Utah “Velvet” High Country Mule Deer- Archery

Utah is known for producing some of the largest trophy-class mule deer in North America. The goal of this outfitter is for you to have the greatest hunting experience that you’ve ever had. They have built a reputation of meeting and exceeding the needs of their hunters, and the results speak for themselves with repeat business at nearly 80%. Most of our consultants have hunted with this outfitter.  These private ranches range in size from 14,000-65,000 acres and hold a healthy population of elk, mule deer, and Shiras moose. It’s not uncommon to see several dozen mule deer a day with typical 4×4 bucks averaging 22″-25″ wide and scoring around 160″ or better. But, year in and year out this outfitter also harvests bucks exceeding 180″ with some even breaking the 200″ mark! Early season rifle hunts begin September 1st when bucks are still in velvet and typically found in bachelor groups. While hunting hours are shorter (due to mid-day heat) this is a great time of year to harvest a buck of a lifetime. October hunts typically bring cooler temperatures and longer hunting days as deer become more active, and November rut hunts may be your best chance at a buck of a lifetime. The terrain varies from sage brush bottoms to mountain tops ranging in elevation from 6,500-8,500 ft. Success rate are typically 90% or better. Hunting is done by spot and stalk. Polaris rangers are used during the hunt to travel to the many areas to glass for game.

LODGING – Multiple lodging options are available. Both are a short one hour drive from the Salt Lake International Airport. A seven bedroom, six-bath lodge features three levels of rustic, western luxury in 6,000 total square feet. Nearby, there are eight sleeping cabins, each with two beds and a separate bathroom and shower facility. From the exterior, you will find a privately stocked fishing pond with rainbow and cutthroat trout. There are horses and stables, a 12-person hot tub, a shooting range with targets from 100 to 600 yards, and plenty of cedar trees and aspen filling up 75,000 private acres of game rich habitat. Elevations on the property range from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. When you step inside the lodge, you will be struck by its large windows giving you a view of the gorgeous outdoors. With a 20-foot tall rock fireplace in the great room surrounded by mounted animals, you’ll realize the comfort of being in a warm, welcome environment with room enough for your entire party. A wrap-around deck with a commercial-size barbecue, flat screen TV, large kitchen and dining room. Downstairs boasts another living room with a large flat screen TV and a separate entertainment room complete with an air hockey and foosball table. The lodge has all the comforts of home with surround sound, wireless internet, a washer and dryer and even a full-time chef. The second lodging option is the base for multiple ranches surrounded by alfalfa fields, sagebrush, and cedar. At higher elevations, there are aspens and pines located in steep, demanding terrain. The camp itself has several buildings including a recreation center which is the main facility and contains the kitchen, three bathrooms with six showers, and a great room complete with TV, tables, and couches. There are two bedrooms and one bath on the upper floor. The outbuildings are small heated cabins with two bunks each that lie under the shade of beautiful cottonwood trees. Outside of the main building are a pavilion, lawn area, open pit campfire, barbecue grill and amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains.

The best part about this hunt is that there is no draw because all tags are guaranteed tags (CWMU) available through the outfitter.