Utah Big Game Applications

Well ya'll it's almost that time again. Mark your Calendars for January 30th! The Division of Wildlife Services will start accepting applications for Utah's Big Game tags. Here is a quick link for you http://wildlife.utah.gov/.

Be sure to not wait until the last minute! We know lots of guys that forget and miss this every year!

-UtahScoutingServices

Packing Services

The hunts are coming up fast! 

We've had a great season scouting this year and have found some really nice bucks and bulls! We are planning on posting up some photos of what we've found once the seasons over. Right now we are trying to stay secretive with the intel we've collected for our clients.

We wanted to remind all of our clients this year of the opportunity to get their big game packed out once it hits the dirt. Most people find that is when the real work starts! 

If you are worried about getting that animal out make sure you put our number in your phone! 801-432-0195 (texts work great as we are often in poor service areas)

You can see our pricing formula here: http://www.utahscoutingservices.com/p/blog-page.html

The costs currently are $450 for packing the animal out plus the costs of gas. 

Credit Card Charges Utah's Big Game Draw

If you applied for the Utah draw and happened to be lucky enough to draw, you should currently see a pending charge on the card you used for your application. For those who drew, congratulations and our condolences to those who didn't. Best of luck next year!

If you did happen to draw be sure to contact UtahScoutingServices for your big game scouting needs! We are prepping for the upcoming scouting season and are sure it's going to be a good one! We've gotten some great moisture this past winter and spring so the antler growth should be fantastic! Be sure to contact us with any questions!

Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scope Review

 

Vortex Optics is just now releasing their newest line of spotting scopes. This will go hand in hand with the other Diamond back products such as the binos and rifle scopes. UtahScoutingServices had the chance to use the optics during the recent hunting expos here in Utah. You can view the product here on the Vortex Optics Website. It is currently available for back order through most hunting outfitters such as Cabelas.

There are four options available. Either a 20-60x60mm or a 20-60x80mm with either objective available in either a strait or angled model. The angle of the scope really just comes down to preference. If you prefer to look through a scope strait on such as a rifle setup. Or if you like to look down through the scope.

First off the scope itself is great quality and comes with the legendary Vortex Warranty. Lifetime coverage, no questions asked. The body is extremely durable and has a convenient slide out sunshade like that of it's older brother, The Nomad. The diamond back is replacing this older model. The upgrades to the scope are amazing. The clarity is on a whole new level and the light gathering ability is impeccable. Obviously with the 80mm objective you have a greater light gathering ability which is preferable during those low light situations. This scope is great for someone who doesn't plan on carrying a lot of weight during their scouting expeditions. The 60mm objective is going to be more suitable for someone who plans on taking the scope into remote locations. For a backpacking situation the 60mm is going to be the better choice. Though the larger objective 80mm is only about a pound larger than the smaller version, it does cost $100 more. This scope is perfect for someone not wanting to break the bank on a $3,000 setup of Swarovski optics. But is still interested in good quality optics with a great warranty.

The optics feature multi-layer coating, XR lens coating, waterproof and fog-proof design. As well as an ArmorTek exterior which make the body scratch resistant. And protects the exterior lenses from oil and dirt.

UtahScoutingServices Rating:

4.5/5 Value
5/5 Warranty
5/5 Quality
4/5 Optical Clarity

Turkey Hunting

Wild Turkeys photo credit Ted Steinke

Utah's annual turkey hunting is approaching quickly. UtahScoutingServices has been actively searching for the big boys out there. We will soon be posting up some trail cam pics and videos of what we've found.

In recent years Utah has seen a booming population of wild turkeys. This has led to the OTC (over the counter) tags available for purchase. Right now there are plenty of hunters participating in the LE (Limited Entry) hunts state wide. If you forgot to put in for the draw, or would rather not deal with the hassle this is a great option. You can buy one of these tags at any local division authorized license retailers, or on the Division's Website.

In Utah you are able to harvest any bearded turkey. Many of the hens along with toms have beards as well. This makes the opportunity to harvest even better.

Be sure to pick you up a tag and enjoy the outdoors this spring! Nothing like hearing a fat gobbler coming into the calls! 

News For Utahs Big Game Hutners

The Utah Division of Wildlife has come out with new data on Utah's big game herds. Things are mostly looking up for the deer population according to Utah biologists. You can read the latest news release on the data here.

The bad news is that the Biologists have recommended fewer total general deer permits for Utah hunters. As well as fewer limited entry deer permits. The major reason for this is the declining buck population on the North side of the Book Cliffs unit. If you have ever hunted or scouted this area of the unit you know that it is not only fairly accessible, but it has large open spaces that make it a prime location for rifle hunters. For whatever reason the deer in the area haven't been able to keep up with substantial fawn production to replace the lost bucks. If these guys were only willing to put a little sweat into their hunts, they might locate a lot nicer bucks a couple miles away from the roads. That's the benefit of this hunt though. You can shoot a real decent four point buck just off of the road. Than again, this is why we will see a decline in permits and possibility continuing decline in the buck/doe ratio for the area.

If you feel strongly about the issues at hand it is important local hunters make their voices heard. There will be local RAC meetings to discuss these and other issues. Info on how, where, and when to attend can be found on the divisions website. We recommend attending these meetings and making your opinions known to the board. Nothing will ever change unless you are willing to stand up for yourself and the wildlife.

-UtahScoutingServices

SFW Utah

This is a pretty controversial subject among hunters in Utah. What's your opinion?

SFW Salt Lake Tribune Article