were beginning to worry when you hadn’t updated us for a few days. Keep after em, and remember to enjoy the entire ride!

From: drycreek
28-Aug-24
Zim, you have already passed bucks that would have been in my freezer by now. Good luck on the rest of your hunt !

From: Zim
28-Aug-24
Got closer. Nocked my first arrow. Four 4x4’s crossed road in front of my 4Runner. All decent and in range, but none especially wide. Will sit my Ghost Blind in a saddle tomorrow morning.

From: Supernaut
29-Aug-24
Good luck!

From: Zim
29-Aug-24
Had an interesting morning. Set up Ghost Blind in saddle. Had a deer come in silent from behind and snort 20 yards behind me. Startled me! Then later two bucks moved thru but nothing big. But I did nock my 2nd arrow! During my hunt I glassed a nice 190” across the canyon, but no way my Achilles would allow me a stalk there. So I texted the Mossback guy and he sent his buddy, who I showed where he was and he found him bedded with his good quality scope. So that was cool. He had scouting photos of that buck. Buck bedded over a private property fence line but they may set up below him in case he feeds back on the public this evening.

From: Zim
31-Aug-24
Has my best day of the hunt so far yesterday morning. Decided to give up that road hunting method entirely. Hated it anyway. Found hunting saddles in my Ghost Blind was the best way to go for me. After some software problem delayed my start, set up and and at 8 am had six does and one fork move thru the saddle all at 38 yards. None saw me. So that was a nice change. Then at 8:30 am saw a flash of antler. He went down in elevation then I seen him approach thru a juniper but he was on my right side. I failed to prep that side as the cover shielded me from the sun. Buck stepped out at 26 yards, a 180” 4x4 not deep forks but 30” wide. He stared me down for ten minutes before moving on. And he’s followed by the shooter 190” I glassed the morning before. Deep forks but only 28” wide. I tried to reposition for a shot but got busted by a third 180” type buck. All in my range, but just couldn’t draw. After all this ended I spent an hour studying my setup, trimming shooting lanes, and adding high cuttings for more shade. It should work now.

Returned to blind this morning but wind is wrong despite a good forecast. Morning thermals? Were fine yesterday. Anyway, getting closer yet.

From: Zim
31-Aug-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
My setup

31-Aug-24
Close, stick to this plan

From: midwest
31-Aug-24
That looks like a good set up! It's going to happen soon!

From: MQQSE
31-Aug-24
Getting closer!

From: molsonarcher
31-Aug-24
Today is the day! Good luck and shoot straight.

From: Supernaut
31-Aug-24
Good looking setup.

Getting close. Good luck!

31-Aug-24
Keep after it

Getting closer and closer

Love that ghost blind setup

From: Zim
31-Aug-24
It seems this will be the lost three day weekend. Minions everywhere and I mean everywhere. None with tags. Just truck after truck glassing only. However, they picked a good day to start because I was in my blind pre-dawn and there was a 1 mph wind from every direction. I had deer coming in twice but they winded me and bounded off. It was a lost cause. These are the days to try a change of pace to escape the minions. So I’m thinking of going to the top of the knob, where many bed, and look for a setup until Tuesday.

From: Supernaut
01-Sep-24
Good luck with the change to escape the crowds.

Keep us posted please.

From: Zim
02-Sep-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
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.

From: DConcrete
02-Sep-24
I know the feeling. It’s awful That we live in a society where we can go and do as we please.

It’s awful that the lands are considered multi use.

02-Sep-24
It’s a shame how the “AZ tactic” of gang hunting has metastasized and spread to other states.

It’s definitely not fair chase.

From: DConcrete
02-Sep-24
What if it’s family or friends helping? Does the removal of paid people restore fair chase?

What if it’s somebody taking photos? They have as much right to take photos as you do to be hunting.

Additionally, how do you know these are guide? What if they’re somebody’s friends?

I have been screwed over waaaaaaay more by regular joes than guides.

The majority of guides know how to hunt without running everything out. Most the public, does not.

But I know, For a lot of you guys, you want regulation on things that benefit you.

From: Zim
02-Sep-24
"The majority of guides know how to hunt without running everything out. Most the public, does not."

Unfortunately, in this case, the opposite is definitely true. You'd have to be here to see for yourself.

