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Capt. Don Martin

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Everything posted by Capt. Don Martin

  1. I had the pleasure of hunting with two of my friends from St.George Utah on the opening weekend of the HAM hunt in my favorite javelina unit, Unit 18B. Dan Driggs and Bryan Beckstead, who was on his first ever javelina hunt, came down to spend some time in the Arizona Wildlife Outfitters camp. I had to assist my brother on opening day, so I sent the boys off their own. None of us did any good, but others in our camp filled out, so Gary was going to have some help the next day. I wanted to be a good host, so on Day 2 I had the opportunity to go out with these two, who I affectionately call, "My Mormon Boys." First place we stopped it didn't take Dan long to glass up a small herd up on a hillside about 700 yards away. While I watched through the Swarovski spotting scope, (my knee was busted up and I couldn't hardly walk!) the boys made a move on the pigs but of course they moved around the mountain where I couldn't see them anymore. When the boys got there I told them the pigs had moved and to look in the thick brush where they had gone. I told them if they didn't find them to use a varmint call to try and make them move. Turned out to be good advice. They didn't see the pigs until after Bryan did a couple of calls. The pigs started huffing and clacking their teeth, and they moved out of the thick brush across onto a semi open hillside. Dan got a shot at 160 yards and dropped his pig. Bryan shot and just missed. But he reloaded and his second shot was on the money at about the same range. Pretty good shooting by those guys with smokepoles! Both pigs were good size. Dan's pig, which is the second one he's taken in the past 4 years, weighed 39.74 lbs. Bryan's beast, his first, weighed 40.05 lbs. Glad the boys tagged out. The second pair of "My Mormon Boys," Colby Adams and Roy Echols, will be coming in tomorrow for the start of the general rifle hunt. Oh, on Wednesday, my brother connected on an "oops" pig. He though he was shooting at a big boar, when in fact he shot a small boar. I don't wanna embarrass him, but I've taken jackrabbits that I think are bigger than that one! Good hunting guys! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
  2. Capt. Don Martin

    Unit 18B Muzzlelaoder success with the Utah Boys!

    All of my weights are always field dressed.. Don Martin
  3. Capt. Don Martin

    Unit 18B Muzzlelaoder success with the Utah Boys!

