Arizona Cous deer help?

[B&C Blacktails]

So I have always had a thing for the lesser hunted species around our national forest lands. Cous deer are on my bucket list for rifle or archery. I'd prefer rifle over the bow mostly because it gives me a better opportunity to harvest a mature animal with the limited time off of work. I am usually pretty good at deciphering the draw odds and harvest ratios, there is a lot of killer sounding units in southern AZ.

I like unit 29 in the Chiricahua wilderness, 34a Santa Rita mtns, 36b in the Pajarita wilderness and 22 in the Mazatzal wilderness. Most areas have three seasons since I have no points in AZ the late rifle is not an option. I am open to the non-permit archery tag as well, which gives me the option of hunting the peak of the rut in January for any open unit.

Does anyone have experience with the various types of hunting pressure (in wilderness) in these units and hunt quality? I am looking for a backpack hunt, there is no mountain range too rugged. I am just looking for general advice and experiences. I have never hunted a whitetail let alone a Cous deer.

Thanks in advance

 

[dustin ray]

there are left over archery javelina tags on sale now and get non permit deer tag I'm going to 37b and 33 theres more cous in 33 its a good way to explore a new area for a later hunt

 

[B&C Blacktails]

My buddy has an archery only permit. No tag for me I'm just going to go help spot and learn the country. We will be in 19a, he's focused on muleys but there are some cous in the area. Good luck down there Dustin ray.

 

[gonhunting247]

Good Luck to you and your buddy, sounds like a lot of fun. Headed on my first Coues hunt in a few days and drew a javelina tag for February. It will be my first time for both. Going solo, so it will be a real learning trip, but I'm pretty stoked!

 

[Azff05]

I have spent a lot of time both archery hunting and rifle hunting coues in unit 22. There are good numbers of deer and some quality bucks as well. The further you get into the mazatzals, the further you will get away from people, as with anywhere. I cannot personally speak for the other units because I have never hunted them. However, all the units mentioned are quality units.

 

[maximus]

i don't know if your hunt is over and sorry i'm a little late on this thread but also don't overlook unit 23 with 3 wildernesses in there, Hells Gate which half is unit 22 and the other is unit 23, you have the salome wilderness and the sierra ancha wilderness, great bucks in all of those.

 

[Spudman]

Hello B&C Blacktails...I just joined and saw your post. When are you deciding to do your coues hunt? I lived in AZ for 20 years and know a few units I could point you to and a few areas to check out. PM me if interested.

 

[jdmecomber]

Pm me I can give you some information