AZ bound!!

[Tbob]

Hell yeah! A buddy just asked me to join him and his family on a mule deer hunt in AZ the  3rd week in January. Archery only and a OTC non-res tag for me! I've never been but just can't wait!! Gotta be a great way to start the new year! Looks like we'll be in unit 20b. They have javelina and deer tags. Just deer for me. Anyone ever hunted out there? Any advise? Not looking for spots as my buddies fam already has our spot picked out, just curious what to expect or any tips for this type of hunt. I'm a wetside Wa hunter and have never hunted this type of terrain. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!! Can't wait!!

[Bean Counter]

I've hunted in Arizona once or twice.  Actually I live here 

Where are you hunting? Send me a PM.

The muley rut will be over by then. They're sniffing and chasing right now but its not yet in full swing. The coues deer (whitetail subspecies) will be in full swing 2nd-3rd week of of January. If I were only making one trip down here I would try for a coues because you don't have them in WA.

[Karl Blanchard]

If you don't have a spotting scope, borrow one.  I'm jealous!  Been on the bucket list for a while but hard to get a few guys to split gas with.  Have fun!

[Bean Counter]

  My spotter gets a crazy workout. If you have two way radios bring those as well. Or cell phones. My tripod is so beat to heck I need to replace it next year.

The ground is really loud and crunchy in the southern half of the state. In the northern half its just as if not more snow covered than WA. Your OTC archery tag is good for either coues deer or mule deer FYI. Units 3A and 3C are no longer in the list of OTC approved units. They were switched to draw only last year to improve trophy quality. Only mule deer in that unit.

[Karl Blanchard]

Cabelas carries "over boots".  They are basically a big soft insulated booty that slips on over your regular boots.  They really muffle your footsteps.  I usually stalk in my socks unless it is cactus country in which I use the over boots.

[Bean Counter]

I've seen them at Sportsmans Warehouse for $25 a pair. They don't last too long so only wear them for your last 500 yards of a stalk.

Or you can just pick them up at the sites where the so-called humanitarians (who are actually smugglers in disguise) leave water for illegal aliens in the desert. Not sure why they need to leave out carpet booties for illegal aliens to hide their footprints though...

[Tbob]

Thanks for the tips fellas! So I dont have access to a spotter, but I've got some pretty good bino's (not optimal I know, but will have to do for this trip) and honestly, not sure of the area, I was just told the unit. I'll ask my buddy for a little more detail and pm you Bean Counter (thank you).. I'm so stoked to be going! Totally out of the blue random invite!

[Karl Blanchard]

I think there is a guy on here that does optics rentals, can't quite remember who though   You are sure to have an adventure for sure.  Good bucks to be had in Az as well. 

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting_units_20b.shtml