The Deer Guy

Found that out on my recent hunt. I was glassing catclaw from 1000 yds that I thought were small until I watched coues come out of them and the catclaw was taller that the deer. Not fun stuff to walk through and it seemed to love tearing up my kuiu pants.

Hey guys/gals, First time posting so here it goes. I’ve been planning a trip for AZ archery deer in September and I’ve finally narrowed it down to unit 23 (mainly because my buddy lives in Payson). I’ve been scouting the unit with On X maps and I’ve dropped pins on a bunch of water holes, glassing knobs, etc. I’ve never been to the area and I was just wondering if anyone has tips. I don’t expect people to give out their honey holes and I know the deer numbers are fairly low but any help would be appreciated. Just general information would be great like what elevation to look at, what vegetation to focus on, pretty much anything would be awesome. thanks, Josh

Ohthatguy, Stud buck for unit 23! Congrats. It’s a really cool unit. Got to reunite with a childhood buddy who lives out there and is an absolute deer hunting machine. We found lots of deer just not many that were big enough to kill.

Just a few phoneskope pictures at 1000+ yds

Well guys/gals... just got back from the trip. Didn’t get one but it was a successful trip in my opinion. I saw tons of game (elk, muleys, coues, javelina, bear, and turkeys). Hunted extremely hard and but on some miles through rough country. Did locate a few decent bucks and unfortunately blew a stalk on a 150” 4pt on the last day. Just give a big thanks to everyone who helped me with information for this hunt. I can’t wait to get back after em. Josh

Bob, First timer hunting AZ for archery deer this year. I can’t vouch based on experience but I will say that after coming back from a trip where I hunted really hard and hiked miles through tough country I will say that it’s way harder than expected. The coues seem to move fast and bed down in some of the thickest brush making them extremely hard to glass in their bed. I did manage to find a few but they disappear into thick brush to never be relocated. I’ve killed quite a few muleys and these seem way harder to hunt. Josh

Dude! What a stud buck! Congrats!

Awesome video! I’ve watched most of your hunting videos on YouTube and they’re top notch. Priceless seeing the look on her face after making the shot!

Nice looking bucks!

Beautiful deer! Great trail camp pics

Congrats! Weird looking buck

Congrats on a solid buck! Love the droptine!

Stud bucks! The new mount looks great!👍

Ive had good luck with the scent free bug spray from Wally. Not completely scent free and not as strong as the higher % deet but it works and the deer don’t seem to mind it. Josh

Hoghntr, I've received a ton of awesome information from guys on here despite the little bit of internet drama. I definitely won't be vanishing from the site and I'll be sure to post pics if I have some success. Thanks for the support! Josh

Thank you guys for all the help! I've gotten a ton of awesome information from the guys on here and I'm super pumped to get out there! Is it bad that I haven't stopped thinking about deer since last season?

Hoghntr, We’re pretty used too it. Unfortunately there are only a few of us in California that still want to make America great again. 😎

Got your # I’ll give you a call today.👍

Delw, I’m about the furthest thing from a liberal but that statement was awesome👌. Also far from an escouter... I’ve been slinging a gun and or a bow since I was old enough to walk and I’m in the field 200+ days a year hunting. If I don’t come back on for a while it be because I’m too busy between hunting and working to even log in.

Jimmer, i appreciate the help. I’ve got some decent glass and somewhat of a game plan so I’m excited to get out there! Totally ok with seeing other game that I can’t shoot. Hoping to see some rutting bulls too! Should be a fun trip either way. Josh

Believe me I hate most Californians as much as the rest of you. If I wasn't committed to a 30 yr career as a firefighter I would have moved a long time ago.

Dang I hate those Californians! Terrible hunters.........JOSH from Southern California

Wildwoody, Thanks for the info! Thanks to the flexability of my job (firefighter/paramedic), I’ll be up there during the week. Trying to avoid the crowds.

Perfect cause I don’t plan on doing any driving other than to a trailhead or campsite.