02-Sep-24
Free or paid. 5-10-20 people hunting on one tag is gang hunting.

From: Highlife
02-Sep-24
It's public hunting get over it

From: drycreek
02-Sep-24
Good luck Zim, I know you are looking for a specific type of buck, but remember the old adage, “don’t pass up on the first day, what you would take on the last”. Good luck……again !

From: DConcrete
02-Sep-24
I don’t blame zim for being selective.

From what I’ve seen or can tell, he’s been a successful bow hunter.

He has such a premium tag in his pocket. But he does need to beware of the migration that takes place on that unit.

That hunt will start to change drastically very soon.

But he’s hunting in the land of the giants and I do wish him the best of luck.

He seems to be soaking in the areas beauty. Southern Utah is a sight to behold…..let alone to be hunting in.

From: Zim
02-Sep-24
Bye bye Labor Day tourists! Enjoy your work!

03-Sep-24
Please let me clarify my position. Of course, being in Camp with a relative or friend with a premium tag is fun.

Where it gets offensive for me and no longer fair chase, is when all the helpers lockdown the best glassing positions and impede in another actual tag owners hunting.

of course it’s public land, and there are no laws against it, but in my opinion, it’s not fair chase.

I understand it’s their style of hunting So I’ve always been very civil and courteous to those scouters when I’ve encountered them.

From: Zim
03-Sep-24
Go back to work, Highlife. Lol

From: Zim
03-Sep-24
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.

03-Sep-24
Enjoy yourself, don’t let the killing part ruin the enjoyment of the hunt.

From: Grey Ghost
03-Sep-24
Keep after it, Zim, you’re doing it the right way, IMO, without a small army of helpers. If you kill, or not, that will make the reward more meaningful.

From: Rut-Nut
03-Sep-24
Sounds like you’re in good position and have a plan. Forget about the “minions” and GO GET HIM! Pulling for you!

From: RK
03-Sep-24
Very nice Zim. Stay after it !!

From: Zim
04-Sep-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
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.

04-Sep-24
Thanks for the updates.

It looks like all the bucks are still in velvet?

Good luck

From: Zim
05-Sep-24
This morning I saw my first two hard horn. And the 180 had portions falling off.

From: MQQSE
05-Sep-24
At least you may not have to mess with the velvet any more! Good luck.

From: Supernaut
05-Sep-24
Thanks for the updates and sorry about the miss but at least it was clean.

Keep us posted and good luck!

From: Zim
05-Sep-24
Poll: With 75% of the hunt now over, how many of you would settle for a 180” if one presents a shot?

From: 9er
05-Sep-24
A true 180”+ buck I would be shooting if you want to tag out. If you’re ok with not filling your tag and spending more time looking for a giant you hold out. Each passing day brings a different dynamic to the hunt. You could have new bucks showing up while the resident deer might start moving anyday It’s been great to Follow along

05-Sep-24
A true 180”. Not many would pass if in bow range

From: Supernaut
05-Sep-24
I have never hunted mule deer so I would definitely be happy with any legal animal I had a chance to kill.

Poll answer: Yes to 180

From: midwest
05-Sep-24
I don't have a muley so, yes, on the 180. Sounds like a hell of a hunt regardless.

From: MQQSE
05-Sep-24
I’d have done it on day 1.

From: pav
05-Sep-24
Really depends on what your goal is Ken. Doesn't really matter what other bowhunters think... IMO. You have a once in a lifetime tag. Do whatever makes you happy!

From: HDE
05-Sep-24
180" with a bow? For me it's an absolute yes.

From: Grey Ghost
05-Sep-24
I think "true 180" is the key here. I've met a lot of whitetail hunters who thought every decent Mulie buck they saw was a 180". Very few were. I would not pass a true 180" with a bow.

From: bigeasygator
05-Sep-24
“Settle” and “180”” is basically an oxymoron for me lol nothing about 180” would be settling, regardless of the unit. I guess if I had a bunch of big mule deer on the wall and had a dream tag maybe I’d feel feel different. But I don’t so I’d be thrilled with a 180”

05-Sep-24
180” MD and larger are getting more and more rare. And will continue to do so.

From: MQQSE
05-Sep-24
Happy birthday too! Now get yourself a birthday present.

From: Tilzbow
05-Sep-24
I’d shoot a true 180” buck the first hour of the first day in the best mule deer unit anywhere and be really happy.