    FYI, the Arizona Game & Fish offers HAM (Handgun-Archery-Muzzlelaoder) hunts every year in Unit 18B. Don Martin
  4. For those non-residents who are still seeking a permanent bonus point and need to take the Arizona Hunter Education class to get it, the last Supplemental class for 2018 that I will be teaching will be held on March 24th, here in Kingman. This is a one-day class; hours from 7 a.m. till about 5 p.m. Class size is limited in the numbers who can attend, so to register (1) go the Arizona Game & Fish website at www.azgfd.gov (2) Click on HUNTING then go (3) to HUNTER EDUCATION. (4) Then look for the CLASSROOM COURSE SCHEDULE and scroll down to the March 24th date. (5) Click on VIEW EVENT and when you see the green box at the top right that says REGISTER NOW sign up and get your flight reservations made! Remember we are just 100 miles from Las Vegas. The only requirement to take this class is that you must have taken Hunter Education in another state since 1980 and must be able to send your card to me via FAX (928-2848) , text, or email. No card, no class; doesn't matter how old you are or how many years you've been hunting. Anyone younger than 14 years old must have the Chief Instructor's permission to take the class and of course must have taken and graduated from Hunter Education in another state. This is a fast paced and advanced class; if students are not familiar with hunting, they may struggle with the final exam. A couple of local motels will offer rooms at a small discount for those coming in for the class. Call Kenny at the Super 8 at 928-757-4808 or Claire at Knights Inn at 928-757-4315 to get a discounted room rate. Just tell them you are with the Hunter Education class. Graduate from the class and you will earn that permanent bonus point that you are seeking! Remember the draw for deer and sheep is coming up, so don't delay. Any questions? Call or text me at 928-303-9481. Don Martin Chief Instructor Region 3 928-303-9481
  5. For those non-residents who are still seeking a permanent bonus point and need to take the Arizona Hunter Education class to get it, the last Supplemental class for 2018 that I will be teaching will be held on March 24th, here in Kingman. This is a one-day class; hours from 7 a.m. till about 5 p.m. Class size is limited in the numbers who can attend, so to register (1) go the Arizona Game & Fish website at www.azgfd.gov (2) Click on HUNTING then go (3) to HUNTER EDUCATION. (4) Then look for the CLASSROOM COURSE SCHEDULE and scroll down to the March 24th date. (5) Click on VIEW EVENT and when you see the green box at the top right that says REGISTER NOW sign up and get your flight reservations made! Remember we are just 100 miles from Las Vegas. The only requirement to take this class is that you must have taken Hunter Education in another state since 1980 and must be able to send your card to me via FAX (928-2848) , text, or email. No card, no class; doesn't matter how old you are or how many years you've been hunting. Anyone younger than 14 years old must have the Chief Instructor's permission to take the class and of course must have taken and graduated from Hunter Education in another state. This is a fast paced and advanced class; if students are not familiar with hunting, they may struggle with the final exam. A couple of local motels will offer rooms at a small discount for those coming in for the class. Call Kenny at the Super 8 at 928-757-4808 or Claire at Knights Inn at 928-757-4315 to get a discounted room rate. Just tell them you are with the Hunter Education class. Graduate from the class and you will earn that permanent bonus point that you are seeking! Remember the draw for deer and sheep is coming up, so don't delay. Any questions? Call or text me at 928-303-9481. Don Martin Chief Instructor Region 3 928-303-9481
  6. Fellow sportsmen and parents: Not many are aware that the Arizona Game & Fish Department is proposing this year to eliminate the youth muzzleloader hunt with the whopping 25 tags in Unit 16A, the Hualapai Mountains. Here is some history about this hunt. The hunt was started in 1999 at the bequest of local sportsmen who were muzzleloader enthusiasts who wanted to pass on this form of hunting to their kids. But as time went on, the hunt became more popular with other sportsmen both in state and out of state as it was held over the Christmas vacation, a time when even those youth who were engaged in athletics would have the opportunity to hunt deer. Then at the request of the Region 3 folks, they added a provision that those with a muzzleloader deer tag could also purchase a companion javelina tag! Then some folks decided that this was a "trophy hunt" and the kids shouldn't be in the field at that time. That was and still is BULL! Sure there were a few larger bucks taken, but by far the majority were spikes, forkies and small three points. Several attempts have been made before to eliminate this hunt. They FAILED because the sportsmen of the state got involved and contacted the Department and the Commissions and told them that since there was NO BIOLOGICAL REASON to eliminate the hunt (40-50% hunt success) that the hunt should stay as it was. The Commissions responded to the public input and decided the hunt would stay. That is until this year when the department is once again proposing in their hunt guidelines to eliminate this hunt! There has been some who have wanted the Department and Commission to increase the youth tags from the current 5% of the tags to a higher percentage. The Department is proposing under the new guidelines, which will be voted on in September, to increase the total number of tags from 5% to 8%! I applaud them for this effort, as it is true the youth are the future of outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing. But does the Christmas break opportunity and the 25 associated tags need to be eliminated? Many around the state don't think so and I hope you are one of them. The school administrators like the idea of the kids not missing school, parents like it because its around the Christmas holiday when many are off work. It is a win-win for everyone EXCEPT maybe the AZGFD! As an interesting sidebar to this issuer, I asked "If this hunt were to be eliminated, would the unit then be opened to over the counter archery tags and hunters?" The answer was, "probably" which in government speak means "YES!" Does the archery community really think that opening the archery deer hunt in the Hualapai Mountains in December at the expense of taking away the kids muzzleloader hunt is a good trade off? I sure hope that with over 44 units open across the state for December archery hunters, that they don't think so. And don't forget, Unit 16A is OPEN for archers in January, AFTER the season for the 25 youth hunters is over! I recently asked Amber Munig from the AZGFD how many comments the Department has received on this issue. She said 12. Wow--that to me is amazing! If the Department and Commission doesn't get at least 100 comments about this issue, it WILL BE GONE not only for the next 5 years, but probably FOREVER! You've got until August to make comments on this. All it takes is just 5 minutes to sit down at a computer and write a response to the Department's proposal. PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO: azhuntguidelines@azgfd.gov and let's keep the limited opportunities for our young hunters in place! It is going to be up to YOU the sportsmen (both resident and non-resident alike) to let your voices be heard on this matter! If you don't let them know that you oppose this, then I guarantee you it will be gone! I personally have no dog in this fight. My grand kids live out of state and don't put in for this hunt. But if you have kids or grand kids that want to hunt with a muzzleloader during the Christmas break, then do this for them!
  7. Capt. Don Martin

