The circle is complete

[Pheidippides]

I'm just narcissistic enough to believe that y'all have followed the Life and Times of Nikuman well enough to know that I have significant issues with the place and method in which I was raised, and that I have intentionally chosen a lifestyle that is far different as a result.

The more I think about it, though, the more that I am convinced that was an overreaction of my mid-to-late 20s.

So I'm adding back in some of the things I used to love to do but haven't done in over a decade.

Like hunting.

Trouble is, much as I love Texas, it isn't the greatest big game place in the world. Not a ton of public land, you see, and what there is is waaaaaaaay out by New Mexico.

What is the hunting scene like in Utah, say (or, better yet, Montana!) for non-residents? I know about fees and such, but I'm interested to see if anybody has any experiences. Heck, I'm interested to know how easy it is to draw out and hunt anymore. The last time I had a rifle in hand with a mind to shoot stuff was when I was 18, and I miss it. I want my kids (and especially my son) to learn about the outdoors with me the same way I did: cold and miserable, but with some great backstrap at the end.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I'm just narcissistic enough to believe that y'all have followed the Life and Times of Nikuman well enough to know that I have significant issues with the place and method in which I was raised, and that I have intentionally chosen a lifestyle that is far different as a result.

The more I think about it, though, the more that I am convinced that was an overreaction of my mid-to-late 20s.

So I'm adding back in some of the things I used to love to do but haven't done in over a decade.

Like hunting.

Trouble is, much as I love Texas, it isn't the greatest big game place in the world. Not a ton of public land, you see, and what there is is waaaaaaaay out by New Mexico.

What is the hunting scene like in Utah, say (or, better yet, Montana!) for non-residents? I know about fees and such, but I'm interested to see if anybody has any experiences. Heck, I'm interested to know how easy it is to draw out and hunt anymore. The last time I had a rifle in hand with a mind to shoot stuff was when I was 18, and I miss it. I want my kids (and especially my son) to learn about the outdoors with me the same way I did: cold and miserable, but with some great backstrap at the end.

The elk hunting has improved substantially over the last 20 years. There are several quality units that you can see trophy elk. The draw odds have increased as the quality has improved, however. I had 15 preference points when I drew out last year. So if you want to get in, you need to start early.

I cannot speak for the deer hunting as I have not hunted deer in at least 10 years.

I understand the yearning to have your kids want to enjoy things that you enjoyed. To this end, we are taking all of the family to the mountains this weekend in search of the wily spike elk.

[LiveCoug]

I've been hunting once in my life. Bow hunting with my brother in law in montana when I was 15. I got so bored, I just fell asleep under a tree. Needless to say, I don't get hunting. That said, hope you hunters have fun and kill cool animals.

[Coach McGuirk]

I archery hunt so I can't tell you much on rifle. For archery, you can draw out every year for a general area fairly easily. The unit we hunt has been on the rise the last three years. This year, some very nice bucks were taken for a general hunt. Out of a group of 8, 1 non typical 4x5, 3 4x4s and a 3x3 were taken. All members had a shot at at least a 3x3.

archery hunting rules. The weather is nicer, you get closer to the animals and less people. I would recommend it, but then there would be more archery hunters.

[byu71]

Elk hunting is one of my fondest memories when I was living in Utah County in the late 70's. We would pack everything in the trailer house. Put the horses in the horse trailor and head off to the property down by fish lake. The four years we went we never took a shot. A lot of great breakfasts around 10 A.M. , good lunches and great campfire dinners.

It was just so fun riding through those mountains and unlike deer hunting hardly ever seeing anyone. We got so excited when we came upon fresh Elk crap and had the excitement of perhaps we were close to bagging a trophy.

Years later, we found out we weren't that close. It was sheep shit we were tracking, not Elk shit. It didn't dampen the memories though.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I archery hunt so I can't tell you much on rifle. For archery, you can draw out every year for a general area fairly easily. The unit we hunt has been on the rise the last three years. This year, some very nice bucks were taken for a general hunt. Out of a group of 8, 1 non typical 4x5, 3 4x4s and a 3x3 were taken. All members had a shot at at least a 3x3.

archery hunting rules. The weather is nicer, you get closer to the animals and less people. I would recommend it, but then there would be more archery hunters.

Although, this is nice, I worry about meat spoiling once you down an animal. i always felt like we have to sprint to get the meat off the mountain. I prefer muzzleloader because the hunts are generally late and people stay home because of the cold.

[Coach McGuirk]

Although, this is nice, I worry about meat spoiling once you down an animal. i always felt like we have to sprint to get the meat off the mountain. I prefer muzzleloader because the hunts are generally late and people stay home because of the cold.

We have not had this problem. The nights are chilly (mid, upper 30's and the shade is good. we have had deer hanging 2-3 days with no spoilage. You do have to gut and skin them quickly and you have less time tracking before spoilage will set in. that is for sure.

[Pheidippides]

I archery hunt so I can't tell you much on rifle. For archery, you can draw out every year for a general area fairly easily. The unit we hunt has been on the rise the last three years. This year, some very nice bucks were taken for a general hunt. Out of a group of 8, 1 non typical 4x5, 3 4x4s and a 3x3 were taken. All members had a shot at at least a 3x3.

archery hunting rules. The weather is nicer, you get closer to the animals and less people. I would recommend it, but then there would be more archery hunters.

