AZ Archery-Mule Deer

Wiszard · Nov 12, 2007

Am I able to bowhunt AZ for mule deer this year with an OTC tag if I have not completed an archery course? If I bought a license in 2007, can I still use it for the bowhunt that goes from Dec. of 2007 to Jan. of 2008....or do I have to buy a 2008 license as well? I am thinking about making a trip the third week in Dec. if possible. Thanks in advance for the info.

Steve

BOHNTR · Nov 12, 2007

No archery course required to bowhunt Arizona. The season there runs by the calender year.....which means your 2007 tag is good until December 31st, 2007. On January 1, 2008 you'll need a buy a new license and archery only tag.

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

Wiszard · Nov 12, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Nov-12-07 AT 05:13PM (MST)[p]Thanks for the response. Is the rut still on in December in the meddle of the state (Area 17A)? Any help or info would be great! I may not be able to get over there until January though. How will the hunting be in January in Area 17A. What can I expect deer wise, weather wise, people wise? Thanks in advance!

Steve

donniedent · Nov 12, 2007

17a is a great choice. It'll be cold though. The rut should be going pretty good by the last week in Dec. first week in Jan. Just guessing though. You might want to check out unit 10 as well. There will deffinatly be more hunters in 10 though. You will be running into archery pig hunters in 17a after the first of the year. I'll PM you some hot spots for 17a.

Donnie

BOHNTR · Nov 12, 2007

In that particular unit, I've seen them "generally" rut about Christmas Day through the second week of January. Depending on where you're at you can expect 65 degree weather or snow....expect the unexpected in terms of weather.

The desert units are not what the used to be in terms of deer numbers....which is common throughout the West. However, there are still a few good bucks out there for those that get away from more popular areas.

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

Wiszard · Nov 12, 2007

Thanks donniedent- I will check my messages! Thanks for the info BOHNTER. I am not looking for a monster buck. I would prefer seeing a lot of smaller deer rather than just a few big bucks. I have only taken one deer with a bow so I am looking to fill a tag. I think taking an animal with a bow is the ultimate hunting challenge. I appreciate any info you guys can give me. Thanks again!

Steve

BOHNTR · Nov 12, 2007

Wiszard, PM sent.

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

Wiszard · Nov 12, 2007

Donniedent and BOHNTR- Thanks so much for the info. It is nice to have others that will pass on helpful information to benefit others that need it. I really appreciate it. Both of you had mentioned one the same areas so I think I will look into this area first. I need to acquire a map or to so my next move is to call AZ F & G. Thanks again for all of your help!

Steve Wisz

Bow6x6 · Nov 16, 2007

Wizard.

Sent you a PM.

Bow6x6

Wiszard · Nov 16, 2007

Bow6x6- I got you pm from a couple of days ago and sent you one back. Did you get it? I ended up going to Topomap.com and they had everything I needed.....for now. I should recieve them within 4-6 days. Hopefully it will show all of the county roads, etc. I have not fully decided if I will make it over there in January or not. Everyone I talk to says that if it is later than the second week, hunting may be hard cuz the rut should be over. I would like to get over there anyway just to get familiar with the area and open up another possible hunting area for me. Normally, my hunting is done by the end of October. Here in Cali the bow season opens in July and the gun season closes in September. We then go to Wyoming in Oct. and were done by the 20th. It is a long wait from Oct. to July! My regular email is [email protected] if it is easier to communicate off of MM. Thanks to all of you for the help. Who knows, I may actually meet you in person.

grizzlyplumber · Nov 17, 2007

Dont bother coming, were plumb fresh out a deer in the whole state. Just sold outta the last one. Maybe next year.

Wiszard · Nov 17, 2007

When are you guys expecting a shipment?! Can I put one on hold?

Steve

fugitive · Nov 18, 2007

Hey wizsard f you are coming down look me up. I live only 25 miles away from 17A and plan on spending a good part of the 45 days of good ol archery season up there. If you need any more advice other than what the others told you maybe I can help.

fugitive · Nov 18, 2007

P.S. If you see a black GMC Sierra bith a big bowhunter sticker in the back window stop and chat.

Wiszard · Nov 19, 2007

Fugitive- Thanks for the response. I may cruise over there, I may not. I forgot that we have a wedding in Vegas for my wifes niece the first week of January. What a bummer!! I am running a bit behind on planning this trip anyway. I just ordered maps a couple of days ago. I didn't hunt in Wy. this year so I am itching to throw a hunt together. I'll be in touch! Thanks

Steve

Idcurs · Nov 26, 2007

This unit does not have a lot of mule deer in it like others.I had an antelpoe tag in here this year and saw some good mule bucks,but not a lot of deer.A buddy drew the any elk tag and we hunted in 17a and saw a few more mule deer bucks.I lion hunt the Yavapia ranch a lot for lions with my dogs and just don't see a lot of deer,more elk than deer.And if you go in Jan there will be a lot of javelina hunters this is a popular unit for them.I find a lot more deer in the 20 units and less hunting pressure.

Wiszard · Nov 26, 2007

Thanks for the info IDcurs. I will take that into account. Is the Javelina archery only or rifle? How do you hunt them? Spot and stalk or blind?

Steve

Idcurs · Nov 28, 2007

Javeline archery hunts go Jan 1 till jan 24,unless its as dry as it is now most hunters spot and stalk.If its dry like now sitting at water will produce pigs as well as deer.