    13B Questions

    208Muley: Kinda brutal on your assessment of ALL guides on the Arizona Strip! Drama Queens?? Full of... Hmm.. You obviously have me confused with someone else! LOL Don Martin Striper Hunters
  8. Capt. Don Martin

    13B Questions

    Yep, pretty good hunting up there! One of my guides took this 4 X 4 in velvet during the archery hunt. I signed over my Strip rifle tag to my 14 year-old grandson and he got this buck. Why spend more than $3500 for this hunt? Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
  9. Wow guys! THANK YOU ALL for commenting on this. I really believe that if the Department and Commission don't see at least 100 emails against this proposal, they will take it away. Don Martin
  10. Fellow sportsmen and parents: Not many are aware that the Arizona Game & Fish Department is proposing this year to eliminate the youth muzzleloader hunt with the whopping 25 tags in Unit 16A, the Hualapai Mountains. Here is some history about this hunt. The hunt was started in 1999 at the bequest of local sportsmen who were muzzleloader enthusiasts who wanted to pass on this form of hunting to their kids. But as time went on, the hunt became more popular with other sportsmen both in state and out of state as it was held over the Christmas vacation, a time when even those youth who were engaged in athletics would have the opportunity to hunt deer. Then at the request of the Region 3 folks, they added a provision that those with a muzzleloader deer tag could also purchase a companion javelina tag! Then some folks decided that this was a "trophy hunt" and the kids shouldn't be in the field at that time. That was and still is BULL! Sure there were a few larger bucks taken, but by far the majority were spikes, forkies and small three points. Several attempts have been made before to eliminate this hunt. They FAILED because the sportsmen of the state got involved and contacted the Department and the Commissions and told them that since there was NO BIOLOGICAL REASON to eliminate the hunt (40-50% hunt success) that the hunt should stay as it was. The Commissions responded to the public input and decided the hunt would stay. That is until this year when the department is once again proposing in their hunt guidelines to eliminate this hunt! There has been some who have wanted the Department and Commission to increase the youth tags from the current 5% of the tags to a higher percentage. The Department is proposing under the new guidelines, which will be voted on in September, to increase the total number of tags from 5% to 8%! I applaud them for this effort, as it is true the youth are the future of outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing. But does the Christmas break opportunity and the 25 associated tags need to be eliminated? Many around the state don't think so and I hope you are one of them. The school administrators like the idea of the kids not missing school, parents like it because its around the Christmas holiday when many are off work. It is a win-win for everyone EXCEPT maybe the AZGFD! As an interesting sidebar to this issuer, I asked "If this hunt were to be eliminated, would the unit then be opened to over the counter archery tags and hunters?" The answer was, "probably" which in government speak means "YES!" Does the archery community really think that opening the archery deer hunt in the Hualapai Mountains in December at the expense of taking away the kids muzzleloader hunt is a good trade off? I sure hope that with over 44 units open across the state for December archery hunters, that they don't think so. And don't forget, Unit 16A is OPEN for archers in January, AFTER the season for the 25 youth hunters is over! I recently asked Amber Munig from the AZGFD how many comments the Department has received on this issue. She said 12. Wow--that to me is amazing! If the Department and Commission doesn't get at least 100 comments about this issue, it WILL BE GONE not only for the next 5 years, but probably FOREVER! You've got until August to make comments on this. All it takes is just 5 minutes to sit down at a computer and write a response to the Department's proposal. PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO: azhuntguidelines@azgfd.gov and let's keep the limited opportunities for our young hunters in place! It is going to be up to YOU the sportsmen (both resident and non-resident alike) to let your voices be heard on this matter! If you don't let them know that you oppose this, then I guarantee you it will be gone! I personally have no dog in this fight. My grand kids live out of state and don't put in for this hunt. But if you have kids or grand kids that want to hunt with a muzzleloader during the Christmas break, then do this for them!
  11. Capt. Don Martin

    San Carlos in THREE weeks!

    Well going up on my early San Carlos spring turkey hunt in about three weeks. Got a number of friends going up too so we'll probably camp together. Gonna get a fishing permit this year and eat some fresh trout while I'm there. You know you get tired of steak and pork chops, LOL! This will be the first time I've hunted the early hunt, so not quite sure how it will be. We have all done well on the late season, and we just wanted to see how it is on that early season. My friend Eric and I both got birds on the late hunt in 2015, but we really had to work for them. Matter-of-fact, we have never spent so much time as we did last year to fill our tags... But we learned a lot of new country and areas where we never would have thought there were turkeys at, so maybe this year will be better. Got our Avian X decoys, lots of assorted diaphragm calls, and box calls, so looking forward to the hunt with my friends!
  12. Capt. Don Martin

    Opening day archery Az Strip buck!

