I was finally lucky and drew a Book Cliffs muzzy deer tag.Would appreciate any info from members who would be kind enough to share.I have collected some info already and plan to spend 5 days scouting. Will have maps soon,thanks.
Book Cliffs deer help
- Thread starter Yooper Bob
- Start date
Elkhunter96
Active Member
Its an easy hunt for 140-150 deer. Used to be a lot better, I killed a nice bull elk in 2010 off there and saw plenty of good 160 class bucks. But, it has gone down hill from then. On the muzzy hunt, the deer wont be on the top and will be a little bit off the ridges. I would say concentrate on areas around seep ridge to start with and then move out with your scouting to other ridges where you find the deer. Bring real good glass, because it is big country and plenty of fuel, spare tires and a wheeler or utv to get around...
I guess I should ask, what book cliffs tag did you draw? Isnt there two of them now or three if you count the roadless area.
I guess I should ask, what book cliffs tag did you draw? Isnt there two of them now or three if you count the roadless area.
JimP
Administrator
For scouting start on the Divide Road and go from one end to the other and you will see tons of deer. I screwed up last year on two bucks that each of them would of gone over 200". I had them at 230 yards when I spotted them from camp and got to within 20 yards before they busted me in the brush and I only had a head shot on the smaller of the two that I didn't take.
You will also find that just before the season starts the bucks will be everywhere but a day afterwards they will be in the thick stuff. If I was 20 years younger I would of hiked off into the roadless area south of Ten Mile Knoll on the west end. That area not only holds big elk but big deer as well.
Here is a few pictures I got of some bucks a day before the opening last year. They weren't the biggest bucks but they were fun to watch.
You will also find that just before the season starts the bucks will be everywhere but a day afterwards they will be in the thick stuff. If I was 20 years younger I would of hiked off into the roadless area south of Ten Mile Knoll on the west end. That area not only holds big elk but big deer as well.
Here is a few pictures I got of some bucks a day before the opening last year. They weren't the biggest bucks but they were fun to watch.
Thank you both for the great info. I believe the muzzy tag is good for the whole Book Cliffs.I am interested in the roadless area,thats the type of hunt I like but I will hunt where the info takes me.JimP Great pics, Makes me start dreaming.
Elkhunter96
Active Member
If you have pack animals, the roadless is where I would go. Its big country, even though it is small on the map. The only downside is that you cant just drive to a ridge and hike/glass and then go to the next one like you can on divide road. Have fun
Elkhunter96 That's a very good point a guy could be locked into one not so good spot.Thats why I want to scout for 5 days to make sure a spot is worth the time.
JimP
Administrator
That is one nice thing about the Book Cliffs is that the roads are nice enough even when wet that you can move around. The gas industry saw to that. But the side roads will turn into bottomless pits once they get wet, been there done that one.
I have packed into the road less area a couple of times back in the mid 80's and it is deffently worth a look over, the only problem you are going to need 3 or 4 days to get into it and back along with doing any scouting. But you will do quite fine by staying up high or moving towards the north.
Another area to check out if the deer are into their migration pattern would be Nash Wash Wildlife Management area. A lot of fine bucks will migrate into this area for the rut and winter area. To access this spot you want to go to the west Cisco exit on I-70 and button hook back around under the freeway and head north to the management area.
I have packed into the road less area a couple of times back in the mid 80's and it is deffently worth a look over, the only problem you are going to need 3 or 4 days to get into it and back along with doing any scouting. But you will do quite fine by staying up high or moving towards the north.
Another area to check out if the deer are into their migration pattern would be Nash Wash Wildlife Management area. A lot of fine bucks will migrate into this area for the rut and winter area. To access this spot you want to go to the west Cisco exit on I-70 and button hook back around under the freeway and head north to the management area.
Those are solid tips,I always bring chains and have used them more than not but there are places where even chains are useless.There is an old saying that I follow " When in doubt ,DONT. I thought 5 days scouting would do but it might be marginal.My granddaughter will have a bear tag here in Mi. starting Sept. 10. and I want to help her get one after that I can go. Believe me I appreciate you help.
Muley_Hunter
New Member
- Mar 16, 2016
- 7
- 0
Yooper,
I had the muzzle loader tag there three years ago and hunted the roadless area. I spent time scouting it from both ends. One thing I have to echo from previous posts is the side roads are horrible when wet. Be prepared for such. I've started putting in for the same tag again this year. If you want to PM me I'd give you a few ideas of areas to check.
I had the muzzle loader tag there three years ago and hunted the roadless area. I spent time scouting it from both ends. One thing I have to echo from previous posts is the side roads are horrible when wet. Be prepared for such. I've started putting in for the same tag again this year. If you want to PM me I'd give you a few ideas of areas to check.
gonhunting247
Veteran member
- Jan 21, 2014
- 1,221
- 798
Yooper,
I MZ elk hunted it last year. Could give you some info about what I saw. PM me if you want.
I MZ elk hunted it last year. Could give you some info about what I saw. PM me if you want.
BOHNTR
Very Active Member
I have the archery tag for this year........I'd be glad to let you know what I saw once I'm done. I'll be up there four days early to scout it hard........going to check on a few areas that are know to hold deer.