05-Sep-24
I'm shooting at this point in the hunt

From: deserthunter
05-Sep-24
Nope not with that tag

From: t-roy
05-Sep-24
Yes

From: njbuck
05-Sep-24
It would be awfully hard to pass up on a true 180, the only way I could even think about it would be if you had that giant 230 figured out and he was on a semi patternable routine, even then it would be tough to pass a 180 in a perfect situation.

From: Buckeye
05-Sep-24
180" muley,,All day long and twice on Sundays.

From: Will
05-Sep-24
Wow, those pictures bring back good memories of hiking and camping in the area around Bryce. I saw a few great bucks just after that "tunnel," too! Hope things go better with fewer "minions" as the week progresses.

05-Sep-24
Yes to a true 180” mule deer-

Yes to a buck 30” wide as well

If you are talking gross score then I would have to be sure it was over 180 with the net score falling above 170”

From: Grey Ghost
05-Sep-24
The 30" wide benchmark on Mulies has always puzzled me. I've guided hunters who passed on solid 180" class bucks because they weren't 30" wide, then shoot a 165" buck with wide skinny antlers. I wonder how the 30" thing got started?

From: HUNT MAN
05-Sep-24
I would punch myself in the face for a 180 today:)

From: RK
05-Sep-24
GG

Always been that way it seems. When we were outfitting in Wyoming in the late 80's early 90's I had lots of clients pass really big deer up to shoot a scrappy 30 incher. Same with whitetail 20" inside spread was what the clients wanted. Go figure

From: Grey Ghost
05-Sep-24
RK, I've always been a mass and deep forks guy with mulies. I also like trash. Spread has never been a priority for me.

From: Tilzbow
05-Sep-24
I hunted the best trophy in Nevada in its heyday and would’ve shot a true 180” buck on the first day. For those not in the know this was the same unit Randy Ulmer killed those monster NV bucks in annually for several years. That said I also shot a little 280” 6x6 bull near Ely, NV in the early 2000’s with the knowledge there were a handful of bulls at, or near 400”, in the unit. In New Mexico, in 2007, I shot a 325 bull on the fourth day and a day after a close encounter with a 425” bull. In 2012, NM, I passed up a couple 340 bulls, hoping for something bigger and I went home without an elk and haven’t drawn a premium elk tag since.

Point is, go after the buck that’ll make you happy and don’t look back.

From: Grey Ghost
05-Sep-24
"I'd like to see one pic of these so called 180 bucks he's been passing."

Maybe I missed it. Where did Zim claim he "passed" on a 180" buck?

From: Stoneman
05-Sep-24
I would say 2 or 3 of the bucks posted on this thread are pretty nice, maybe not for this unit but overall. First is his 3rd pic right after the tunnel and rocks. Next the one in camp may not be real wide but it appears to have an extra tine on one side? And his last pic with the bucks head down and away looks like a pretty good one. It’s hard to get good pics in the heat of the moment but that would help.

I hope Zim gets a shot at one of his target bucks.

From: Grey Ghost
05-Sep-24
"None posted are close to 180"

He never claimed they were. He claimed he's seen several 180s, or larger, out of range, and got busted by a couple in his blind, which prevented him from drawing his bow, but he never claimed to actually pass on a legitimate shot opportunity at a 180".

I'm rooting for Zim. I hope he kills a true monster. He's up there putting the work in, solo, and finding quality bucks. I admire that. Why don't you?

From: pav
05-Sep-24
"None posted are close to 180"

None of the posted photos are even suggested to be close to 180". Just a few bucks that he's passed in bow range...2X2, 3X3, crab claws, etc...

From: badbull
05-Sep-24
I would shoot any good buck that presents a clean shot as I would regret not filling that tag after all you have put into it. Even less than 180 if that is what is available. I have hunted mule deer for over 50 years and can say that any diy archery public land P&Y size deer is hard to come by these days. You may feel differently but I would feel much better about going home with a nice buck than an unused tag at this point. Sounds like you are having a great time and keeping a lot of us interested in the way that you are presenting your hunt to us. Thanks for bringing us along and sharing, Badbull.

From: butcherboy
05-Sep-24
180” most definitely. 170” most definitely. I like mass, deep forks, and height. I haven’t drawn a mule deer tag for 24 years now. For me, if it’s a decent buck and I like him, I’m shooting.

