DIY success on the Kaibab

Cavalier · Dec 2, 2020

It took me 16 years to get the coveted North Kaibab 12AW Mule deer tag.
I went to our hunt area 2 weeks early. With weather report showing good weather, I pulled my 5th wheel & ATV through 12" of snow 50 miles southwest of Jacob Lake to the camp site. I scouted the area 7 days and my friend JR (who also drew with me) joined me and we scouted another 4 days learning the hunt area. My Brothers Ken & Rod & Nephew Barrett, from N Mex. joined the hunt team on opening day. JR's team included Eli & Darrell. The hunt went well and as the hunt days past more and more buck were being seen. By the 5th day the bigger bucks were chasing does wildly, giving better odds at a decent buck. Day 4 JR scores on a great buck and day 5 I took mine. With all the rutting action, I would have loved to stay the rest of the hunt to take pictures of some fantastic bucks. Thanks to my hunt team for its support. And thanks to my wife for much patience through out our summer scouting trips and the almost three gone on the hunt. It's a fun hunt. Many bucks seen that included some very quality bucks.
https://www.facebook.com/rodney.ada...x69mDqPs-M6RXm6S8skd1Numha2fY6ZE&__tn__=-]K-R
https://www.facebook.com/barrett.ad...x69mDqPs-M6RXm6S8skd1Numha2fY6ZE&__tn__=-]K-R
https://www.facebook.com/jr.cope?__...x69mDqPs-M6RXm6S8skd1Numha2fY6ZE&__tn__=-]K-R

elkhunterUT · Dec 2, 2020

Congrats on some beautiful bucks!! I have been putting my boys in for deer in Arizona since they were 10 years old and hope they get the chance to do this hunt at some point. Looks like a blast!

Wapitiwilly · Dec 2, 2020

Kiabab is a magical place! You did well. Congratulations???

cmbbulldog · Dec 2, 2020

Congrats to both of you!

BradA · Dec 2, 2020

Congratulations to both of you! Sounds like an awesome hunt I hope to be apart of one day! Did you draw with 16 points as a resident I assume ?

Cavalier · Dec 2, 2020

BradA,
Yes, putting in 16 years makes 18 pts as a resident. You get a loyalty point and a point for hunter safety.

Calbuck · Dec 2, 2020

Good bucks! I have 9 points for Kaibab, wondering was this the late season or early? I'm also wondering if I should hold out for the late tag or is the early season worthwhile?

wapitiman · Dec 2, 2020

Nice work

hawkbill · Dec 2, 2020

Great Bucks congratulation, sounds like a fun hunt

Ranger1 · Dec 2, 2020

Congrats on two nice bucks!

Setcams4u · Dec 2, 2020

Great bucks. Congrats!

Cavalier · Dec 3, 2020

Calbuck said:
Good bucks! I have 9 points for Kaibab, wondering was this the late season or early? I'm also wondering if I should hold out for the late tag or is the early season worthwhile?

My hunt was the late hunt. Early or late has to be a personal choice. Both are great hunts but the late hunt is much harder to get drawn.

Founder · Dec 3, 2020

Dandy bucks. Congratulations

twdjr · Dec 3, 2020

Congrats to both of you on the nice bucks!

Servehim · Dec 4, 2020

Well done guys, 2 beautiful bucks. Just returned tonight from 3 days Hunting the Kaibab with my camera. I waited until Monday after the hunt was actually over so I didn't jack up anyone's actual hunt. Saw 1 whopper buck for about 5 seconds and many other bucks smaller than what you harvested. It was my first trip up there and really enjoyed it. I was surprised to see many smaller 130/140 type bucks actually breeding does.

notags · Dec 4, 2020

Good job, 2 great bucks,

Joe2Kool · Dec 5, 2020

Now that's a picture of success! Congrats!

Joe2Kool · Dec 5, 2020

Calbuck said:
Good bucks! I have 9 points for Kaibab, wondering was this the late season or early? I'm also wondering if I should hold out for the late tag or is the early season worthwhile?

I've got 7 and I'm putting 1st choice as late, with second as early. I'd rather hunt sooner rather than later. But with the way the AZ draw works, there's a possibility of anything. Sometimes you see guys on here post a late Bab or Strip hunt with only 1-2 points!