Deer OTC archery

[BOHNTR]

One thing that was pointed out to me by a guy that hunts AZ every year he can was to go in January the first year. Reason being, you can go back the same year in August or December if you don't fill your tag in January.

Exactly what I was fortunate to do this year. After not filling my 2013 tag in January, I ended up arrowing my 2013 deer on December 27th......a 25" wide 3x4 at 45 yards:



Five days later (January 1st-2014), I was lucky enough to have this buck push a doe by me at 25 yards after I stalked in close to his herd:



I ended my hunt with this javelina on January 5th, completing the AZ hat trick:

 

[Fink]

Nice, BOHNTR! That's getting some mileage out of your licenses!

 

[Musket Man]

Not many can say they filled their tags for 2 years on the same hunt!

 

[sjsmallfield]

Congrats BOHNTR!

 

[az.mountain runner]

Look at areas south of Tucson too Yuma some pretty big muleys in that area, most areas are good hunting from Dec.threw January, find a camping spot semi close to small populated areas and make sure to put sheriff's number and border patrol numbers in your phone and don't be afraid to use them if your Leary, wish I could hunt that area more after Christmas I usually don't have the time or money to go that far south, I'm in the east Phoenix area.

 

[wapiti66]

Are Javelina good to eat? Congrats on your hunt, that's quite an achievement.

 

[az.mountain runner]

I generally turn mine into some kind of sausage, pretty good that way.

 

[MrCreepy]

I would love to take advantage of these OTC opportunities! I've been thinking about Unit 27, anyone have experience with this unit?

 

[MrCreepy]

BOHNTR,

Wow! What an accomplishment. Nice trophy's as well.

 

[azelk6x6]

Why can't I see the pics. What unit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChadH]

Great job man! That is so on my bucket list. My cousin lives in Sedona, and I need to get down that way and see her. Maybe I should keep on going south and give it a try!

 

[BOHNTR]

Thanks, folks.......it was a great hunt. Forgot to post the best photo of all. My hunting partner's daughter (Erin) with her first javelina. She was pretty darn happy. You notice that Broncos beanie?

 

[win264]

Awesome hunt! Congrats! I've been looking to do AZ in January, I've been going to NM and have enjoyed it but AZ is looking pretty good right now!

 

[ArmyArcher]

I moved out here to Tucson last June and took my first Coues in the Superstition Wilderness on the last morning of our hunt (Dec 31). Packed in with two buddies that flew out for a five day hunt. Absolutely beautiful country.

We were in deer every day at least two dozen betw/the three of us and at least six of those bucks each day. Very well could have been repeat sightings from day to day but point is lots of action. Rut was going pretty hard. One evening I watched a nice buck breed a doe at 80 yards. Light was limited and my practice for the year didn't go beyond 60 so didn't want to take the chance.

Largest buck we saw was with three does and was at least in the 120 range.

Great thing about this hunt was we didn't come across another hunter in five days. Exchanged hellos with a hiker coming out as we were going in and three other hikers surveying the trails.

My buddies and I are headed to CO for an OTC elk hunt this year so when I head back to the Super, will be solo. Anyone planning an AZ hunt is welcome to join me. Would likely be last week in Dec after Xmas.

Some folks already mentioned it but pay attention if your hunt extends into January. Unlike last year, your license will be good for a year from date of purchase. However, your tag will expire on 31 Dec, so you'll need to get a new tag for January which will be good throughout the remainder of the year. For a NR, the fees can add up.

 

[ArmyArcher]

Forgot to mention that if you're serious about an AZ hunt, there's a coueswhitetail.com forum that has plenty of folks willing to assist others.

May have gotten the title wrong but if you google it, you'll find it.

 

[Bkypreos]

Listen to him, he knows his stuff,BOHNTR I just read your article in Western hunter! You inspired me, by putting in the work and scouting the not so known areas OTC hunts will pay off, We got some big boys out there just is not gonna be a pick and shoot type hunt. Thanks for the info in that article btw, You can put them down. Do the home work, put some boots on the ground and hours behind the optics