From: HDE
05-Sep-24
"None posted are close to 180"

This thread isn't about you...

From: HDE
05-Sep-24
^^^^ this post is pretty telling:

"I'd like to see one pic of these so called 180 bucks he's been passing. The only photos he's posted have been dinks. Most guys especially from back east know how big a legit 180 buck is"

From: JBunn
06-Sep-24
The big 2 would have caught an arrow already. Good luck!

06-Sep-24

Altitude Sickness 's embedded Photo
Altitude Sickness 's embedded Photo
Here is my best Mule Deer.

He is 30” on the nose and still only 170”

06-Sep-24

Altitude Sickness 's embedded Photo
Altitude Sickness 's embedded Photo
Measured I think 169 ish before drying

His forks hurt him

From: Grey Ghost
06-Sep-24

Grey Ghost's embedded Photo
Grey Ghost's embedded Photo
Altitude, I killed this buck last year that looks like the twin brother to yours. He's a hair under 30", but lacks mass, and fork length. Net 168". I was happy with him, though. Can't kill a monster every year.

Looking forward to your next update, Zim.

From: Tilzbow
06-Sep-24
Keep in mind Zim is hunting velvet bucks. He did mention he’d seen a hard horn buck or two in recent days, which makes sense given the time of year. Those two bucks above would sure look like 180 bucks if they still had velvet. They might even score 180 in full velvet but I’m not real familiar with how many points velvet adds. Some of the more hardcore P&Y guys and/or scorers could surely provide some insight.

06-Sep-24
Nice deer GG

From: Grey Ghost
06-Sep-24
Tilzbow, I'm guessing velvet doesn't add more than 1-2" to the actual score, but you are correct, it sure makes them look bigger.

From: Zim
06-Sep-24

Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
Zim's embedded Photo
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.

06-Sep-24
I surely wasn’t questioning your scoring. I just added reference to state I would definitely shoot a 180” MD with a bow

From: WYOelker
06-Sep-24
No 180" buck for me on such a tag... Truth is a guy can find 180" bucks on general tags. In this case I would be a true monster or bust. Stick it out and if there was a 230 in the area there is no doubt that anything under 200" would not even get a second look. Hold out for something special...

From: VAMtns
06-Sep-24
Stick to it Zim and stick that giant . Good Luck

From: Grey Ghost
06-Sep-24
Classy as usual, Orion. Nice buck.

From: Drnaln
07-Sep-24

Drnaln's embedded Photo
Drnaln's embedded Photo
My Pauns buck grossed 206+ & netted a bit over 200!

From: Jeff Holchin
07-Sep-24
Good luck Zim, if you mentioned it, I didn’t see it: how many points did it take to draw that tag? Hope you get a last minute buck!

From: Grey Ghost
07-Sep-24
Beautiful buck, David, and great pic!!

Let's go, Zim, you got this!!

07-Sep-24
Good luck Zim! Hope your posting a pic standing over that 230 soon!

From: Zim
07-Sep-24
27 points. I’m not optimistic, but am persistent. Will hunt to the last day 9/12. Had a great morning today despite lots of side by sides driving around all morning. Should have let an arrow go at 50 yards. One of the four bucks was a shooter. Then later saw 3 bucks with four does 150 out. A good morning. Booked flight for wife South Bend to Vegas 9/12. Will do Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon before driving home.

From: Ambush
07-Sep-24
I’ve never had a OIL tag so I don’t know what I’d do in your case. I do eat tags with no regret, but I’ll get another one likely.

I do know that if you shoot an animal you’re not sure you want to, you’ll have some misgivings. But if you’ve made up your mind that you’ll be happy with a certain one, then you likely will be.

You’ll know him when you see him! You’ve put your time in and passed some most wouldn’t.

Shoot straight and go home happy.

We’re all rooting for you, Zim!!

From: Zim
07-Sep-24
I’m close because I’ve had six bucks in bow range between my last two sits.

From: Zim
08-Sep-24
Blood is boiling due to a real authentic retard tool with a crap tag in his pocket. A pathetic hunter so desperate he sees fit following around an Indiana license plate to find deer. Really???

08-Sep-24
That’s BS zim….hopefully they don’t continue to screw you man…

From: Grey Ghost
08-Sep-24
What is a “crap tag”, Zim?

