Fishlake late or Bookcliffs late elk

[Rasmussen]

I am leaning towards Fishlake. Has anyone ever hunted the late rifle? I have had numerous people tell me that they see a ton of elk and around 6 to 10 bulls a day. I would shoot a 350 bull in a heart beat. Just looking for any advice from experienced Fishlake hunters, Thanks!

[Umpqua Hunter]

A 350 bull is a good bull anywhere in Utah right now, and a pretty high standard for a late rifle elk tag. I have been applying for elk in Utah for 20 years and have been diligently watching what the various units have been producing. From everything I have heard, Bookcliffs has better quality elk on average than Fishlake. But if you are after a 350 bull you'd be better off in one of the top 4 units, San Juan, Pahvant, Beaver, or Boulder.

[Elkhunter96]

350 bull on either of those late hunts would be a tall order. A good bull from either unit on a late hunt would be in the 320 range. At least that has been what I have seen and heard. I have hunted the Book Cliff archery hunt before and have spent a good amount of time on the unit, rare to find bulls over 350 even in the rut. It can be done, just not the norm.

[Rasmussen]

Thanks for both of your replies. I am stuck in the mind set of the mid 2000's. My mom drew the pahvant in 2006 and shot a 340 bull and we were a little disapopinted as we saw much bigger ones later on, she just misjudged hers. My father-in-law drew the dutton late that same year and shot a 375 bull. I have just heard so many different things about Fishlake that I do not know what to believe. I have heard that you can see numerous bulls each day, while I have also heard that it is overrated and over hunted and you will only see maybe 1 or 2 bulls a day and small ones at that.

[WapitiBob]

I archery hunted FL archery a few years ago. My opinion, 320 is what you'll find. You shouldn't have trouble seeing bulls if there is enough snow to push them down. Some of that country is a jungle. The ones that were out in the broken country got shot during early rifle.

[Rasmussen]

Thanks Bob. Have you ever been there in November? Would you say your archery hunt was a quality hunt? Thanks again.

[WapitiBob]

It wasn't the holy grail that I had heard it was but I passed on multiple bulls. Others I talked to never even had a chance.
I haven't been there in Nov but have heard they slaughter the cows if they get enough snow to push them all down to the flats. Knowing the area like I do now, I would be applying there if I wasn't on the wait list. I don't see a lot of late season chatter. You might look at monster muleys and search the utah forum. Also UtahWildlife.net forum.

[Rasmussen]

Thanks a lot.