Camo

Hey all, Hey All, wanted to pop back in here and not completely be “that guy”. Over recent years you have entertained my questions as failed draws and new information led me all over the place regarding units. Last year I finally drew a third season tag in one of the NM border units. Had an absolute blast, seen a number of deer and a handful of bucks, one of which I think was what I was looking for but wasn’t able to get back on him. Spectacular country, scenery and a couple critters I had hoped to see but had never laid eyes on. What I thought was going to be a once every few years hunt has now turned into a “I have to go back every year” thing. To accommodate that, I have changed up again and exploring the lesser demand hunts with a lot of tags. I am very averse to crowds but the style of hunting may make it more tolerable than the crowds I try to avoid up here. Mostly I want to thank the number of folks on here that offered up suggestions, information and even willing to meet up for a day to show me around or help glass. For that I am greatly appreciative. Additionally, I will add that I learned what I think is some very valuable lessons. Things you all have the luxury of taking for granted, but the first time Coues guy or maybe northern guy has to learn the hard way. Nonetheless, can’t wait to get back.

Depends a lot on when you plan to come up. July and August are our driest months but that doesn't mean we won't get a few days of rain. The albacore program is all based on water conditions and whether the warm water line gets within 35-50 +/- miles of the beach. Most trips are day trips but some of the larger boats still do overnighters. The back half of August would likely offer the best live bait action, but they can usually be trolled up or jigged up by mid-July. Booking albacore trips could be an issue as most of the fast fleet (day trip) boats get booked out a year in advance. Keep an eye on the salmon quota as it could get caught and shut down into August. Halibut is a tightly monitored fishery with selective dates, bottomfish are plentiful most anytime. I no longer have my ocean boat so can't help you out personally. Unless you have something tying you to Westport, don't overlook Illwaco (amenities found in Long Beach). Both ports are economically driven strictly from a depressed fishing industry with two months of moderate tourism. You may find them a little antiquated relative to your experience in CA?

What are you planning to chase out of Westport?

Very good condition sans scratch mark on top right side behind focus wheel. Glass is perfect, focus and zoom are smooth. 15x-45x Vario Okular, includes original box, lens covers and neoprene stay-on case. (Arca plate and tripod not included.) Via PayPal $850 ships TYD, CONUS from WA which includes insurance and PP fees. Thanks for looking.

Oh man, I'm screwed. I am completely ambidextrous with a knife. I will never remember to not switch hands. Thanks for posting.

That was fun to watch, nice job, and congrats on the success.

Another out-of-state add because you all use these more than most. Meopta MeoStar B1.1 15x56HD. This is the current model with locking diopter. Excellent condition, glass is perfect. Purchased new this summer, used for one week long hunt and a couple scouting trips. Includes all original packaging, case, strap, and Outdoorsman's Stud, as seen in pics with the registered warranty. Super nice glass for the $$$. $1200 TYD, which includes PayPal fee and shipping insurance from Washington. Sorry for sideways pics, happy to chat if you PM me a number, thanks for looking.

Super cool. congrats to the both of you.

Initially I was focusing on units 21, 22, 23. After not drawing an early season 23 tag and now realizing I didn't draw a January javelina tag, I'm re-assessing my options. It appears that the southern units offer a lot more tags/pressure but that might be relative to deer abundance? All things being equal, should I re-direct my attention to the southern/border units? With the logistics I'm working with, I initially ruled out the additional 3+ hours to go south. On the other hand, I'm driving that far, what's another 3 hours? My intention is to be somewhere in January to bow scout in the hopes that I can draw a future rifle tag. Thanks for any thoughts.

Just getting back from a recent failed attempt at filling a late mule deer permit for my dad here locally. ZekeB, that's some pretty country. Setcam, thanks for the heads-up. Redman- Happy to help if I can? I'm assuming you have looked into WA and found it to be very unfriendly to NR as far as opportunity and fees. Not to mention arguably the highest population per huntable square mile of the western states with the lowest animal populations. What are you interested in, hopefully fishing?

I can see where being an archery junkie could be very advantageous at the moment? You've got my attention. Truth be told, I am a junkie of opportunity, therefore, I hunt all three weapon choices as it offers the most opportunity in my "very questionable on many levels" home state. Spending most of my time out of state in recent years has consisted mostly of archery elk and rifle whitetail or mule deer pending state.

I figured it was better for quantity but definitely did not expect 10x. I will definitely do that, greatly appreciated. Battling with 33 as a first choice when I have a point with 34/35 as a second, or if I'm better off just learning one unit that I can continuously hunt. Leaning towards the later. Hoping to make the most out of a January scouting trip.

