Guys, is there any varmint or small game hunting to be done in Utah in late October?? I have a few days on hand, and was thinking of renting a car (4x4?) and head for some (unspecified) piece of public land for a bit of outdoor life, some varmint or small game hunting (coyotes, jackrabbits, whatever? - I guess PDs are protected in Utah, yes?), and a bit of look-see.

Is that the start of a viable plan, or am I totally dreaming?? Will every last bit of public land be crawling with big game hunters in late October, or will I be violating every rule in the book if I went afield (with the correct licences, naturally) with either my .223 or a .22 LR??

Help, pointers or ideas anybody??
- mike

Not a lot of "Utah'rians" around here, I guess.
- mike

Every last bit of ATV, truck, and horse accessible public land will be crawling with hunters on the opening day of the deer and elk hunts, won't be near as bad during weekdays, but in my opinion still plenty crowded. During that time of year coyotes are about the only available varmint that I know of. although some areas do have quite a bit of fox running around and apparently jack rabbits are making a come back in some areas but I haven't gone after them.

Thanks Ralphie, much appreciated.
- mike

mho,

The hunts are in full swing, but jack rabbits, foxes and coyotes are always in season.

It is very easy to get out away from most of the crowds, there is plenty of desert to go around. Seems like you came this way before(?)

Sorry Shane, I had given up on this thread, so I only saw your post just now - my fault! Thanks a ton for the feedback. Any ideas of how to start looking for a decent area - if I'm trying to avoid getting in way of too many big game hunters, yet find lots of (or enough, anyway) jack rabbits etc ??? I had been thinking about starting with the "WMAs" listed on the DWR site. Is that a sensible start, or are there other places I should consider before the WMAs??

(Not asking you to reveal favorite water holes).

I have never been to Utah before, was that what you were referring to when you said "Seems like you came this way before(?)"???

- mike

There are quite a few Utahns at www.thehighroad.org, a general-purpose firearms forum. They have a hunting forum. Try your post there?

Ah thanks Dave, that might be worth a try. I also know our Big Game Hunting forum is well frequented by "Utah'rians", but thought the subject was slightly out of line with big game hunting...
- mike

mho-

there was someone asking this question some time back, for some reason your name looked familiar and I thought it must have been you.

There is an enormous amount of wide open land all around Utah. By the time you get to Nevada the wide open get rediculous. The rabbits are normally thick in the deserts, sage brush and low lands. Most hunters will be in the high country, so I wouldn't think that would be a bad problem. Will you have a car? If you can spend a few hours driving, you will be way out away from all the cities and into lots of rabbits, coyotes and foxes. I would look at the west desert, but only if you have a good car and a sensible head on your shoulders. Seems like the really stupid people have some interesting adventures out there.

Feel free to hollar at me if you want specifics. I might even have time to set you up when you get here.