Arizona Public Land Mule Deer Hunt Questions

[Cmane07]

Hey guys, my Dad and I are thinking about going mule deer hunting for the first time.  I’ve been doing some research and I’m thinking about us going to Arizona and trying the January hunt there on public land.  My question is, does anyone have any tips for a couple first time mule deer hunters? We’ve hunted out west-ish a time or two but both times were to chase turkeys.

Also, has anyone here ever done this hunt before or live in Arizona? I will take all the tips I can get! I’m not looking for anyone’s secret spot obviously but just looking for a ballpark area to get started.  This will be a whole new world for a Mississippi treestand hunter.  The idea seems pretty cool since you could take a mule or coues deer as well as a javelina.  Feel free to PM me if you don’t want to post here.  We won’t be looking for monsters, just something new and exciting me and him can try our hand at.  Thanks!

[longbowray]

PM your number and we can talk there a lot of planning that's goes to hunting out here , I'm from Arkansas (been here since 1982) and its new ball game hunting here .

[M60gunner]

What longbowray says and do it quickly.

[Cmane07]

PM your number and we can talk there a lot of planning that's goes to hunting out here , I'm from Arkansas (been here since 1982) and its new ball game hunting here .

Awesome! Pm sent.

[-Zor]

I would look at all the units that have otc hunts in January and pick one or two that suit you the best based on if you'll be driving out or flying out/high clearance vehicle or rental car/proximity to a hotel or backcountry camping/mule deer or coues deer/etc. Then apply for an archery javelina tag in those units as your first and second choice. Hunting deer from the ground out here is about 20x more difficult than hunting javelina from the ground, so that javi tag is a great way to wet your feet wet with a real chance at success. Feel free to pm if you have questions. Also, I recommend a good map or map program that highlights blm/usfs/state trust/private land. It's the hunter's responsibility to know what land they're hunting.

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

This is a hunt I would also like to do one day , good luck and keep us posted on the process..

,,Sam,,

[Markp]

Try coueswhitetail.com for additional information.  I am "turbo" on that site.
Note:  In Arizona, carrying a handgun, 6inch barrel maximum, no scope or hunting specific sights, is allowed while bowhunting.  It is not dangerous in the borderlands, and it is not 100% safe.  People who have tons of guns carry little pistols, like a ruger lcr, so it isn't that crazy.
Glassing for deer helps biggly, so bring binos and patience.  Temperatures can be 20 degrees in the dark morning and 70 by day, and cold fronts are cold, and productive.  IMHO, and in those opinions of hunters who grew up here, Tucson area, mid January is mule deer rut peak.
my longest bow kill is 21 yards, off a cliff.  I am a 12 to 17 yard guy, honestly, but certain areas are open, so increasing your range by even a yard logically helps.
Beautiful landscape, friendly people, you will love Arizona.

[Cmane07]

Thanks for the tips guys! Zor, I sent ya a pm

[Etter]

Arizona is awesome. Ive driven from GA twice to hunt javis in the Santa Ritas. That's 34a.  The last time we went, my buddy brought his pointer and we did real well on mearns quail. It's a trip Ill be doing the rest of my life.