Arizona Unit 35B

[Maolo2121]

Good evening all,

 

I'll be taking my first shot at Coues ( hopefully ) in 35B during the early hunt. Does anyone have any recommendations, tips, general info they feel like passing along to a relative novice?

 

I've got my maps ordered and doing my research. ANYTHING you guys can pass along weould be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

 

Manuel

 

PS - One thing I forgot to add that is very important. Two of our group of four are disabled vets, mobility might be an issue. I know it will be for me. I can't speak for my uncle.

 

Thanks again

[Maolo2121]

Any advice? Anyone?

[ac guy]

Contact the game warden, and start with the tips on the g&f website. Those always get me to a good starting point.

 

Overview: Whitetail hunting throughout the unit is good. Habitat conditions during 2006-07 allowed fawn survival to remain stable. Therefore, the number of 1-2 year old bucks entering the population should be quite high, resulting in good harvest success. Unfortunately, the winter and spring of 2006 resulted in below average precipitation causing below average habitat conditions. Yet, summer monsoons have been above normal resulting in good grass cover. Even though the overall whitetail population has declined, due to drought conditions, over the past 9-10 years, quality bucks are still available throughout the Patagonia Mountains and Canelo Hills. Bucks in the upper age groups are also available, but in low numbers. Therefore, if you are looking for a trophy you must hunt hard and be patient.

 

The Patagonia Mts. and western end of the Canelo Hills make up unit 35B. The area is predominantly made up of oak-juniper woodlands with areas of thick manzanita. Unlike unit 35A (the exception being the Mustang Mts.), this unit does possess desert habitat types, which allows the hunter more visibility. The more popular areas include the west side of the Patagonia Mts. (3-R Cyn., Paloma Cyn. and Providencia Cyn.), Red Rock Cyn. Lampshire Cyn., and Harshaw Canyon.

 

Make note that a regulatory change has taken place for the 2007-2008 archery hunts. Only antlered deer are legal. Another regulatory change that occurred during 2006 requires that all successful archery hunters contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department either in person or by phone at 1-866-903-3337 within 10 days of taking a deer unless the deer has been checked through a mandatory hunter checking station.

 

Area: Take I-10 to Hwy 83, south to Sonoita. Take Hwy 82 to Patagonia. Exit Patagonia, south to Harshaw Cyn (FS Road 58) or continue on Hwy 82 toward Nogales. From Hwy 82, 3-R Canyon can be accessed off of FS Road 215 or 235. Providencia Cyn. is accessed by FS Road 61. Access can be obtained by purchasing USFS maps. Additionally, state land maps and topographical maps are helpful.

 

Hunting the Coues whitetail entails owning a quality pair of optics and knowing how to use them. Whitetail, inhabit all habitat types found throughout the units, particularly the oak-juniper woodlands. They do not venture long in open areas. Rather, they remain secluded in the woodlands. Therefore, it is imperative for the successful hunter to locate an adequate vantage point and glass diligently for long periods of time. The adage of glassing more than you walk is paramount in successfully locating whitetail. Look for parts of the deer rather than the entire animal when glassing. It is also helpful to arrive at your vantage point well before first light and remain in the field until dark. Whitetail, are active at first light and at dusk but also can be found feeding and moving to shaded bed sights during the middle of the day.

 

During the early archery season, glass form high vantage points at first light looking for feeding bucks. Observe until the buck beds and air currents stabilize, then attempt a stalk. Also, water holes and deer trails can be productive.

 

The October general firearm hunt usually finds the whitetail in the lower elevations and foothills. Active periods are early, middle and late in the day, as temperatures are still fairly warm.

 

The November hunt will usually find the bucks moving out of the bottoms and working up the mountains, preparing for the rut. Weather conditions vary from warm in the day to cold at nights.