    Thought I would share with you a story about a guide of ours at Arizona Wildlife Outfitters; Cody Jalbert and his 2016 archery hunt success. Cody drew an archery tag for the Arizona Strip (Unit 13B) and he and I took a couple of scouting trips up there so I could show him some areas I thought he should look at on his hunt. On the second trip Cody found an awesome main frame 4x4 that he said he wanted to try and take. The evening before his hunt started, about two weeks later- he relocated the buck--who had 6 other bucks with him, on the same mountain within a 100 yards of where he had first seen him! Opening morning, Cody was able to get to within 20 yards of the old buck and arrowed him. Not too bad huh? Just goes to prove you don't have to spend $5-7 thousand on a guide up there to take a giant buck! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
  13. Capt. Don Martin

    Opening day archery Az Strip buck!

    Buck has an outside spread of 32 3/4 inches. Here is my grandson's buck that he took on Day 4 with one shot at 164 yards! We had decided that he would actually hunt a buck, not just snipe one, and he did great. An old, regression buck, that was well past his prime. I spent two weeks up there PRIOR to the hunt as he had just 5 days to hunt. Thanks to the guys who helped make this hunt a success. My son Jimmy, Jay Chan, Gary Martin, Colby Adams, Daniel Driggs and Bryan Beckstead. I am pleased with the way the hunt turned out. Have no regrets about signing over my tag to him. Would do it again in a heart beat. Matter of fact, putting in for bull elk and antelope, and IF I draw, I'll sign either tag over to him. Yep, not bad for a 14-year-old kid from Oklahoma on his first ever mule deer buck hunt! Don Martin
  14. Capt. Don Martin

    Opening day archery Az Strip buck!

