Down East

Thanks for the clarification!!!

One quick question... Is the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground the same as the Prison Camp trailhead in 33? Thanks

Yeah those pictures say a million words none of which I want anything to do with. Very enlightening and thank you for that. I can’t imagine the U.S. resources it takes to combat that cartel/immigrant activity and frankly it makes my blood boil seeing those pictures. Maybe living in that area some of you guys are more numb to it than I am, but I love my country and that is a slap in the face! Sorry don’t mean to go on a tangent about it. I shoot a 300 Win Mag. I’m very comfortable up to 5-600 (wind depending) yards with my set up. I reload my own rounds and have intimate knowledge of my setup in various conditions. I think I want to do this hunt by myself at least the first time. I would hate to hinder another hunter with my lack of knowledge or inexperience. I feel as though I hunt better alone in many situations as well. I’m sure most of you guys could severely shorten my learning curve and I appreciate the help for sure but this hunt is kind of a personal challenge for me if that makes sense. That being said I greatly appreciate all the bones you guys are throwing at me. I will continue to chew on them and come up with a game plan right or wrong! Thanks!!!

Thanks Kaffer62. Everybody seems to say 33 is a favorable unit across the board. If I were to travel 2300 miles and have the kind of things happen that Jnj13 describes I would definitely be somewhat disappointed. What he describes is definitely what I am trying to avoid. I realize most hunters have favorable experiences in the border units but I’m not sure I’m willing to take that chance. Especially on my first Couse hunt ever when I already am so far behind the learning curve on so many other facets of hunting these deer. The challenge for me in even going on this hunt is to see for myself if I can apply my 35 years of general hunting knowledge to successfully kill a whitetail in the desert environment. Thanks again man!!!

I live in north central N.C. and hunt on a farm near the N.C./VA border mostly. No sand where I hunt now. Mostly oak ridges and pine thickets. Yeah definitely a different world terrain wise in AZ from here in N.C. but that’s part of the excitement for me. Something 180 degrees different from what I know here. I haven’t ruled out the southern birder units for sure but I do believe my #1 pick will definitely be 33. After that I’m not sure yet. Thanks man.

Flatlander, Thats a load of great info!! Thanks man!!! The more info I get and research I do on 33 the more appealing it is to me for sure. I’ll keep you guys posted if/when I get drawn for a hunt. Thanks again and good luck to you!!!

Sorry for the repost. Hit wrong button.

So in your guys opinion is the whole illegal/cartel thing blown up more than what it actually is or is it a legitimate concern? That’s my main concern. Also if any of you guys do solo multi day backpack hunts is there any consistent cell service in the wilderness parts of these units or is a satellite phone a wise piece of equipment to carry? Thanks for everybody’s help. If I’m lucky enough to get a tag I’ll report my experience.

thegunsmith2506, Good to know. I will be flying out and renting a car or small SUV to get to a starting point somewhere. I would like to find a decent trailhead or parking area to park then head out into the desert for 3-5 days depending on how the hunt goes. I have not researched any starting points yet for any of the units as I don’t know which one I will end up in yet. I plan to do that once I have a been drawn for a specific unit. Most of my research to date has been just searching for general info on all the Couse specific units. Thanks

Maximus, I have been looking at 33 also so it is on my radar just hasn’t come up in discussion yet. It appears as though there are a lot of options in this unit as well. Honestly with all the units to choose from and the pros and cons of each one it makes it very difficult for me to make a decision. Especially since I have never seen or have first hand knowledge of any of them. I know everybody who hunts white tails in AZ regularly has a certain bank of knowledge that works for them. I only know what I read and am told at this point which honestly makes it more of a true DIY adventure. If somebody told me to go to a specific spot, sit on a specific rock and get ready to shoot this whole process wouldn’t be very gratifying. That being said I’m all ears to any knowledge anybody wants to share because I realize many of you guys have been there and done that in many of these units, but at the end of the day I have to make the decision on where to go and how to go about it. Right or wrong. Thanks again for your input. Very valuable to me.

daryl_s, Very well stated man!! I appreciate the info and the way you presented it. I’m looking to have a hunting trip with as few concerns as possible. Do I want to see deer and beautiful country? Absolutely! But safety and ease of mind is at the top of my priority list. I have a family and it would be irresponsible for me to put myself in a situation I would not be completely comfortable with. I am fluent in English and Spanish and feel as though I could deal with most situations but if I can see a few deer and sleep well at night and enjoy my days glassing I will be tickled! Sounds as though I would probably be fine in the southern units but I’m not as blood thirsty at 44 as I was in my younger days. I want a quality hunt at the end of the day. Quality meaning a great overall experience. The hunt will not be evaluated solely based on buck score. I have shot countless deer here in the East and some of my most memorable hunts are not necessarily the highest scoring bucks. Thanks again for your info. Very appreciated.

Thanks for all you guys help. It’s a little intimidating for me to come out to AZ from NC having zero first hand experience of the area but I’ll continue to research to hopefully make my hunt as seamless as possible. Heading into the unknown and getting out of my element is what makes a trip like this so appealing to me. I’ve hunted everything that walks or flys in the East but never ventured West for big game. If anybody has any definite do’s or dont’s to add I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!

Sorry reposted earlier post. My fault.

Thanks a ton guys!! Your experiences and knowledge is priceless to me! ( A guy who is a 2,000 mile away tree hunter) Obviously I’m super excited to come see the beautiful country in AZ and maybe get a crack at a deer. If not it will be a great trip anyway. Thanks again!!

So in your guys opinion is the whole illegal/cartel thing blown up more than what it actually is or is it a legitimate concern? That’s my main concern. Also if any of you guys do solo multi day backpack hunts is there any consistent cell service in the wilderness parts of these units or is a satellite phone a wise piece of equipment to carry? Thanks for everybody’s help. If I’m lucky enough to get a tag I’ll report my experience.

So in your guys opinion is the whole illegal/cartel thing blown up more than what it actually is or is it a legitimate concern? That’s my main concern. Also if any of you guys do solo multi day backpack hunts is there any consistent cell service in the wilderness parts of these units or is a satellite phone a wise piece of equipment to carry? Thanks for everybody’s help. If I’m lucky enough to get a tag I’ll report my experience.

Thanks for the reply Muledeerarea33. From what I hear and read about some of the border units safety issues with the illegals and cartel are too big of a risk for me coming from N.C. and having basically no idea of the area I am entering. After speaking with a biologist from the Tucson sector about various topics my concerns with illegals went up. If in your opinion I am wrong please let me know but I would hate to travel all the way to AZ for a bucket list hunt to have it spoiled by something like illegals or worse.... some kind of a cartel encounter.