That's what I was concerned about, thanks for the response.

I heard there has been a significant reduction of access into 32 from both the east and west side in recent years. Anyone willing to confirm or deny? Re-planning my 2020 bow scout and draw strategy, OnX is awesome but is no substitute for being there. Sorry for the multiple NR questions. thanks for any thoughts.

Thanks for the responses. SWcruiser, I don't know what I am looking for yet. Having never been there I have no idea what I'm in for. Just looking for an adventure with the highest possible odds at a respective specimen for the hunt. I enjoy spending time behind glass and look forward to learning how to do it properly, in new to me country. I hunt my home state, spend a fair bit of time in Idaho, some Montana and Wyoming. I have the backpacking gear and a quad if necessary(though prefer not to tow it down). I don't fall into the demographic of the modern day "mountain athlete" by any stretch, so 3-5 miles depending on terrain is a realistic limit as I enjoy the pursuit much more than the suck. My goal is to find a hunt to do most every year without the uncertainty of trying to get leftover tags. I have learned the value of the loyalty point which I am 4 years out on, and will be figuring out the logistics to get the education point going forward. Running solo, I am moderately concerned about camping in the 35's, though it sounds like things are better now than in previous years. 36's, though seemingly great units are off my radar. Pretty much exploring every option that closely guarantees me a tag. I admit, not having been there, I am easily swayed by information from Jay Scott, Duwane Adams, this forum as well a couple others less in tune with this topic. I made a big mistake in the previous draw not paying attention to the AZGFD draw analytics and relying on the generic published draw odds. It cost me having a rifle tag of some sort this season. I hope everyone is having a great season and hunting instead of reading this.

Please add Quagmire to the good list. Good to talk with and smooth transaction.

Recently reconditioned, 15x56HD, excellent condition. Includes everything original as seen in pics. $650 includes PayPal fee to cover you and insured shipping (from Washington) to your door (lower 48). I don't notice "non-local" adds on here so if this is not acceptable please advise. Thanks for looking.

Sold, thanks for everyone's interest.

Thanks for the heads up, actually posted it there this morning.

PM replied.

To top for upcoming season.

Outdoorsman Digiscoping case for iPhone 6 with 56MM adapter. Designed for the iPhone, this digiscoping body allows you to use our standard digiscoping rings on a sleek new phone case. This is brand new, never used. $50.00, PayPal TYD, thanks for looking. 56MM adapter fits: Swarovski 20-60 Eyepiece Swarovski 25-50 Eyepiece Zeiss Gavia 85 Zeiss Diascope 15x-45x Eyepiece Vortex Razor 20-60 Eyepiece Vortex Razor 22-48x65 Vortex Razor 16-48x55

I put in for an early 23 permit, looking for a hunt I can do most years, hopefully. I have heard many references about the deer being somewhat "pockety" in the central units. I have also read most everything I can find, here, as well as other forums and podcasts. Much advice is given regarding "patience" in glassing. I think I understand that to a degree, but I feel like it's going to be on an entirely different level. I have read where a number of you will glass from the same spot all day, which to me is the equivalent of an all day sit in a tree stand, which I am ok with. However, being 25 hours away, hunting pockety country, in an unfamiliar area, how do I find a balance between patience and finding those pockets? When do you determine it's time to move on? I think I understand the basics, glass the south slopes until sunrise, glass into the sun the rest of the day, change angles relative to shade. What specifically should I look for to locate those productive pockets relative to the remaining country? I have "seen the light" running my 10x binos on a tripod for mule deer up here for a number of years, so looking forward to putting my 15’s to use. Thanks for any thoughts.

Unfortunately, like many I suppose, I didn't draw the tag. Which was a bit of a surprise to me considering the most recent available data prior to the draw showed a 1:1.25 chance of drawing. However, current data suggests that there is a definitive increase in demand that subsequently lowered the odds. Good news is I have a point going into next year, so OTC archery in January to do some needed scouting. Didn't want to be "that guy" that never reports back. Thanks for everyone's input.

I am actually focusing on the south half of the unit, mostly because it was further from Payson but technically closer to Phoenix for whatever that is worth. The wilderness areas are kind of intriguing and the area to the east on Cherry Crk looks to have some slightly rougher country that might be self limiting? Really appreciate that insight though, gives me some optimism that I'm not headed in the completely wrong direction. No, not holding out for a giant yet but not interested in something immature either other than to verify I'm closer to the right areas. Really appreciate the feedback by all, thank you.