Looking for some southeastern Utah info on mule deer

[a3dhunter]

My wife and I are planning on hunting Utah archery season for two weeks next year, looking at the southeastern region for mule deer.
I would like to cut the travel time from Texas as much as possible and still get into some good hunting.
We will be going the first two weeks of the archery season and would be wanting to hunt high elevation bucks. Any info would be appreciated since I have never hunted Utah. I can give info on Wyoming region D and several units in Colorado.
Even if you can't help, would appreciate anyone giving the thread a bump to keep it on top.
You can pm me as well.

[a3dhunter]

I will clarify, I am looking for info on the area around Monticello or La Sal for the archery general hunt, this would be west of the San Juan/Elk ridge limited area, or north of LaSal. (2 different areas)

[MuleyMadness]

I can't give you a lot of info...as I've never hunted that area. It does have a good deer herd and there are some nice bucks in that area.

[utah450]

The Blues are near Monticello. There are quite a few out of state hunters here on the archery. I even talked to one group from Texas last fall. The majority hunt off of the main road that goes up to the towers on abajo peak. The terrain up high is very steep. There are some good bucks. They can be difficult to get on. The first week is especially crowded in this area, and it may be good to wait until later in the hunt.

The La Sals are quite a bit bigger. There is a lot of high country to choose from. I haven't hunted as much over there, but I think that it is easier to find a spot with less competition. I have seen some great bucks while hunting elk over there later in the season, and even missed a good buck with my muzz. It was very steep, and I shot over his back, . From what I know, if I were coming to learn a new area, and intended to make it an annual thing, I would recommend that you try the la sals. If you are just trying it once, you may want to hit the abajo peak road and start glassing, just don't expect to be alone.

[a3dhunter]

Sounds good, I have some info on the Abajo's, but I may look more towards the La Sals since I would rather have fewer people.
I appreciate the guys willing to respond, had more responses on here than anywhere else.

[bman9900]

I live in the area and Utah450 is correct that the Abajos can be crowded during the archery season. Lots of guys out riding the roads and atv trails. Opening weekend it can feel like a parade procession - especially in the evenings. One thing that I noticed about last year is how many big camps stayed over two weeks hunting the area - by the end of the season the deer were really stirred up and hard to find. On the Abajos, lots of nice deer are spotted, but few are killed. I know some guys that hunt the LaSals and they have taken some nice bucks off there. The LaSals are big rugged mountains with plenty of high hunting potential, however, the slopes are steep, the canyons rugged, so you better be in good shape to take on the challenge. Good luck with whichever area you decide on!