Az unit 19A

[chuckyd313]

Headed up on the 18th to do a little archery deer hunting. We got a few waterholes mapped out and the optics are dust free and ready to go. Anybody ever spent any time up in this unit chasing critters? Ive even got a Mt. Lion tag just in case.
Any OYOA people out there have any luck and/or advise on this unit?

 

[dalbo]

Sorry Chuck, never hunted that unit. We were in 20A last weekend hunting the
flats and foothills at about 3500ft. Most of the pigs were in small
Groups, 2-3. I only saw one larger group of 10. I missed 3 with me recurve.

I'm going to swallow my pride next weekend and take the compound.

Good luck.

 

[dalbo]

The deer were out and about. Once the wind kicked up they were tucked in the washes out of the wind

I saw a couple different mulies cruising for does. Found a nice 4x4 bedded with 2
Forkies and a doe. I stalked within 35 yards and the wind changed... Busted.

 

[chuckyd313]

I was wondering if the bucks were chasing already. That should make spotting them a little easier (i hope). I know i always say i never chase antlers but being the first hunt of the year and Arizona having such an extensive archery season i think im going to hold out for BIG or abnormal.
Dalbo how was the weather up there by the way? I usually try to avoid hunting in freezing cold weather, but my friend grew up near there and this will be his first archery hunt ever so i gave in.

 

[dalbo]

The weather was nice last weekend, low 60's during the day, 20-30 lows.
My buddy killed a 2x3 last sunday, he is going back up today for javies. It's supposed
To be a high of 36 up there today...Brrr.

I'm hoping out will warm back up next weekend. Good luck.

 

[chuckyd313]

Thanks for the info. Thats why i love this site, everyone is always willing to help.

 

[chuckyd313]

Well i did it. I spent the weekend looking for BIG antlers. I passed up a perfect quartering away 52 yard shor on a spike/forkie. I went up there with the intentions of scoring on a big set of head gear. If i hadnt gotten the forkie in rifle season last year that little guy would have came home with me.
It was COLD up there too. At 7:30am it was 14 degrees. Ive never been in weather that cold before. Way too cold for this desert rat redneck.
Did get to glass a herd of fat does though. Watched them for nearly an hour and never did see a buck running them. Oh well theres always next time. Thats why its called hunting and not getting.