2017 Muzzle Loader Deer Hunt Report

Guess what?  We didn't get a deer during the muzzle loader deer season hunting in the Abajo Mountain area in extreme southeast Utah.  We did have a great time together hunting and seeing the beauties of nature.  The colorful leaves were at their peak for color!  I am a crusty old man but even I was impressed with the beauties God has given us here on earth.

We hunted for several days and just couldn't get a shot at a deer with antlers on its head.  There were a multitude of deer in the area but none of them met the requirements of our tags, e.g. antlers.  Let me post some photos of the country and the absolutely unafraid deer we saw almost hourly while hunting.  It is called "hunting" for a reason.  It is not always just harvesting.

Beautiful colored leaves

panorama S.S.E.

panorama S.S.W.

I have never hunted in the Monticello, Utah area.  It is beautiful.  The folks in town are friendly and I think it is wonderful over there.  Only thing is -- crap-o-rama -- it is a long way from anywhere.  The travel time is taxing to say the least.  I have been through the area before while a college student and also on motorcycle trips to the Four Corners Monument but just passing through in a hurry and didn't take time to see the extremely beautiful surroundings.  Hunting is kind of special that way, it allows you to take time to see every thing and enjoy the beauty of nature {while waiting to kill some some animal for food}.

unafraid deer taunting me N37º50.426 W109º27.673 Elev = 11,313

Sanctuary deer living near the local temple in town

Our camp was in the pines and we had it really pretty good.  It rained once but the weather was as good as can be expected in the fall in the mountains.  We were able to hunt everyday and saw a multitude of does and fawns.  Many of the does had two fawns.  The twin fawns will mean good hunting in years to come. Our camp was simple but fun. My grandson HUNTER came and actually got a shot at a 3x3 buck or so at just over 200 yards.  A bit too far for a muzzle loader.  Maybe next year. ? ? !

Hunter all snuggled in until morning

Camp was comfortable N37º49.115 W109º27.261 Elev = 8,465

I saw a bear track and a younger live bear looking for something to eat.  I spooked the little bear and he ran like the IRS was after him into the brush and disappeared.  Maybe a deer next year for both me and the bears.  My last years' deer hunt was so superb I can't rationally expect an equal follow up.

Monticello, Utah beautiful

{NOTE: Virgin Mobile lies about service in this area, or zip code.  they indicated full service and they beguiled me.  I took my phone and was not able to contact anyone through talk or text until I got near to Cedar City, Utah. Just so you know.}