2016 - "Make it a Big Year" She said..

[CouesPursuit]

My wife and I just celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary this weekend and after the third time this topic came up in the last few weeks, I consider it official. She told me to "make it a big year" hunting wise. If all goes to plan, I won't have the resources to go on any big hunts for a few years. When I say big, I mean out of state and 10 days long. This will be my first "big" trip in that regard.

I prefer to:
- Hunt deer in a neighboring state, or within reasonable driving distance
- Go 100% DIY, no guided hunts are desired at this time
- Keep tags/license fees under $500, but open to options

My first considerations are Colorado or Utah OTC archery deer and Wyoming rifle antelope/deer.

 

I have some connections for accommodations in S. Central Utah and Wyoming.

Would you please share any thoughts and/or recommendations that come to mind?
I know there is a ton more to consider and information required to make any perfect suggestions.
If it sounds like I missed something, please steer me in the right direction. Thank you very much.

[Norteno]

Congratulations and make the most of it. Last year was my "big" year and other sh$t hit the fan and it wasn't as big as I liked. My son is 6 months old now and with the big learning curve of raising our first child I don't see me getting out in the field this year much at all. The truth is I really don't mind that much and look forward to when he is old enough to go out with me.

 

 

[shanehamblin]

Well you jinxed yourself. She's pregnant

[CouesPursuit]

Well you jinxed yourself. She's pregnant

That wouldn't be a jinx my man, that would be a blessing.

[Xnt]

Amen to that. Children are a blessing from the Lord.

 

I'd put in for some of the better units next door in New Mexico, a Special tag in Wyoming (which you can buy a point for THIS year still and enter 2016 with one point), and Colorado elk OTC as a last resort.

[shanehamblin]

Lol it would definitely be a blessing just giving you a hard time. Kids are the best thing that ever happened to me

[Flatlander]

Lol it would definitely be a blessing just giving you a hard time. Kids are the best thing that ever happened to me

This is true. But I hunt A LOT less now than before they were born. Oldest turns 7 this year, I am hoping in the coming years the pendulum swings back the other way.

 

Make it a big year brother.

[DesertBull]

If you want to go BIG go Alaska. No draw for most Black bear, Caribou and Sitka Deer

[mattys281]

Good luck on starting the family. My little ones are the best part of life and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

 

When considering a trip, don't over look northern Cali. blacktail deer. Tags are sold on a first come/first serve for most units & prime blacktail areas also have good black bear hunting for a combo deal. Plus, you can buy two deer tags.

That's my big adventure for August 2016.

[Titanium700]

2 things.

 

First and foremost do not conceive a child around the first part of the year.(jan-March)..you will pay for that the rest of your life.

 

Second, do Alaska now!!!!

If you don't you might regret that the rest of your life too, unless your very well to do.

 

Children are most definately a gift from God, I love both mine to death.

And my boy is a hunter too. :-)

[muledeerarea33?]

Gotta agree with Alaska! Been trying for years but things just keep coming up! I would get the Texas trip off the bucket list. Whitetail, hog, and possible turkey. Not sure if it's a one trip deal but either way you get part of your deer and turkey slam taken care of.

[Big Browns]

I think Colorado or the mid west is your best options.

[jp0212]

I say go for the leftover Antelope rifle tag in Wyoming. I've done that before. Tons of fun, extremely high success rate and the tag will be less than $300.

[GotBowAz]

to the OP, with your limited funds and resources I think I would try to do a high country pack in mule deer hunt in Colorado. I'm sure you could get some great advice and starting points here for an OTC area and I think it would be a pretty awesome experience. You may even get to do some trout fishing but this would be the trip that may get you the most bang for your buck...no pun intended LOL

 

Flatlander, take it from me, keep your self in good condition and hunting shape. Kids grow up fast and before you know it the pendulum will swing the other way and you will get more time to hunt so long as your body can do it when the time comes.

 

My kids have grown up and are doing their own things for now. My boy was on nearly every hunt trip I did and we hunted together when he was old enough to do so when time and money permitted. Our last hunt together was the Revise Ranch hunt that you are aware of. I hunt with some partners here and there but I sure miss him with me however I am hunting more than I ever have as I have the time and resources available that wasn't there before when raising kids. I wouldn't change it fore the world.

[Edge]

What part of S. Utah are your "connections" in?

Southern UT is swarming with big mulies and Mt.lion. the se side of the Abajo range between Blanding and Monticello, UT has huge herds of mulies and monster nontypicals seem typical. The area lakes are holding good trout, bass and pike. It's a 6.5 hour drive from the valley and when you see the flashing Hiway signs along hwy 191 warning of deer, you have arrived.