Paunsaugunt Muzzleloader Hunt
hawkeye
5/14/08 10:11am
Although I have never posted to this site i am an frequest reader. In 2006, I was lucky enough to draw a rifle tag on the Paunsaugunt. I prepared for my 2006 hunt by making several scouting trips to the unit. During those trips, I saw lots of beautiful country and several good bucks. However, the hunt was tougher than I expected, due in large part to the deer migration that occurs during the rifle hunt. After starting up high and then moving down to the middle of the unit, I eventually took this buck on Wednesday morning. He was not the monster that I was hoping for but he is a trophy in my book. He is only about 24" wide but has exceptional mass and 4 1/2" eye guards. All in all it was a very enjoyable hunt. I will be forever grateful to the numerous friends, family members and online acquaintences who assisted me in gathering information and making my hunt a success.
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So spring forward to 2008. in February, I attended the hunting expo in SLC. While at the expo, I applied for several of the deer and elk tags available in the raffle. Imagine the shock and surprise when I learned that I had drawn a Paunsaugunt muzzleloader tag! While I cannot afford to hire a guide for my upcoming hunt, I am committed to make the most of this tag.
I am quite familiar with the northern and central parts of the unit but I have spent very little time in southern portion. I know that the deer will be on the southern end during the muzzle loader hunt and I am trying to gather any available suggestions, tips, information, etc. that will assist me in preparing for my hunt. If there is anyone who has hunted the Paunsaugunt during the muzzleloader hunt (or is just familiar with the unit) that is willing to help out please let me know. I would even appreciate if you know the name and contact information of somebody that you think I should contact. I am trying to gather as much information as possible before I begin my serious “scouting” (actually, I will be learning the area and geography more than scouting since most of the deer won’t be in this area until later in the year). Please feel free to pm or email me if you prefer. Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye
So spring forward to 2008. in February, I attended the hunting expo in SLC. While at the expo, I applied for several of the deer and elk tags available in the raffle. Imagine the shock and surprise when I learned that I had drawn a Paunsaugunt muzzleloader tag! While I cannot afford to hire a guide for my upcoming hunt, I am committed to make the most of this tag.
I am quite familiar with the northern and central parts of the unit but I have spent very little time in southern portion. I know that the deer will be on the southern end during the muzzle loader hunt and I am trying to gather any available suggestions, tips, information, etc. that will assist me in preparing for my hunt. If there is anyone who has hunted the Paunsaugunt during the muzzleloader hunt (or is just familiar with the unit) that is willing to help out please let me know. I would even appreciate if you know the name and contact information of somebody that you think I should contact. I am trying to gather as much information as possible before I begin my serious “scouting” (actually, I will be learning the area and geography more than scouting since most of the deer won’t be in this area until later in the year). Please feel free to pm or email me if you prefer. Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye
2,688
First off ::wel to MuleyMadness and thanks for the post and story. Those eyeguards are sweet and the mount looks great.
2nd off, you are ONE LUCKY DOG! :))
You have one of the top tags again, amazing!! I spend quite a bit of time on the Pauns., last year was a very tough year on the Muzzleloader due to extreme and heat and weather conditions from my reports.
But you have the best of the 3 hunts on this unit IMO.
Most of the deer are usually on the Southern end during your hunt and have migrated off that direction.
I wouldn't spend a lot of time on the North end IMO at all. I'll see what other info I can gather and keep you posted. I wish I was going with ya. :)