CBullWinkle

First Time poster, long time reader.... This is my first AZ rifle tag, and I'm still learning how to hunt deer in AZ. Just looking for a little advice, trolling is welcomed as long as its funny. Thanks! Looking for some help in 36b Late October hunt, or maybe looking for a little hope. I am not looking for anyone's honey holes, just looking for advice from experienced individuals. I've been teaching myself to hunt and I am in my 3rd season. I usually hike my butt of with my bow. Been pounding the ground hard in the unit over multiple scouting trips. Been able to glass does throughout the whole day. Have not been able to glass any bucks. No bucks during early morning glassing or at evening prime time. I have identified great tanks that are remote, closer to the border that seem unlikely to get any pressure. still nothing. I've spent a lot of time in the Atscosa's, the Pajarito's, and near Ruby. Maybe I'm just completely blind, but haven't been able to catch a glimpse of these mythical males yet. I know archery OTC season just season just ended so I figured they might still feel pressured to only move at night. Water is abundant and every where, feed is good and green, and cover and concealment is in their favors. Over a course of 4 days total, I have seen countless does, encountered 4 diamondsback rattlers, and 1 green Mohave. The snakes are out in full force! I am thinking due to the rain, they haven't been able to hunt as much, and they're getting ready to hibernate. But man those suckers are out! any advice on what these bucks might be doing or feeling? any advice on the unit itself? any advice on how to stop running into and pissing off rattlers? current plan.... 3rd scouting trip planned. Summit Motor highway offers easy access, great glassing, and a lot of tanks. But after talking with CBP, I've been told it gets crazy. I hear there are a lot of road hunters as well. I prefer to put the miles on and go to places that are difficult to get to. After my last trip I encountered 3 rattlers, and got close enough (unknowingly) that they felt threatened enough to rattle and show their fangs. So these Snakes are unfortunately deterring me from getting in deep. Maybe sit in coozy country over looking a tank and glass all day, and not move? thanks to all, I really appreciate this page and all that its taught me so far. This is my first rifle tag, so I have been trying to put in as much work as possible. Thank you to all for the advice and your time.

Thanks for your input, nice to hear from other individuals out hunting the same unit. New pair of 15/18’s sounds like the way to go. I just need more patience, an not try an power glass everything. I’m learning these coues bucks, lol not come if/when they have to, an only offer up a glimpse sometimes. Thank you for your time I appreciate it, good luck in November!

Agreed. I made a mistake by going for the spotting scope. I should have went with the kaibab’s. New binos are next on the gear list. Thanks for your input and time I really do appreciate it.

Thanks man, glassing lessons have been on my radar. Thank you for his link, an taking the time to Reply.

Thanks Redman I appreciate your time! Your right just more glassing I agree. Just worried about the rattlers biting me in the A$$. Im using Vortex bino 10x42 on tripod. Also have Razor HD 20-60x85mm spotting scope. I’ve been listening to Jay Scott Outdoors, an Bear Grease. I’ve learned you can listen an read all the right stuff, but until you learn to apply it, it’s all just gee wiz. Trying to cut my teeth on this hunt. Thank you for your optimism, it’s greatly appreciated.

Thanks Will I appreciate that. I’m going to to try then San Luis next. I appreciate you taking your time to reply.