    Just got back from a bunch of hunts and looked through all the remarks on this post, interesting to say the least. Let me maybe clear up some issues. I have been hunting/guiding on the Arizona Strip for many, many years. I'm proud to say some of our hunters have taken some great bucks there in the past! My outfit, Arizona Wildlife Outfitters is sure NOT the largest outfit that operates up there, but our price ($4,500) for a fully guided 10 day hunt with pre-season scouting is surely among the best offered to those who don't want to go DIY on this most probable once in a lifetime hunt! I have just a hand full of guys who help me, not the small "army" that some folks have. I don't have 200 trail cameras out there either. That's why my hunts are NOT $5,000 +. I consider myself the "Blue Collar" outfit; the guys that assists hunters who don't have unlimited income and who have saved forever for the time they can go there. Have never said we take the largest bucks up there, and I never will. If you, as a sportsman have the financial resources to pay for the large outfits and all the services they provide,then go wit them! But some guys just don't have that kind of money or time available to scout and we at AWO seemingly fill that niche. A reasonable price for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime buck! Nothing more, nothing less In Cody's case, I went up there there with him on a couple of extended scouting trips to show him the country and maybe what to expect on his hunt. Cody had taken the entire season off from his business, if necessary to make sure he was taking advantage of this special tag he was fortunate to have drawn. He in fact found this buck and told me, "That is the buck I want to take." And he did it a few weeks later.. Plain and simple. His skill and expertise resulted in that buck taking a long nap on opening day. A buck of a lifetime if you're an archer or even a gun hunter, in my opinion! It was green scored at 201 4/8. I didn't score it; I didn't take the photo either, but sure don't doubt it either. No matter the score, its a great buck! Cody was NOT guided, he IS a guide and a darn good one. One of the best glassers I have ever been around. And obviously to get under 30 yards of this awesome buck is a testament to his skill and savvy when hunting mule deer. So, I hope this clears a few things up. I'm getting ready to go back up there ( my friends up there have been looking all summer) and get after it again. I was fortunate to draw a tag this year with 17 bonus points, but have decided to sign it over to my 14-year-old grandson from Oklahoma who has NEVER taken a buck deer in his life. He has taken just one deer, a doe that he took last year on a juniors hunt on the Kaibab. We got just 5 days to hunt this year because of school; and I guarantee you I'm not going to hold him off shooting what will probably be the largest mule deer of his life! Does it have to be a 30" 200 inch buck? No way! My son Jimmy will be there for the hunt and having him and Logan there IS the hunt for me! I've got friends who are gonna help glass, so I think we'll find him a decent buck to try and take. He won't be using any fancy long range rifles for him to try and take a buck a long, long ways off. He'll be using Grandma Page;s 260 Remington and he needs to be able to shoot accurately at 200 yards! Jimmy and Logan are working on that project every weekend in Oklahoma. We'll just see what happens; win, loose, tie or draw! And I'll share with everyone on this site the results of what is going to be a very special, once-in-a-lifetime hunt for the Martin family on the Arizona Strip! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
  15. If any experienced and licensed Arizona guide would like to do a Unit 9 rifle antelope hunt that starts Sept. 30, please give me a call. Unfortunately the guy who was assigned to do the hunt, is no longer part of our team, thus the vacancy. I have the forest permit. Call me for more details. Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters 928-303-9481
  16. One of the other programs that the AZ G&F Dept. has recently started is one called I Support Wildlife. While it is designed to be a money maker for the Department, when I interviewed a Department supervisor recently for a story I wrote in our local newspaper, I found out something interesting. That program was started especially for the the non-hunters in our midst; those who won't buy a hunting license cause it says "hunting" on it. These bird watchers, photography enthusiasts and wildlife watchers who don't hunt but who enjoy all of Arizona's diverse wildlife. I enjoy seeing wildlife, even though I'm a hunter! The Department knows that they are seeing a decline in their revenue streams and this program lets the non-consumptive user help pay for the management of those species that is the past, we as consumptive users, have historically paid for. Sorry, but I don't have any non-game photos at my fingertips. I think it is a great idea, but after reading then re-reading the particulars of the program, I don't see where they (Department) really made a good effort to market it to the non-hunters. Maybe its implied, or I just don't see it, but I think they could do a better job at letting the non-consumptive users know that this is a way for them to give back, just like we as sportsmen do. Look at what you get for a $25 enrollment fee. Free premium mapping, a subscription to Arizona Wildlife Views, a fishing report, a decal for your Subaru or mountain bike, and you get to "feel good" about helping pay for the management of non hunted species. Again, good idea, wish they would do a better job of reaching out to that segment of people who seemingly get all the benefits of wildlife conservation without paying for it. Don Martin
  17. Not sure how the Department is marketing the programs-- I know I did make some recommendations to the Regional Supervisor I spoke to about the programs.. Don Martin
  18. Here are the results of the last couple of trips we did at Lake Mead. Trips were 8-5-2016 and 8-6-2016 Good trips, lots of fun fishing with these guys! If you want to catch a lot of fish, give me a call. Think dark of the moon in May, June or July for the best times. Capt. Don Martin Striper Hunters
  19. Capt. Don Martin

    Auction buck got killed

    I heard from a friend that Shane's 92 inch buck was shot in eastern Arizona..NOT on the Boquillas..
  20. Capt. Don Martin

    Last couple of trips on Lake Mead for Striper Hunters

    Lake Mead has anywhere from 2-7 MILLION stripers and there just isn't enough food in there! Its a place where you want to catch LOTS of fish, with the average about 1 1/4 lbs. You can't change how it is at this lake, so just enjoy it. A place you can go and catch more fish than you have ever caught on a trip in your life. Capt. Don Martin Striper Hunters
  21. The information I wrote about that the Department is looking at new revenue streams due to a loss of participants in the AZ system were given to me by a Regional Supervisor who I interviewed for a couple of stories that I wrote for the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper. This was the answer I was given when I asked why the Department were initiating these new programs. Suggest that you contact Amber Munig at the Carefree office and ask her to explain it to you. I think we all know that the costs to manage wildlife is always going up. And we also know that the management of non-game and non-hunted species species has always be paid for by sportsmen. This program lets those that drive Subaru's and wear Birkenstock's share in this management responsibility for these non hunted species. That is a good idea, and long overdue, in my opinion. Those who are wildlife watchers, and are non-consumptive users should have the opportunity to help pay for the management of non-game species. Don Martin
  22. Capt. Don Martin

    Homemade Spring

    Great find!!! Amazing how critters of all types can find water, especially in times of drought. Don Martin
  23. Capt. Don Martin

    PointGuard, good idea or money making scam?

