PaddyMcGurk

Been hunting almost everyday since the 17th. As of today, I've passed on a couple of spikes and have seen probably like 20 or 30 doe. But yesterday, I walked back to my truck from where I was sitting. I figured, since I'd not seen anything and it was only 20 minutes until dark, I'd just take a little drive deeper in the canyon. Sure enough, a big, fat one chasin' tail. I was slightly disappointed since if I had been set up where I was that morning, I could have dropped that bad boy with a well aimed shot. But, even though I was kind of pissed, I was actually really happy that I saw that buck. I'm going back out this afternoon and hopefully he'll be after that same doe. Being pretty new to hunting, I've still got a lot to learn. But I'm really starting to fall in love with this sport.

My December hunt on Ft. Huachuca starts next weekend and I'm pumped. I haven't been able to scout as much as I would have liked, but I have seen a few nice bucks on the Fort that I hope to see again over the next couple of weeks. Should be an enjoyable time, nonetheless. Hopefully I'll be able to share a few pictures with you all. I've still never been able to bring one in and I'm hoping that this will be the year!

Thanks for all the info, guys. This sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. Well, just being in the Great Outdoors is always a blast. I'm going to start scouting next week to see what I find.

I'm not asking for a ton of info, just wondering if I'll have better luck this year. Sounds like I should. I know that the temperature will definitely be better. Poor monsoons last summer equaled a hot and dry November.

Well, here goes round 2. This is my second year deer hunting ever. Growing up in Chicago typically doesn't allow for much hunting. Anyway, hunted 35A last November (first week) with no luck. Hunted Canello Hills and Hunter Canyon. I didn't even see a buck the entire time. This year I have a Christmas hunt for Ft. Huachuca. Has anyone hunted the Fort in late December before? Just wondering if I should have better odds this time around. Anyway, Happy Hunting to all. Semper Fi, Pat

35A Ft. Huachuca for 17 to 30 Dec. Nice! Looks like I need to get my butt out there and start scouting!

Man, we've been looking all over through canyons and have seen some deer, mostly doe's, though. We're going to scout a bit further south, since I've heard some very good things. I'll be looking at various draws and, from the helpful advise of members of this forum, be glassing like crazy. Good luck, man.

Thanks for the advise, Jim. I appreciate it. Like I said, this will be the first time I've hunted deer and I'm just trying to set myself up for success. Hopefully there's some meat in my freezer sometime in November. If not, I hope to have a good week out of the house and in some very beautiful countryside. Anyway, I'll definitely post once my hunt is complete, hopefully with a picture of a nice buck.

I think he is used to the snowy midwest. Regardless. Thanks for the info. I'll keep trying. I guess they don't call them the "grey ghosts" for nothing.

Hello, all! I am brand new to deer hunting and, of course, I have an early November 35A tag. Everyone keeps saying that I'm screwed with that tag. Anyway, my buddy, who is a seasoned midwestern deer hunter and has taken 2 coues bucks in the last year in AZ, keeps telling me that the bucks will be rutting around that time. Should I just keep finding doe, then? I see doe all the time, but I've only seen a couple of spikes and one button buck while I've been out. Just curious if anyone can help me out with this. Thanks.

I know you can spend more, but the Mossberg 100ATR that I have in .30-06 shoots as well as anything I've shot to date. It holds a VERY tight group at 100yrds and the action on the bolt is awesome. You won't break your wrist on this one. Anyway, it cost me about $250 at Wal-Mart. To be honest, I'm not sure if it's chambered in 7mm, but it is in .270, .30-06, .308, and a couple of others. Well, happy hunting! Hope you find what you're looking for.