 

The December hunt finds weather conditions more to the deer’s liking and as the rut nears, they to become more active for longer periods of time. The younger bucks are the first to accompany does. The mature bucks will be in the vicinity but do not venture far from thick cover. Harvesting a mature buck takes luck, skill and determination.

 

The January archery hunt is the ideal time to locate mature bucks chasing does, since the peak of the rut begins sometime during the middle of the month. Since bucks are constantly on the move, chasing or looking for does, it is often times difficult to locate the buck during the final stalk. During this time, grunt calls and rattling can prove effective.

 

The range of the mule deer overlaps that of the whitetail. Every year some hunter accidentally harvests the wrong species. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the buck to species prior to shooting. The only reliable means of identification is the tail. The mule deer tail is narrow and black tipped at the end. The whitetail is broad, long and gray/brown in coloration. When alarmed, whitetail will sometimes lay their tail on their back, or flag, showing a white underside and a white rump. It is important to note that not all whitetail will flag. Therefore, if not absolutely sure of which species you are looking at, do not shoot. Also, remember that one characteristic alone is not a totally reliable means of identifying a whitetail from a mule deer. For further information, along with illustrations identifying differences between whitetail and mule deer, please review the 2007-2008 Arizona Hunting Regulations.

 

NOTES: Even though the unit is made up predominantly of public lands, private property can be encountered. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with your hunting area before venturing afield. The best way to accomplish this is by obtaining and studying USFS, topographic and state land maps of all interested areas.

 

The possession or use of motorized vehicles off forest system roads and trails is prohibited. This law is also pertinent to all public lands, as well as, private lands if permission from the landowner has not first been achieved. Off road travel in washes is not allowed unless the wash is part of an existing road. For further information concerning this or any other laws administered by the USFS, contact the Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District at 5900 S. Highway 92, Hereford, AZ 85615. Phone (520) 378-0311.

 

Located just north of the Mexico/Arizona border in the southern portions of Units 35A/B is the San Rafael Cattle Company, shown on most maps as the San Rafael De la Zanja. This parcel is made up of private, and Arizona State Parks lands and is currently closed to hunting.

 

Prior to hunting lands owned by the Babocomari Ranch, contact the ranch manager at (520) 455-5507.

 

[AZP&Y]

I know that you said mobility may be an issue, but this is the best way to get out into that country: THE ARIZONA TRAIL- runs smack through the heart of 35b. The trail is in excellent condition and affords great glassing opportunities.

 

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_03.html

 

 

Good luck and drop a bomber!

 

 

AzP&Y

[ArcheryHunter]

I under stand the mobility issue all to well. I recovered from my fusion surgery from nov 2008. I never dreamed tht I would be going on an archery stalk in 35a this august. I don't have a clue baout the terrain at all so I thought this was a great question. I live in the phoenix area so It's not so easy for me to drive over for a recon. Let me know how it goes and God bless. What camo do you like for this area?

[Maolo2121]

Many thanks for all the info. I really can't wait. If for no other reason than just to be outdoors. If we see anything I'll just consider it a bonus. Best of luck to all you guys. If you see a campsite with a silver 4Runner in it with a big old army Ranger scroll and jump wings on the window, stop in and say "hi".

[deserthunter23]

Best of luck to you !I also have a 35b early tag,just got it in the mail today.I put in for some of the left over tags and am quite happy to get one.All I can say is, as many days before the season scouting ,and get good glass and use them alot.Coues is all about being patient and glassing.I dont know much about the unit,there are deer there and should be fun.Good luck to you,if I run across anything specific I will let you know.Doing my homework now too.Good luck to all who drew.Steve

[Maolo2121]

Just checking to see if anyone had anything new to pass along about 35B..Best of luck to all.

[Maolo2121]

Sat and glassed...Three doe, a javelina and a rabbit..Other than that, not much to report. Saw two hanging and that was it..Heard only a few shots..Maybe it was the heat but they sure didn't seem to be moving around much..

[joeybari]

were did you end up going in the unit