What is the thoughts on here about the early or late OTC Elk tag in Utah?
Last year I did early and between the Youth, archery, Grouse, and UTV recreation the mountain was swarming with people.
Late would likely increase chances of snow and cold which would push the elk to lower elevations, potentially on private. The positive is less chance of meat spoilage.
I mean, any tag that puts you in the mountains gives you a shot! But it is a low percentage hunt. If you have a nice area scouted out or just want to spend a few days in the mountains, do it. But if it’s gonna suck going back to work empty handed, there are probably better opportunities.
The early hunt is usually better. They run back to back so the time of year doesn’t change much you usually have the same weather. In my area there’s usually a couple good bulls and if they make it through the archery and youth draw elk hunt then most of them are killed during the early hunt. There’s a reason they limit the early hunt and have unlimited for the late. Either way it’s going to be a tough hunt. Fun to get out and try once in a while tho. People get lucky every year.