Hawkeyehunter

I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this so the powers-that-be can move it if necessary. Well after two hunting buddies flaked out, looks like I'm going on my first solo bow hunt for deer. Headed out to unit 22. Was wondering what the best time to start is. I have about an hour hike in to my glossing spot. I would assume it would be ideal to be in position around first light. This would obviously mean packing in when it's still dark outside. Anybody have any advice on this? Is it a bad idea? I will obviously have my sidearm and flashlight with me. I'm not sure of the mountain lion presence in the area so it has me slightly worried.

Well I'm still alive after hiking 2 hours in the dark. I did take a wrong turn at one point so had to backtrack a mile. I'd never been there in daylight let alone pitch black. Saw lots of tracks but no deer. Going to try again next week now that I know where I'm going. I also learned for the second time in my life that a new pair of waterproof boots doesn't mean they're actually waterproof. Time to dip into the ol' savings account for some real boots that have warranties for that kind of thing. Also, thanks for the campfire stories. Now I have more worse-case-scenarios to contemplate while I hike in the dark.

Thanks everyone. I'm on the road headed out. I brought my banjo repellant. Wish me luck.

Hi all. New to the forum. Have been doing research for a couple of weeks but I have a feeling I have over-researched to the point that I'm lost. I've only hunted one year in AZ and that was up in the Kaibab so I kind of got spoiled by deer being everywhere and easy to find. I'm trying to do a short OTC Unit 22 hunt over the rest of the month but I have no idea where to start. Not looking for honey holes but if anyone is willing to give me a couple of spots to start I would appreciate it a lot. We just spent the holidays selling our house so I've hardly had any time to scout or even shoot my bow. I'm ready to hike and have my binos dusted off. Anybody have any advice? Thanks in advance.

Thanks everyone. That is reassuring. Excited to get out there and track em down. With all of this rain, is it still a good idea to scout out watering holes or will they be scattered out more?