From: Crazeymaez
08-Sep-24
They must have heard how good you did in Wyoming for deer and NM for deer and Colorado for elk.

09-Sep-24
Even if he has the same tag that is BS.

Many Hunter‘s ethics have never been good, but I think they’re getting worse

From: Grey Ghost
11-Sep-24
What’s the word, Zim? You still on ‘em?

From: Tilzbow
12-Sep-24
Maybe he got arrested for assault and battery.

From: TGbow
12-Sep-24
Good luck

From: Beav
12-Sep-24
Man I hope this ends with a big buck!!

From: Jonsey
12-Sep-24
“I'd like to see one pic of these so called 180 bucks he's been passing. The only photos he's posted have been dinks. Most guys especially from back east know how big a legit 180 buck is.”

The pauns are just different, bodies are much bigger and the bucks for some reason don’t photo well. I know that’s weird to say, my good buddy killed a buck last week with his bow. He looked like a 185/190 buck in the pictures and video. He was significantly bigger once he had a tape on him.

As for the rat race down there, if you wait the amount of time it takes to draw this tag, go hunt with a pro.

From: Scoot
12-Sep-24
"As for the rat race down there, if you wait the amount of time it takes to draw this tag, go hunt with a pro."

Or... don't, because you prefer to hunt without a guide.

From: JRABQ
12-Sep-24
Coming down to the wire, go Zim!

From: JRABQ
12-Sep-24

From: Jonsey
12-Sep-24
“Or... don't, because you prefer to hunt without a guide”

I’d never do that hunt solo, and I solo hunt a bunch. The country is and hunting style are way different than anywhere else I have hunted deer in the west.

I’m guessing one of the top tags in the nation doesn’t taste any different than eating an OTC tag.

From: Grey Ghost
12-Sep-24
I completely understand Zim's desire to do this hunt solo. I'd be the same way. I have no desire to be guided on a hunt, regardless of how special the tag is. I'm not saying using a guide is right or wrong, just how I feel about it.

In my opinion, Zim has already had a successful hunt, regardless if he punches a tag, or not.

12-Sep-24
I completely agree. It appears to be a great hunt. Many close calls.

All that is left is gutting the animal. He has gotten everything else we look for in a hunt.

From: drycreek
12-Sep-24
I hope you haven’t misconstrued my opinion for your facts Zim. I have killed one muley buck in my life, a 165 and change gross. A 180” gross with a bow would be a no brainer for me, but we ain’t all of the same mindset. Good luck getting the 200”+ or passing everytthat ain’t. Your hunt, your choice !

From: Firsty
12-Sep-24
Good luck Zim finish strong

From: Brijake
15-Sep-24
Did I miss something? No updates?

From: Grey Ghost
16-Sep-24
Bueller....Bueller??

16-Sep-24
I sure wish ZIM would update this post today!

16-Sep-24
Hopefully he is ok

From: Huntcell
16-Sep-24

His wife has his undivided attention.

From: Willieboat
17-Sep-24
You alive Zim ??

From: Beav
17-Sep-24
That’s a long blood trail!

From: t-roy
17-Sep-24
Hopefully, we don’t have to put Zim’s pic on the back of a milk carton!!

From: bigswivle
17-Sep-24
Vegas got ‘em

From: RK
17-Sep-24
I hope he killed a monster and then had his wife help him process it. If NOT I hope he hit the 20m progressive at Caesar's palace

From: drycreek
17-Sep-24
Zim, Zim, come out wherever you are !

From: RK
17-Sep-24
I was really hoping he would have connected on a big boy.

From: Ov450
17-Sep-24
There was a thread like this a few years ago about a mountain lion hunt that had the main contributor never post again about it

From: Grey Ghost
18-Sep-24
Perhaps Zim killed a potential WR, and he's keeping it under wraps until it's officially scored and he's signed all of his endorsement deals. ;-)

From: RuttCrazed
18-Sep-24
Best case scenario, he shot one of the "180 - 190 inch" deer he was seeing and it turned out to be a 140" deer. More likely scenario, he got nothing and will never post here again.

From: Treeline
18-Sep-24
Dang! Hopefully Zim’s OK. Looking forward to the rest of the story!

