Arizona December Archery Season

CAnAZbwhnter · Nov 28, 2006

Im looking forward to getting back out there on the 15th with my bow and hittin the hills! I thought I would try to get some conversation going on the upcoming season. Im a little new to AZ so have only hunted it for a year (units 23 & 21). Im surprised how many places deer can be found if you really take the time. Its awesome out here. I like hunting the southern part of 21 simply because its close to home. Had a nice scouting trip over the weekend and found quite a few deer in there. I didnt have to hike in far to see them either, but I imagine the farther in I can get might give me a better chance to find a decent buck.
What do you guys think? And when are these boys in rut down here in Arizona? Probably not as familiar with these deer as some of you so any tips or pointers would be great.

-Chris

BOHNTR · Nov 28, 2006

Chris:

You've already got half the battle done......you found some deer. (does). Keep an eye on them. I've bowhunted the Dec/Jan hunt in Arizona for almost 20 years now and it's been my experience that the peak of the rut in the desert units is generally the first two weeks of January. However, the December hunt is good too, as you will find mature bucks on the outskirts cruising alone getting ready for some early does.

As you know, overall deer numbers are drastically down from about 10-15 years ago in the desert units. But there are still a few good ones around if you watch the does and do some homework.

Here's a few photos of past hunts to pump you guys up for the desert hunt:

BOHNTR )))---------->

MrClyde · Nov 28, 2006

Those pics would pump anybody up!! Thanks!

CAnAZbwhnter · Nov 29, 2006

BOHNTR,

THose pictures are sweet. Looks like you guys have harvested some real nice desert bucks. I appreciate you sharing and thanks for the advice too. Ive got a nice area picked out with a nice open bowl and some surrounding canyons that definately hold deer. It should be interesting hunting during this time of the year. I'll make sure to keep a close eye on those does.

Do you use any calls or recommend any for the hunt?? Thanks again!

Chris

JakeH · Nov 29, 2006

I was wondering when the rut kicks in farther north, like around flagstaff. I was also wondering about useing calls.

MM Member since 1999. Jake H

sremim · Dec 4, 2006

There's only one unit open close to Flagstaff and that is still an hour drive. I've seen it kick in around the same time.

It's Bush's fault!!!

Heat · Dec 4, 2006

Chris,

You'd be wise to follow BOHNTR's advice. He's been very successful in AZ since I've been paying attention to this internet thing.

Roy, thanks for posting those pics. You got me pumped!

Nick

CAnAZbwhnter · Dec 6, 2006

9 days left gentlemen!! Starting to get very excited now. I sure hope that I have my first AZ deer success this season.
Ive got to ask more pointers though. The area Im in is pretty dang dry right now and stalking is tuff. Any recommendations?? I stick true to spot and stalk hunting and besides that Im not sure what/if any other methods will work?? Any thoughts and thanks again guys

born2bhuntin · Dec 8, 2006

Find where they are watering and sit and wait!

"KILL THEM ALL AND LET GOD SORT THEM OUT"

BOWUNTR · Dec 12, 2006

Don't forget you'll be huntin with the late season rifle hunters. Keep an eye out for them too. I'll also be there on the 15th, sitting in a tree at a secluded water source. All of my stars are in line for a big fat whitetail to come get a drink!! Good luck. Ed F

http://community.webshots.com/user/bowuntr

CAnAZbwhnter · Dec 12, 2006

Its late rifle season right now also? I didn't no that! The last thing I want to worry about is some hunter taking a 500 yard shot at anything that moves

BOWUNTR · Dec 12, 2006

21 and 23 open for late rifle whitetail on the 15th, 75 tags in each unit. Not a whole lot of hunters, but enough to be thinkin about. Get away from the roads and easy to get to spots. Are you huntin muleys or whitetails? Ed F

http://community.webshots.com/user/bowuntr

CAnAZbwhnter · Dec 14, 2006

Thanks for the heads-up Ed. I am hunting muleys. But the good thing is I dont think I will have to worry about any white tail hunters because I will be sticking to the southern part of 21. Havent seen any whitetails down that low yet. Good luck out there tomorrow and hopefully you and I will have some pictures to post!

maddglasser · Dec 19, 2006

The deer numbers are steadily going down but I think the quality of the desert is as good as ever. We took three 30" + bucks last year. 2 archery and 1 muzzle and all glass and stalk. When stalking we like to get close to a big buck and try some tending grunts at him, that will sometimes let him make the mistake and give you a shot before all the does bust you.

Buxndiverdux · Dec 20, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Dec-20-06 AT 11:36AM (MST)[p]Hey Maddglasser... The last time I saw you was in The Gila in 2001. I believe we listened to the whole September 11th tragedy that morning in your truck. See you in a couple weeks. How good is your memory???

CAnAZbwhnter · Dec 20, 2006

Nice deer! Those are all awesome. Yesterday I jumped a very nice 4 pointer and a real nice wide 3x3 that were both hanging out together. It was text book as I was eventually able to watch these guys bed. After backing out of there and taking a long trek over and around so I could get close, they ended up being gone.
The big-boys are so hard to get in on, but the great thing is is that I am now able to consistently find the big guys. However, giving myself a good oportunity I am still learning how to do! God this area I found is sweet. It does not look like much at all, but after lots of hiking around and plenty of time spent in the area, Im realizing I have found my spot! And there are no other hunters to contend with. I feel like its my own little private hunting ranch. Good luck to all of you guys

sremim · Dec 20, 2006

Hey Bux,
The Sept. 11th tragedy was in 2001, not 2000.

It's Bush's fault!!!

Buxndiverdux · Dec 20, 2006

Sremin, you are exactly right. A real bad time for a typo. Geez! That makes me feel bad.

Still getting adjusted to this new keypad.

maddglasser · Jan 1, 2007

You still typed 2001 on the original. Anyhow lookin forward to you and Jody showin up. I have been doin a lot of scouting and look good. How is that for memory? See ya soon

socalkingfan · Jan 16, 2007

Bubba-

Time is waisting my brother, and I literally mean my brother. CAinAZ is my little bro and he is a hell of a hunter. You guys should have seen the stalks he put on up here in Northern California this past bow season. He was 37 yards from a monster 4x4 but didnt have the clean shot so he played the responsible role and didnt take the shot. IF he would have nailed it he would have definitely been in some magazines. He was a monster as was the 3x3 traveling with him. I have never seen a rack so big.

Keep up the work bro. Time is ticking. I know you have done your homework so go harvest one of those big boys you keep calling me about every week.

Hey everyone, congrats is in order to Chris aka Bubba as well as he and his wife are expecting their first child! Future bowhunter in the works; boy or girl.

Take care guys and great having forum to discuss things with all of you experinced hunters out there.

socalkingfan (Paul)