[Raptorman]

We need some advice. I got lucky and drew a Manti Muzzy Elk tag from the expo this year. Since then we have been scouting and planning our time around this tag. As the hunt has goten closer the excitement has been building and I can't wait.
Well today I get a text from my dad saying he got a call from the DWR saying someone turned in their Expo tag for the South Cache Muzzy elk and he is next on the list. Needless to say we are excited, but then reality set in of the task of getting my bull in Manti and then trying to get another in the Cache unit all within 12 days. I advised him to not turn it in because other than the tag fee if he doesn't get it he isn't out anything and he can't ask for it again next year. So I think he is going to say yes and we can figure out the logistics as it gets closer. I have a friend whose dad has the rifle tag and has already said he would tell us everything they see and help out so I feel good about that but don't know that area really well but is close so we should be able to go up and look around a couple times before the hunt.
So anyways, do you guys think we are on the right track or is there something I am missing?

Oh PS this is my dad who last year was able to Draw a LE Muzzy elk tag and we got him a nice 335ish bull opening morning by 9 AM.

 

[utahgolf]

even if he could only hunt one day than you take the freaking tag. It's an expo tag!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Raptorman]

even if he could only hunt one day than you take the freaking tag. It's an expo tag!!!!!!!!!!!

My thought exactly, glad to see it isn't just me!

 

[RandomElk16]

I mean, the "hey you had an LE tag last year and scored a expo tag this year" part of me says keep the tag. But if you aren't going to hunt, the "what about the guy that would use that tag" part of me comes out.

If you are less than half committed to a tag, I can't say to keep it. If your hunt is the primary, it could take you all 12 days, leaving a wasted tag that could give someone their hunt of a lifetime. In reality, unless you two split up I think that someones hunt is going to be half an effort. It is very possible you knock one down day 1 or 2 then fly up to S. Cache and knock one down. The Manti shouldn't be a tough hunt depending what you are after(no hunt is predictable though), but the S. Cache can and will take effort. The elk up there can be a lot less predictable, from my experience. (I grew up on the unit.)



Good luck either way, and can't blame you for keeping or turning it in.. But consider committing solid time to both tags.

 

[Raptorman]

Good points Random, and that is the only thing that has kept me even thinking twice about it. I guess it is a good problem to have. If we keep the Cache tag it would be secondary but we will have to have options open if my tag ends up taking more than just the first week.

 

[utahgolf]

Good points Random, and that is the only thing that has kept me even thinking twice about it. I guess it is a good problem to have. If we keep the Cache tag it would be secondary but we will have to have options open if my tag ends up taking more than just the first week.

don't listen to that socialistic talk by randomelk!!!!!!! :grin: be greedy!!!! Who knows, you surrender the tag and it just goes to a guy who doesn't even know what an elk looks like... Not to mention there are plenty of guys who have LE tags that we would consider they "wasted" them by hunting two days and then going home and not scouting at all etc.... The draw system and limited entry is a dog eat dog world. Surrender the tag and it might go to a mossback crew member! :grin:

 

[swbuckmaster]

My guess is if he didn't say yes the tag has already been given to someone else

 

[MWScott72]

Take the tag. I hunted muzzy LE elk on the Manti last year. Shot my bull on day 6 after the elk really started going following the Friday/Saturday storm that rolled thru. The muzzy dates are even later this year which should bode well for the rut (and the opportunities it brings). If anything though, figure out what you will/will not shoot prior to going. Lots of 280-320 bulls, but it gets tougher from there. Depending on how much scouting you do and whether you know the locations of 320+ bulls, you could definitely burn some time if you're wanting a bigger bull (and who doesn't?). Or you could get lucky early...who's to say?

FWIW, my brother hunts the S. Cache and he says that he is seeing more mature bulls this year than he has in the last 2-3 years. If I was your dad, I'd jump on that tag. He won't draw another LE elk tag for muzzy or rifle for 15-20+ years if he just drew last year. He could pull an archery tag sooner, but that's about it. He's playing with house money with the S. Cache!

 

[Raptorman]

They said he has until Monday to decide. I think he has already said he will take ot will be calling soon. Double LE tags for the fam this year.

 

[Charch]

Congrat! I think Raptor and MW said it perfectly. Better to be lucky then good! There are some great areas on the S Cache. I have a Manti Muzzle bull tag this year, but have hunted the S Cache a lot. Focus right around the 2 CWMUs. Strawberry Ridge and SJ Ranch. Bug lake, George Canyon is always good and then just north west of Strawberry. Strawberry will get 200-300 elk on that CWMU at times on the north side. I have hunted muzzle dear in there and one morning saw 17 bulls and only 4-5 were rags horns. One of the best memories I have had hunting. They were screaming so hard, only wish I had a camcorder. PM me if you want more areas to focus on. Good luck!

 

[johnnycake]

I think you and your dad should swing by my place so I can rub your heads while I fill out my expo apps this year.