From: Pauns08
18-Sep-24
I been following his story over on monster muleys. I think he didn't fill his tag so he doesn't want to tell anyone the outcome. Pretty common for guys to just bail without finishing the story when they don't fill a tag. Or like ruttcrazed said one of the many "190" bucks got killed and turned into a 140" buck

From: Rut-Nut
18-Sep-24
Well, I just hope he’s alright!

From: Ambush
18-Sep-24
I think the best we can do now is offer up all kinds of speculation and maybe question his efforts and ethics. Then for sure he'll come back with the rest of the story.

From: JohnMC
18-Sep-24
Heard he lost his wallet and was detained by immigration.

From: Will
18-Sep-24
Dang, those are some beautiful Mulies you all have killed over the years!

From: Highlife
18-Sep-24
The locals followed him killed his buck . To which they had no right to do . Expect the familiar rant on how residents and the state screw over NR's.

From: RuttCrazed
19-Sep-24
Highlife, are you just guessing what happened or do you know something we don't? Sadly, on public land, no buck is your buck.

From: Highlife
19-Sep-24
Guessing by his last few posts.

From: Jonsey
19-Sep-24
Wade Lemon’s crew would shank their grandma to put their hands on a big deer in the pauns..

From: Highlife
19-Sep-24
I sure the hell wouldn't been telling an outfitters guide what I've been seeing. Just saying

From: drycreek
19-Sep-24
Well, hell ! This is now a soap opera.

From: Thornton
19-Sep-24
It's dumb to even say what unit or county you're hunting.

From: JohnMC
19-Sep-24
Apparently the aliens got him. They just transmitted a signal I picked up.

From: Grey Ghost
19-Sep-24
I just checked out Zim's thread over at Monster Muleys. Damn, those boys are brutal over there! Makes us look like choir boys here on Bowsite.

I honestly hope Zim is OK. He does have heart issues, after all. Hopefully he spent some quality time with his wife, and he will finish the story on this hunt when he gets home.

From: Don K
19-Sep-24
Hes fine, doing state parks with his wife and will be on when done

From: Insheart
19-Sep-24
Thanks for the update Don.

From: Paul@thefort
19-Sep-24
Zim, I am sending some corn pollen from my medicine bag your way. If the wind direction is right, you should get it by morning. Use it wisely. MY best, Paul

20-Sep-24
““Wade Lemon’s crew would shank their grandma to put their hands on a big deer in the pauns..””

Almost spit my coffee out.

I have a lot of Utah points and over the decades have changed from wanting the largest animal in the unit

To now. I will be searching hunts that have fewer different hunts going at the same time. And search by pressure not antler or horn size.

I don’t need any more mounts anyway. Although I may build a separate trophy building. I have a barn, a friend’s pub and relatives displaying mounts that overflow from my house. (Man if I could get all the money back.). Instead like many I’ll slowly be giving them away eventually.

So the points process has taken so long my whole reason for hunting has changed. DRAMATICALLY

From: Jonsey
20-Sep-24
If I was going to hunt the pauns with my own tag, the only crew I’d go with is the roundys, Great family operation and they do a good job of staying out of the rest of the nonsense that others get into down there.

I was down there this year with a friend and got to spend a few days with them, absolutely first class people and yes my buddies hunt ended much differently than this novella, from my limited experience there I absolutely wouldn’t hunt it solo as its mostly ambush hunting due to the cover and terrain. Plus with the amount of points, I’d want to make the most out of it.

From: Grey Ghost
20-Sep-24
"Plus with the amount of points, I’d want to make the most out of it."

For some of us "making the most" of a hunt is all about the challenge of figuring out the area and its animals on our own. The idea of having our hand held by a "pro" who tells us when, where, and how to hunt has no appeal. I'd rather eat tag soup, knowing that I gave the hunt everything I could, instead of paying someone to do the planning, scouting, and hunting for me. To each his own.

From: RuttCrazed
20-Sep-24
Don K, do you know this or are you just guessing based on one of his previous posts? It has been a week and he hasn't had 1 minute of downtime looking at National Parks??

From: Bou'bound
20-Sep-24
Which state parks are on his route

From: DConcrete
20-Sep-24
Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, zions, capital reef, there’s a lot of them in that part of Utah.