Archery is my last frontier. I would absolutely love to learn how to do it eventually. Seems like great fun, and it appears to take quite a bit of stalking skill in addition to the usual requirements.

I am exceptionally well versed in muzzleloaders (I have shot - and placed - at minor competitive shoots, with a flintlock no less) and would definitely consider that as well. But for now I am thinking general rifle. I would probably have to either clean up my rifle from my days as a teen (a Marlin .30-30, which is scoped for some reason) or get a new one (I am thinking a .30-06).

[Art Vandelay]

I'm just narcissistic enough to believe that y'all have followed the Life and Times of Nikuman well enough to know that I have significant issues with the place and method in which I was raised, and that I have intentionally chosen a lifestyle that is far different as a result.

The more I think about it, though, the more that I am convinced that was an overreaction of my mid-to-late 20s.

So I'm adding back in some of the things I used to love to do but haven't done in over a decade.

Like hunting.

Trouble is, much as I love Texas, it isn't the greatest big game place in the world. Not a ton of public land, you see, and what there is is waaaaaaaay out by New Mexico.

What is the hunting scene like in Utah, say (or, better yet, Montana!) for non-residents? I know about fees and such, but I'm interested to see if anybody has any experiences. Heck, I'm interested to know how easy it is to draw out and hunt anymore. The last time I had a rifle in hand with a mind to shoot stuff was when I was 18, and I miss it. I want my kids (and especially my son) to learn about the outdoors with me the same way I did: cold and miserable, but with some great backstrap at the end.

Niku, I seem to recall you were experiencing some significant health problems a few years ago. Have those improved? I don't hunt anymore, but if I was to take it up again it would only be archery- better weather, easier to draw tags, more sporting, and more skill needed.

[Pheidippides]

Niku, I seem to recall you were experiencing some significant health problems a few years ago. Have those improved? I don't hunt anymore, but if I was to take it up again it would only be archery- better weather, easier to draw tags, more sporting, and more skill needed.

I don't think that was me - I was overweight a few years ago, but other than some (relatively) minor back issues, I've been in pretty good shape. Thanks for asking, though.

[smokymountainrain]

Meh.

Take up bird hunting. Longer seasons, you can do it every weekend (if you're retired like my dad - then everyday), you can do it in Texas and Utah, you shoot more than one animal, great meat, you get the experience of hunting with a dog, your kids can start hunting sooner, you don't worry about drawing out, shooting a moving target out of the air > shooting a standstill target on the ground...did I mention you get to hunt longer and more often?

Don't get me wrong, hunting big game is a blast too, but if I had to give up one or the other, it wouldn't be close.

[Art Vandelay]

Meh.

Take up bird hunting. Longer seasons, you can do it every weekend (if you're retired like my dad - then everyday), you can do it in Texas and Utah, you shoot more than one animal, great meat, you get the experience of hunting with a dog, your kids can start hunting sooner, you don't worry about drawing out, shooting a moving target out of the air > shooting a standstill target on the ground...did I mention you get to hunt longer and more often?

Don't get me wrong, hunting big game is a blast too, but if I had to give up one or the other, it wouldn't be close.

I agree. Though I'm not a huge fan of sitting in a duck or goose blind at 4:00 am freezing. I like pheasant hunting. However, if your really want to combine hunting with a great exercise regimen take up chuckar hunting. You will likely lose 20 pounds before you ever wing your first bird.

[smokymountainrain]

I agree. Though I'm not a huge fan of sitting in a duck or goose blind at 4:00 am freezing. I like pheasant hunting. However, if your really want to combine hunting with a great exercise regimen take up chuckar hunting. You will likely lose 20 pounds before you ever wing your first bird.

Chukar hunting is as good as it gets. The season opened last weekend and it goes until mid-Feb. As you mentioned, you'll nearly kill yourself finding them, but once you get into a group of them, there is nothing better. The pheasant hunt used to be the big bird hunt, but here in Utah you just don't see them anymore. It's all about chukars these days.

[Pheidippides]

Meh.

Take up bird hunting. Longer seasons, you can do it every weekend (if you're retired like my dad - then everyday), you can do it in Texas and Utah, you shoot more than one animal, great meat, you get the experience of hunting with a dog, your kids can start hunting sooner, you don't worry about drawing out, shooting a moving target out of the air > shooting a standstill target on the ground...did I mention you get to hunt longer and more often?

Don't get me wrong, hunting big game is a blast too, but if I had to give up one or the other, it wouldn't be close.

Meh back at you. I already have the dog and geography - I'm just waiting on the shotgun purchase. This thread is devoted to the big game side. I haven't even brought up fishing - I have a license for both fresh and saltwater fishing here. Now if my dad would hurry up and bring his boats....

[smokymountainrain]

Meh back at you. I already have the dog and geography - I'm just waiting on the shotgun purchase.

Good to know you don't need convincing. Sorry for the thread hijack. Coincidentally, I got lucky and drew out for the Vernon unit (big bucks aplenty) this year, so for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to the rifle hunt more than any upland game hunt.