Brushbuster’s 2018 Utah Deer Hunt

[Brushbuster]

This year after 16 years applying, I luckily drew one of Utah’s Limited Book Cliffs Rifle Mule Deer Tags. I would be making the 1,100 mile one way trip solo and knew a scouting trip was not practical. Plus, the deer migrate into their wintering area during the hunt and would not be where I would hunt if I went earlier so I decided to go with a guide to due the tag justice.
 
On the third day of my journey I pulled into camp for my 5 day hunt. My guide and myself would be hunting together and be the only ones in camp.

[Brushbuster]

I soon learned, the drought conditions this year resulted in poor horn growth and trophy quality. Even with the drought, this is still an exceptional hunt by Washington standards. I saw 20-30+ bucks per day. Most are 20-22 inch 3 and 4 pointers. Covering a lot of ground is the best way to hunt because there are so many deer to look over.

[Brushbuster]

On the morning of the third day I dropped this guy after a brief stalk. If you count his stickers and one brow-tine he is a 26 inch wide 6x5.

[Brushbuster]

Pic

[Brushbuster]

Book Cliffs is a super fun hunt in an area of high deer density. I saw a ridiculous amount of bucks in absolutely gorgeous country while having a tag in my pocket! It doesn’t get any better!

[92xj]

Congrats on a stud deer!

[bowsandhose]

Congrats. Sounds like a fun hunt. Maybe someday I will pull a Utah tag

[Widgeondeke]

Congrats on a successful hunt 

[Dan-o]

Looks and sounds awesome.

Thanks for sharing.

[bigmacc]

 ...great tag and buck!

[carpsniperg2]

Good stuff

[spin05]

ida tagged that one for sure

[Machias]

Really nice buck, congrats!!!

[cedarriver]

 Congrats on a beautiful Buck. A lot of hidey holes in that country!

[Muleyslyr]

Wow sounds like a great trip and looks like you did the tag justice. Nice job!