From: Zim
20-Sep-24
Will summarize soon. Wife flew out and got my hands chock full Vegas, Big Ditch, Zion, now Bryce. And must visit grandkids & niece in Fort Collins Sun/Mon. Don’t even have 5 minutes free. I’m exhausted.

From: JohnMC
20-Sep-24
Those are all national parks

From: Treeline
20-Sep-24
Just glad to hear you’re OK! Enjoy the family time!

Looking forward to the rest of the story!

From: Jonsey
23-Sep-24
“For some of us "making the most" of a hunt is all about the challenge of figuring out the area and its animals on our own. The idea of having our hand held by a "pro" who tells us when, where, and how to hunt has no appeal. I'd rather eat tag soup, knowing that I gave the hunt everything I could, instead of paying someone to do the planning, scouting, and hunting for me. To each his own.”

I don’t need anymore “experiences” I’m all for it if I can reasonably expect to hunt it again, on an OIL hunt not so much.

Mule deer aren’t stupid like sheep and moose lol..

From: Zim
24-Sep-24
BTW - If anyone here wants to get miserably sick no problem. Just climb aboard one of Kamala’s green shuttle buses at Zion NP. You will be packed in standing room only squeezed behind yellow lines with viruses from Germany, Italy, France, Australia, South Korea, China, etc, etc. They have them from every corner of the globe, sharing their coughs & sneezes. Good thing I learned from my 2022 hunt to combo my wife & family stuff AFTER my hunts. Was 100% healthy while at the Pauns and as a result had a fantastic trip. Can’t say the same about today. Glad I got 8 days off to recuperate. Corrupt commie Kamala, dementia Joe & ugly Nancy Pelosi can all rot in hell where they belong.

From: mountainman
24-Sep-24
Would love to hear how the end your hunt went.

From: Grey Ghost
24-Sep-24
Dang, Zim, you seem very susceptible to viruses. Hope you feel better soon.

From: Quinn @work
24-Sep-24
Zim got the Dem Flu!

From: Bou'bound
24-Sep-24
Zim Must be feeling poorly. Not like Him To rag on politicians

From: CBFROMND
24-Sep-24
The family and myself are planning a trip through Utah parks starting in Vegas... I was going to ask how that is but not sure I want to know now! ha!

07-Oct-24
Eagerly awaiting the end of this story....

From: t-roy
08-Oct-24
Cliffhanger….

08-Oct-24
Maybe he killed a state record and is waiting for the drying period to end before telling us

From: csalem
08-Oct-24
I don’t think Zim was successful in killing a deer. Seems like his time was up, wife in the way and a busy schedule being a tourist. Nothing he wrote indicated that he got a deer. He said he would follow up when he got some free time Don K basically said the same I hope he ended up tagging out

From: Grey Ghost
08-Oct-24
How much time does it really take to admit you didn't fill a tag, then blame it on the "minions"?

From: Quinn @work
08-Oct-24
Hopefully this story didn't end like Bou's mountain lion hunt. Just vanished, never to be discussed again.

From: Scoot
09-Oct-24
Hahaha- this is kinda feeling like a Bou II! Maybe we'll never find out. It's interesting how quick people are to report their punched tags and how quiet people get when the don't take an animal. Just human nature I guess...

21-Oct-24
I was gone for 10 days and was really looking forward to an update on the ending of this hunt.... So many close calls with giant bucks!

From: Jonsey
24-Oct-24
I wonder if he’s still packing it out?

From: Rut-Nut
24-Oct-24
Every time I see this come to the top I get a little excited thinking maybe we will get to hear the ending………………….

From: Ambush
24-Oct-24
Would be nice to hear the rest of the story, for better or worse.

24-Oct-24
His hunt has been over for a while. I wish he would complete the story but…I think he has had more than enough time. Sucks but his story.

From: Tracker
24-Oct-24
Yea just went thru this thread figuring there would at least a happy/sad ending. On well Im off to the Monroe next Tuesday for my Muzzy mule deer hunt. Don’t expect a day by day thread but if I survive I will post some results.

From: c3
24-Oct-24
It's clear that zim is a pos and we all need to stop feeding his fu, me included :(

From: BULELK1
27-Oct-24
Hey Tony, we have some bad weather/good for us, coming in next week.

I'm a lil' North of you, enjoy the Monroe so have fun and be safe.

Not trying to change the focus of this thread----- haha

Good luck, Robb

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