Unit 30 Pine Valley Mule deer

[quicknick]

I have two points in Utah for mule deer and I'm pretty sure I'll draw this tag next year if I apply. I have heard from a guy who hunts the area in muzzle loader season that it is a waste of time to hunt the rifle season in this unit because there is so many people. I'm just curious if this is actually true or if it can still be a decent hunt, and if its possible to avoid the crowds and find a decent buck. I can always apply for an archery tag if needed.
thanks

 

[wisconsinvette]

You can always get away from the people. The question is will there be deer there. My wife and I only went out twice last season but we didnt see anyone in the areas we hiked to. We didnt see deer either so maybe they all knew something I didnt. We did see a lot of sign and we had an early snow so they must have just moved out. The way I see it is that I always see nice deer in the archery season so they are hiding someplace people are not hunting or they wouldnt be getting big. That inspires me to keep looking for those hiding places.

 

[Musket Man]

IMO the muzzleloader season is generally better then rifle just because of when it is and there are less tags. Archery might be good too but I have never hunted it.

 

[quicknick]

thanks for the replies guys, i guess i have to just figure out what i want to do. sounds like archery is a good bet

 

[Theist]

Migration

The unit can be difficult to hunt on the rifle. The deer migrate like crazy in October so u never seem to find the same deer. There are many hunters on the weekends but it thins out pretty well on the weekdays. It's a difficult hunt since they are spread out in groups. I have seen 300 deer in a day and not a single one in three days in that unit and I've only hunted it the past 3 yrs. The first yr I tagged a 160 class the first day and was mad since I stuck around camping and saw 2 others that were 170-175 class. Next yr I only saw a ton of forkies and one 3x4 I let walk in 6 days. Last year I saw 3 good 160-170 class deer and couldn't never get closer than 500 yards. That's why my new7mmstw with a night force is found my house. Next yr I'm getting a big one. Pray for snow and cold temps in the higher country and they seem to show up migrating. I keep thinkin of tryin muzzy and archer but timelines have not worked for my schedule. Maybe dedicated hunter tag next yr.

 

[quicknick]

I really appreciatte the feedback. I actually put in for the archery tag because rifle season can be a zoo and the deer are erratic. Im not sure how good of a chance i have of drawing the tag but im sure its better odds than drawing a rifle tag. If i end up drawing a tag i will definitely check back in. Thanks again for all the info, just a waiting game now

 

[quicknick]

I drew this tag this year for the rifle season. We will see how it goes. Hoping my Dad will come with me. Neither one of us has been to the area so it should be a fun learning experience. Any one else going or been there in the last couple years?

 

[Spudman]

I hunted this hunt in 2015 and did ok. Ended up shooting a 3x3 but it took several days to learn a couple areas of the unit. The area I hunted there were a lot of local hunters. I'd suggest hunting the transition areas. Didn't see bucks up high, and the smaller ones were down low with the does. Did see a nice buck in the transition areas after I shot my 3x3. My buddy didn't want to make the 3 mile hike to go get him though. I was wishing I hadn't pulled the trigger on day 2...hind sight is 20/20. PM for more detailed info.

 

[quicknick]

Thanks for the tips, Spud.

 

[elktaker]

I drew this tag this year for the rifle season. We will see how it goes. Hoping my Dad will come with me. Neither one of us has been to the area so it should be a fun learning experience. Any one else going or been there in the last couple years?

Good luck. This is my preferred general unit in southern Utah. Hunted it last year at took a 2x2 that was 28" wide (old deer and bad genetics) last day I had to hunt and was holding out for a few bigger bucks I spotted. This year I am stuck out of state without being able to scout til August and had no points so opted to draw a Zion archery tag.

Do you want to shoot just a buck or trophy hunting? If you just want meat you can hit bumble bee and take a small buck pretty easy.

 

[bullofthewoodsjr]

I drew this tag this year for the rifle season. We will see how it goes. Hoping my Dad will come with me. Neither one of us has been to the area so it should be a fun learning experience. Any one else going or been there in the last couple years?

Scouted low country areas on a couple of occasions a couple of years ago but only saw a few does and small bucks. Burn area near I-15 a few years back opened up thick juniper stands, but I don't know if that area is public or private and whether or not it would be worth hunting as it relatively close to city. However, it looks like great habitat, with shrubs replacing the dense junipers. I'm curious to see how your hunt goes as I'm thinking of applying to hunt there next year or the following. Good luck, I hope you find the one you're looking for.

 

[elktaker]

Other than bumble bee area and private there are not a lot deer on that side of the mountain and I15. Unless there was a really big snow storm but even then probably not area to find #s

 

[quicknick]

I'm not looking for a trophy. I just want to have a fun hunt, see alot of deer, and have a chance to harvest a respectable buck. I don't necessarily want to kill a dink either. Planning to make a trip out there for two days at the end of September to do some scouting. Any help is appreciated.

 

[quicknick]

Loading up the wife and heading to the area to do some scouting. Heading out tonight and coming back Sunday, hoping to find some good country.

 

[JimP]

Just be aware that the Utah muzzle loader season started today.

 

[quicknick]

I had some buddies there on the muzzy hunt, did everything i could to stay out of peoples way. All the hunters i ran into were extremely helpfull. Hoping the migration kicks up a few notches. The deer seem to be pretty spread out through all the ranges.

 

[gutshotem]

So how'd it go?

 

[Stevo]

Anyone have success here the past couple years? Looking to possibly go this Fall. I'm a non-resident with 8 general deer points and it took 4 to guarantee a tag last year. So far I haven't found a better general deer tag. Looks like I should've hunted more instead of just building general deer points for sure. I have limited deer tags as well, but not the 15-20 it takes a non-resident to get into the better units. Also I see I can get a cow elk tag with my deer tag, how are the elk numbers there? Any input appreciated.

 

[elktaker]

If you want to hunt cows while you hunt your buck, pinevalley is not what you want. Barely any elk on the unit. I would look at SW desert (the unit to the north) it has a lot of elk and similar potential for deer.

 

[Stevo]

I've noticed a new hunt for this unit this year, any weapon from Oct 10-14. It doesn't show how many tags are available for this season. Other than a better moon phase for the early hunt, would this be a more or less desirable hunt than Oct 20-28?