Mule Deer Typical Habitat in Early September - Northern AZ

[djshuler]

Need a little bit of assistance. I've got an early season archery muley tag for norther Arizona, but I only have a couple of days to hunt. The unit I'm at has tall pine and hardwoods filled with canyons to the south and pinon/juniper flats to the north. I usually hunt the areas where it transitions (for late elk) and always find a mess of mules but this is my first time going for muley this early in the year.

Which would be the better habitat to look for since I have a limited window to hunt?

 

[grandejuan]

Where are you hunting? GJ

 

[djshuler]

Where are you hunting? GJ

I'm going to be in 4B. I know the area well for Elk and almost always see mules in passing but this is my first tag this early.

 

[grandejuan]

I've never hunted 4B, but have hunted 6A, 7 and 9. FWIW, if the monsoon has been good I'd look for mulies at the head of the rim canyons, new and not so new burns and any place with lots of still "fresh" scrubs and browse. If you can find areas with lots of mushrooms hang there. Deer love them. Good luck. GJ

 

[djshuler]

There was the "Slim Jim" burn a couple of months ago and the monsoon has been decent. The burn and transition areas was what my gut was telling me, just wanted a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[Gr8bawana]

I personally would hunt the southern end of your unit in the broken country where the rim transitions to the lower country and concentrate on any burned areas you can find.
Good luck on your hunt.