Payson?

[Muledeerhunter999]

Hi, thinking about retiring to the Payson area. How is the mule deer hunting around there? Thanks.

 

[BOHNTR]

There's a few.....but some true giant Coues Deer and elk in the area.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Almost retired there 16 years ago. It has grown too much too suit me. Elk hunting much better than the deer hunting.

 

[Muledeerhunter999]

Which area has decent mule deer hunting and not that hard for a resident to get a tag? Where did you end up Colorado Cowboy?

 

[Muledeerhunter999]

Thanks BOHNTR.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I live in the 4 corners area just north of Cortez. I have 6 acres and am just outside of the San Juan NF. Where are you from in Calif. I was born and raised in the LA area (Downey). Worked 40 years in aerospace and retired at 58.

 

[Muledeerhunter999]

I live near Riverside, about 60 miles east of LA. Man, nice to retire at 58. I will be 63 when I retire (teacher). That is a nice area. I drove through Cortez about 30 years ago on my way to Mesa Verde.

 

[Catahoula12]

Lived in Az for 27 years. Payson has grown quite a bit.. the smaller areas east of Payson IMO are much nicer, less people. As far as hunting there are a few deer around the units close to Payson. 4A,4B,5A,5BS and 5BN all hold deer. However, much better elk population in these units. Beautiful area to live...

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Property is still pretty reasonable and cost of living not too bad either.

 

[Predatore]

I lived in AZ for 22 years and enjoyed my time all around that state. I spent years in Prescott, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix, so I have a good idea of the cities in AZ. I do know, that Payson would rank high on my list if I wanted to return to AZ. Flagstaff was great too, but it is a college town that might be a bit too much for retirement. Payson still has a small town feel (compared to Prescott or Flagstaff), is high elevation up in the pines, and has phenomenal camping/hunting opps. It is growing for sure, and has a lot of tourists and Phoenix folks dropping in on the weekends, but that's just to be expected. I have spent a lot of time around there, mainly elk and squirrel hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and camping. It's safe to say that mule deer can be found there, but the immediate areas aren't really known for world-class mule deer hunting like the Kiabab or the Strip. That's not a bad thing since you'll actually be able to draw a tag, but it depends on your standards. I am unsure of exact draw odds or success, but those could easily be found on AZGFD's website. I must say that the elk hunting around there can be pretty impressive, so make sure to start putting in for that IMMEDIATELY! Also, if you enjoy fishing, make sure to stop by Chevelon Canyon- it's a remote gem of a place.