BOHNTR

Jaybird: Here's a link to a thread on this site that you may find useful. Good luck up there.......it's a beautiful location! http://forums.couesw...showtopic=32500

The second photo I posted is the buck I arrowed in 08 on the Strip. He grossed 197" and netted 191 2/8" officially. Yes.......the last two bucks were taken in CA and later I had the opportunity to officially measure them.

Photos can be tough at times to judge without multiple angles, but from the one posted above, I woundn't estimate him to score over 150" net. Probably net in the uper 140's. Week G4's and G3's, and below average mass. MB lenght is less than average as well. Probably looking at a 3 year deer, IMO. Most big mule deer (190+) are ones that will take your breath away. I've seen and offically measured quite a few over the years. Here's an example of a big buck. If you're loooking for one to meet or surpass that 200" mark........this one would do: Here's one that netted in the 190's: Here's a buck that measured in the low 180's: One that netted in the low 170's: As you can see, the caliber of buck (tine length, etc.) it takes to even net in the 170's takes a lot. Compare these with the original photo provided and it gives you a beter guage to judge by. All of the bucks I posted have been taken, and eventually officially measured to igve a more accurate reference for you. Hopefully this helps a bit for you.

When I drew my archery Strip tag in 08 I spoke to most of the guides who are up there..........I went hunting with Kory Bundy. Best decision, in my opinion. Honest, hard working, VERY ethical, and allowed me to spot and stalk. Their outfit won't make you take out a loan either, as they are extremely reasonable.

Beautiful buck Sandman.......congratulations!

I would guess he would net in the mid to upper 130's. PM where you're at (city) and I can set you up with an official measurer to check.

I agree with Heat's response on lupine growth. Areas that have received a controlled burn (or not a "hot" natural fire) seem to produce lupine patches the very next Spring/Summer. It will also continue to grow on top of the ridges where logging occurred quite some time ago, providing it is not over grown. It rarely grows in the bottoms of canyons or in the thicker spruce forests,as not enough sunlight is there for germination. This photograph demonstrates an example of what I look for (besides the deer). In this photo (a bit blurry, sorry) notice that you see lupine (purple flowers) growing to the left and right of these two bucks (one bedded). There is also sporadic buck brush on this ridge (look at bottom edge of photo left/center). This exact spot holds bucks year end and year out,as I've arrowed several within 100 yards of this spot. Notice it has not burned in quite a while and was last logged and cleared a very long time ago, yet it is still not over grown with aspen or pine. It's just one of those ridges that continually grows deer browse, with no road on it, and it offers cover for bedding as well. When you combine those factors with a nearby and dependable water source, you'll generally find bucks consistently.

JakeL: I know I spoke of Lupine and "buck brush" as food sources for deer on the plateau. Here's a few photos of what both look like. The first photo where the small buck is standing, you'll notice an ankle high, thin leaf shrub with purple flowers. That will be lupine. The second photo(s) will be buck brush which grows sporadically on the plateau. It grows to a mid-calf height and generally has a darker green leaf than other like plants. Hope it helps.

Coues Sniper: I use the Carlton Cat Paws. I prefer them over Bears Feet type stalkers, as they are lighter and much cooler on your feet in the early archery seasons. Here's a link to order them on-line: Cat Paws

Mr. Quimby: Well sir, I believe you misunderstood my statement. When I stated "a lot of 2-3 year bucks", what I should clarify is that of the bucks actually seen and scouted, most branch antlered bucks were only 2-3 year old deer at best. This carries over to the actual hunts, as well, since very few mature deer taken during the rifle hunt as compared to historical data captured by G&F from the 80's through the late 90's. The overall deer numbers are also at an all-time low. That, sir, is a huge problem when you're managing and advertising an area as a "trophy unit". If you are managing a trophy unit, that unit should support a fair representation of older age class deer as well as younger deer. From my days as a game warden I can share this with you as well. A herd that consists of mostly 2-3 year old deer is not always a good indication of a healthy herd in terms of game management. You must have older-age class animals as well. It can be, unfortunately, a sign of over-harvest and/or an area where severe winter-kill takes most older-age class deer. The later is not the issue on the Kaibab, in my opinion, which leaves you only one choice. Those of us on this board that have some historical knowledge of the Bab' understand its potential and ability to produce record class animals. Unfortunately, I believe the revenue and publicity generated from the junior doe hunts and over-amount of tags issued is directly related to the lowest population ever recorded on the plateau and the rarity of B&C class animals. Sorry to have to side-track the original posters thread, but I needed to answer Mr. Quimby.

