jakehaffey Report post Posted September 11, 2009 I have a November 30B whitetail tag, anyone have any suggestions or ideas? I have hunted the San Pedro river for archery pig and been successful seen lots of deer too but can't hunt with a rifle there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kphunter Report post Posted September 11, 2009 There are some whitetail in the Dragoon Mtns. You can enter from forest roads going in from Tombstone. Good luck, it will be a relatively tough hunt. KP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdD270 Report post Posted September 12, 2009 I was drawn for 30B in December. I've never hunted there before, either. Please let me know how you do and what you find. thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted September 12, 2009 Overview: Unit 30B has a relatively small population of whitetail deer in relationship to nearby units. These populations are isolated to the Dragoon Mountains and the southern end of the Mule Mountains near Bisbee. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River. The 2006/07 buck:doe:fawn ratio was 22:100:32, and the combined hunt success for the Oct. and Nov. firearms hunts was 23% percent, and the December hunt had 34% success. This year’s fawn:doe ratio was inconsistent with past surveys, the numbers of fawns dropped significantly from the five year average of 54. Overall, the unit has approximately 125.5 square miles of whitetail deer habitat of medium to low density, in the Dragoon and Mule Mountains. Sportsmen must be aware that a large portion of the habitat in the Mule Mountains is inaccessible. Also, accessible habitat within the Mule and Dragoon Mountains can be far from existing road and extremely rugged. To reduce the frustration, it is a good idea to scout the unit and secure access into a desired area before applying for a whitetail permit in the unit. The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest so a forest service map will help you with the road system and the access points. Topo-graphical maps will help you get around the rest of the unit. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River, but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. Also, parts of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area are closed to firearm hunting (Charleston Rd. to SR. 92) so getting the Bureau of Land Management's regulations is a must. (1763 Paso San Luis, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (Phone No. 520-458-3995). Over the course of the past 4-5 years, it has been noticed the whitetail are occupying traditional mule deer habitat in lower elevations. Remember, when hunting units with whitetail and mule deer; both species can be found in the same habitat types within the unit. Before hunting either of the two species, consult the Hunting Regulations: Commission Order 2 for distinguishing physical characteristics. Areas: Access into the Mule Mountains is very limited compared to the Dragoon Mountains as most of the major canyons are inaccessible by vehicle. One of the easiest ways to get into the Mule Mountains is to take Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. Continue down Highway 80 past Tombstone. Approximately 2.5 miles south of Tombstone take Davis Road east to High Lonesome Road and south to access the east side of the mountain. There are two dirt roads off of the High Lonesome that will access the eastern side of the Mules, and you can access whitetail habitat in the upper parts of a few canyons. Access to the top of the mountain from Hwy. 80; the Juniper Flats Road travels northeast to the radio towers. One thing to remember when you are in the Mule Mountains is the private land, most will be posted and locked, so respect the ranchers' wishes. Hiking from open areas across state land will get you in most of the Mule Mountains. The area is very rugged and steep and requires a lot of effort on the hunter’s part. Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off of Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. When driving east on Highway 92 from Sierra Vista to Bisbee. Various dirt roads intersect the highway from the north (m.p. 345, m.p. 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). This area is being developed so be aware of the residence in the area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHALE Report post Posted September 12, 2009 good luck on the hunt jake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessedr Report post Posted September 13, 2009 I'm new here and I also have a tag for 30B Nov. 6-12. Can anyone tell me how the camping is in the Dragoon Mt. area? I've Never hunted the southern part of the state so I'm looking forward too the hunt. Good luck to all who get to hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Loner Report post Posted September 14, 2009 Went scouting in 30B Sat & Sun. There are some good camping spots on FR 687 on the west side of the Dragoons. Did lots and lots of glassing and could only come up with one doe. I will be going a few more time before the Dec hunt. Would be happy to trade info with other scouters. Has any one ever hunted down in the Mule Mts? Is access as tough as stated in the rules and regs? Loner Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted September 14, 2009 Camping spots are good on the West side of the Dragoons, however, come hunting season that road is a zoo. Trust me on this, as I have camped there many times. Ifyou want the best opportunity in the Dragoons you have to get deep into the mountain range up on the ridges which requires some serious legwork. Good spots are very few and far beween. Without giving away my spots , your best bet is to get into Middlemarch pass, and climb the high ridges and glass. If you stay closer to the roads you might get lucky and find a 70lb dink with 3" nubs Don't overlook the heavily vegetated washes (riparian areas), as you might just find one, but they are like rabbits in that stuff and very hard to hunt. If you can, get there a day or two early to stake your claim to a spot, as good spots are hard to find the night before the opener. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdD270 Report post Posted September 14, 2009 Wow! Thanks, Snapshot and Loner for all the info. I appreciate the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakehaffey Report post Posted September 14, 2009 Dito, thanks to everyone for help! I am a bit curious about the Mule Mountains myself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessedr Report post Posted September 16, 2009 Thanks for the info on the camping. GOOD LUCK TO ALL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted September 16, 2009 Dito, thanks to everyone for help! I am a bit curious about the Mule Mountains myself? I have never hunted the Mule Mountains, but I have heard access is a big problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakehaffey Report post Posted September 16, 2009 Dito, thanks to everyone for help! I am a bit curious about the Mule Mountains myself? I have never hunted the Mule Mountains, but I have heard access is a big problem. Thats what I hear, thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arizonaelitefreak Report post Posted September 21, 2009 hey Jake I was down i in 30b for the last 5 days scouting for a mule deer hunt in november, shoot me a pm and Ill let you know where I seen the whitetail down there! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakehaffey Report post Posted September 22, 2009 hey Jake I was down i in 30b for the last 5 days scouting for a mule deer hunt in november, shoot me a pm and Ill let you know where I seen the whitetail down there! I sent a message, let me know if you got it? thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
