180ls1

I was looking at the open OTC units and saw that there have been 0 KOFA harvests this year. I wonder if it will stay that way or not. Seeing the harvest reports is pretty interesting and I am glad we're moving in the direction of better tracking.

I see a few UFOs as well.

I just realized I have 10 for deer and 8 for elk. That certainly changes things. Seems like were in motion for a good water year though...

Well, I am at 10 points and am looking to draw. Its been a lifelong goal to get a 300" bull. What would you guys say gives me a better chance at one? Early archery or late rifle? I am proficient with both weapons and can take the full archery season to hunt but dont want to wait a whole lot longer to draw. Tag soup is OK, I just want a chance, not a guarantee.

Yeah. Even late august. I had to move camp during OTC deer season one time because the elk were talking too much. Never thought I would say that lol.

I'm betting there will be a TON of creep this year on the archery hunts with the later hunt dates. What are your guys thoughts?

Point creep is real.... Looks like I'll be waiting another year or moving down in unit quality. Decisions decisions.

Early elk is addicting for sure. I wonder how many have voted the same way, early just because they love the hunt experience, not for antler size.

Thanks! Archery or late rifle? I've heard late on the 8 is a tough hunt.

27 late or 5bs early are the tags I am looking at. I've hunted 5bs archery before so there is an advantage to that.

Why does it seem like everyone talks about how hard spring bear hunting is? Like its harder than fall. Is that true in AZ? Is it just AZ bear hunting is rough no matter how you slice it? From what I have gathered, in other states, hunters greatly prefer spring hunting when targeting bears. A lot of the fall kills are when a guy bumps into a bear and has a bear tag in his pocket while hunting deer/elk.

Interesting, good to know. I like bow hunting so I wonder if that may be a better option for a guy without dogs.

Have you specifically hunted them in both seasons?

I am looking at switching areas from the west side of the state to the southeast. However, it seems like every OTC hunt I see (youtube) is always in the southeast corner. However, it seems to hold the most deer. Has it turned into a zoo making it not worth it or should I still check it out? I'm perfectly content to hike and don't mind higher pressure areas if the game is there.

Have you hunted the southeast?

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at units 28-30. I imagine most of the people coming from the midwest or east will stop there or close. Its tough because I'll invest years into a spot and don't want it getting crushed by the pressure. Luckily the 40's are still very low pressure. However, there are not a lot of deer and that gets old haha.

Are you all finding them more heavily on the north-facing slopes or not really?

Those who hunt the August OTC deer season (or just know how they behave) do you sit water or just spot and stalk early morning/late evening? With temps around 100* I am trying to learn how to best hunt em.

Hmm, sounds like I really need to learn the area first before considering that. Were the deer coming in mornings and evenings usually?

Nice! Hunted there a couple years back. Didn't end up seeing anything. The whole experience was underwhelming to be honest.

Thats great info thank you! Do you sit water specifically? I guess that would depend on how reliably they are coming to drink. I was thinking of sitting a hill above water so I can take advantage of them coming to drink and them just being in the general area.

Thanks for the info! So if you were me you'd jump over to 18b or somewhere else? I don't mind driving I just chose a spot close to where my client is.

The big Mtn range south of Kingman. Thinking of working the lower half of both the range and elevation.

Good to know. Thanks for all your help so far. If your avatar is any indication I'll make sure I bring pleany of water haha!

Interesting, I'd love to get a velvet buck some day. Do they move/migrate up elevation in the heat? I'll be hunting at 4Kish elevation + or - 1K but have the chance to go up to 8k. Is that even needed? I'm thinking my best glassing will be at 5k or lower despite it being warmer. Thoughts?