    19 bonus points for antelope is nothing when the max is 27. Now 19 deer points is something else, when the max is 19 and that application will be worth a LOT of money to someone who wants to pay and jump into the 20% bonus pass. I know some like it, some don't.. But it sure brings out the "screw the other guy" syndrome IF that person has money to burn and doesn't care to wait for another 5 years for a premium deer tag. Don Martin
  24. Capt. Don Martin

    Got 13b rifle tag

    I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. With the archery hunt about 3 weeks away, I think that the THREE hunters from Kingman, are going to do fine up there. Saw some different bucks this trip last weekend, and while none of them are the true "Giants" that live there, saw bucks that many would be happy to get, especially with a bow and arrow! Being a true "Freak and Geek" kinda guy, the freaks are the ones I like the best, but everyone has their own opinion. And of course, these little beauties! Lots and lots of fawns seen in the "nursery". Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
  25. Capt. Don Martin

    Got 13b rifle tag

    Average Joe, sure don't agree with that call, but whatever. Wonder why you feel that way? If you won a new Mercedes in a drawing and need work on it, you gonna take it to shade tree mechanic, or to a Mercedes dealer where it is done right? Just saying.. The other posts from other DIY hunters are mostly right on. Getting a big buck on the Strip is NOT for certain, for a number of reasons! I disagree with the statement that there are deer everywhere up there. It is a million and half acres of land and in many areas, there are pockets of deer. I've seen a small group of deer on a particular mountain, then for the next 20 miles not even a single track! The low desert areas have extremely low deer densities, but yes there are deer there too! I suggest a call to the unit manager might clarify a lot of these misconceptions about deer and deer hunting on the Strip. The wildlife manager hasn't been up there that long, but he is a smart, friendly guy, who will tell you straight up what's going on. It is true that most of the giant deer up there are taken by hunters who use licensed guides. Can and do big deer get taken each year by the DIY guys? Yes, but not in the same proportion or numbers that are taken by the guides, and that again is for a number of reasons. My guys and I guide up there; been there for years, but don't have the "army" of helpers, and don't run 175-200 cameras year around. If I did, I too would need to charge from $8-12k in fees. Information, experience and proven results aren't free. I'm fortunate to have a few friends who are mule deer aficionados who like to be out there on these hunts and are a huge help when it comes to finding and then taking big bucks. Having been on the Strip for many, many years, fortunately our clients have taken some really nice deer there. We charge less than half of what the "Big Boys" do. Here are a few of the bucks we've been fortunate to help sportsmen take in the past. Called the "Putter Buck" this awesome cactus buck was taken by my friend and fellow Hunter Education instructor A good buck for a 77 year old hunter. Lots of mass, double eyeguards, Bill was very happy with this buck! I rattled in this buck that had a lot of trash on the back of his rack! Miss Laura Borden holds a large rack from one of our hunts George wanted a non-typical and this is what he got! Nice velvet buck! Nice archery buck! Mike missed a 216 two days earlier! This is why you put out cameras! What a pair to draw too! Just a pair of nice AZ Strip bucks! If a sportsman wants to do it DIY then in my opinion he needs to make at LEAST 10 scouting trips up there and go up a week early; set up camp and really look at the area (from long distance with high quality binoculars and spotting scopes) you're gonna hunt. Don't just hope Lady Luck will smile on you. Do your homework! Fort most, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. Here is a buck we found last weekend up there while on a scouting trip. One of my guides and his dad have archery tags there this year. This buck is NOT a "giant" by Strip standards; but who out there who has never taken a non-typical buck would pass him up IF given the opportunity to take him either with a bow or rifle? "I'd rather be lucky than good", is an old saying that really applies to many with AZ Strip tag holders. If Lady Luck shines on you, you're fortunate, But hard work and perseverance will help increase your odds of success!. If you have the time to do all the scouting and other processes that needs to be done, then good luck! The odds will tilt in your favor. If you don't, then either consider a guide--or be realistic about what you will probably end up with. Don't set yourself up for failure. Nothing wrong with a mature buck, no matter how wide or what he scores. It is a magical place, but it is also daunting for most. The key in my opinion is to do your homework; spend as much time as you can on the ground up there (plan on the entire 10 days of the hunt for sure!); glass, glass and glass some more, practice, practice, practice your shooting; find some buddies that can go with you on your scouting and hunting trips that know how to glass and have a great time! That's as true of an assessment and advice as I can give. See you up there! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
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