In my opinion, the key to bowhunting the Kaibab Plateau is truly understanding what the deer are doing in terms of feeding and bedding. It took quite a few years to understand it (I've bowhunted it for close to 30 years) but once I understood what the deer were doing, it increased my success dramatically. I've found the best food source is lupine followed closely by buck brush. BOTH of these food sources grow on top of the flat ridges. They will also feed on older aspen leaves, but this is not a consistent food source. Once you understand where they're feeding (top of ridges) and bedding (darker timber off sides of ridges), then you'll have a better plan of still-hunting them. Scouting is key, as when you see quality bucks, they won't be far away (within a few ridges). Cool air blows down the ridges (in terms of elevation). I like to still hunt just off the top of the ridges with the wind in my face. About every 15-25 yards, I peek up on the top of the ridge and glass. I continue this process until I find a feeding buck I want to shoot or the thermals change and begin to blow up the ridges once the air warms. When that occurs, I walk across the flat ridges and hunt the opposite side of the ridge and hunt back to where I started. Since most of the ridges are flat and wide, you are basically hunting the other half of the ridge on a new hunt. If you're confident in the area (based on scouting) you'll increase your chances of getting a close shot at them. I was lucky enough to arrow a 203" non-typical buck that I saw a few times......I stuck with the area and ended up arrowing after two weeks of hunting him. Another thing to consider is to walk quietly. I NEVER still-hunt there without cat paws attached to by boots, which reduce noise significantly. Guys do sit water, but honestly, most of the BIG bucks do not make a habit of visiting water holes during daylight hours. If they did, they'd never make it past 3 years old, as they'd get whacked beforehand. If you're happy with any buck, a water source will be a place to sit. I have not hunted the Bab' the last few years (been hunting CO), however, I scout it annually. In my opinion, its deer herd is in trouble. A lot of 2-3 year old bucks and very few mature deer (compared to years past). I'll save my points until it recovers. But you never know, you could find that one giant still roaming there.......that's what makes it a magical place. Hope it helps.....good luck and hope you stick a nice one!

trophyhnter: Thank you, sir. Yeah, I do the January archery hunt every year.......I've arrowed a few desert bucks over the last couple seasons and a few in Colorado. Been pretty darn lucky is all. Just haven't posted them up lately on some of the boards.....some folks these days seem to take them the wrong way. I like the AZ elk hunt.......fairly easy terrain (for elk), usually quite a few elk encounters, and fun times with my two hunting partners......only 5 hours from home too!

Looks like I'll be chasing bull elk in September........my fourth NR bull tag since 1993.....no complaints here. Looks like a few bonsai scouting trips in Julu are in order to check my usual spots.

Gorgeous buck.....BIG TIME congratulations!

Way to go.......those desert bucks aren't easy with a bow. Congratulations!

Nice looking desert buck......I'd estimate him in the 150's. Good luck trying to let the air out of him.

I use a T-handle style......TruBall 360ST

Sweet buck......congratulations!

Way to go man on getting it done! Nice buck too.

VERY nice buck.....congratulations. He'll definitely make the P&Y minimum for typical.......even after deductions!

That is a huge accomplishment young man......congratulations. Heck, I've been bowhunting for over 30 years now......and about 35 years older than you and I JUST NOW arrowed my first Coues buck a week ago. You've got a great foundation young man, keep up the passion and hunting for the right reasons and thanks for sharing.

Awesome buck man.....congratulations!

Gorgeous looking Coues buck......congratulations.

Lots of good captures Lance......I saw quite a few bucks that size up on the plateau a few weeks ago. A lot of 2.5 / 3.5 year old bucks. If those bucks and can make it through two more years it would be awesome once again. They sure are loving that burn aren't they?

Heck of a nice deer in the video......good luck to you on trying to get him.