A 2011 coues hunt for my 12yr old son?

[Kel]

Well, on Nov. 27th I got back from a very successful Bull-elk hunt in which I was able to get my 6x6 bull at just over 500 yrds. I had a very proud Dad moment though--when I got home, my youngest son Chris, when seeing my bull, asks: "So, Dad, what would be my chances of hunting big game next year (2011)?" I told him--pretty good son.

 

So, my questions to you guys are these: 1.) Does he need to take the hunter safety class? (He'll be 13yrs old in April)? 2.) Are there any youth hunts in any coues units that are in December? I have looked at the regs for the past 2 yrs and I only see October and November hunts. 3.) Or, as a Dad, would you put him in a regular general rifle hunt with the big boys? 4.)I am looking at units 31, 32, 33 for next year but any one of these units would be completely new--should I stay with units 22 or 24a? or get to know (scout) a little further south--in 31, 32 or 33?

 

Any information you can give me so that I can help out my boy I'd appreciate it and thank you in advance.

 

Kel

[elkhunter]

put in for the junior coues hunt, the success rate for the jr oct hunt it is relatively high, sometimes higher than a december hunt. Lots of opportunity for a junior hunter to have a good hunt in Arizona and several spikes are taken as well as severl big bucks!

[SunDevil]

under 14 requires hunter safety. I would also go with the early oct jr hunts. 32 or 33.

[daryl_s]

The early juniors hunts in 22 or 23 are the best hunts possible IMO. I believe draw rate is about 50% or better and it is any antlered deer. Success rates on these hunts are as good as anywhere. Makes me wish I was still a junior hunter.

[rugermack]

My son was almost 13 this year, got his first buck in the 33 junior hunt. Just a spike but he didn't care. He also got his first javelina with his bow in Jan. You'll have a great time out there with your son, well it will be a toss up if you or him are having more fun.

[willhunt4coues]

if you put in for the 24a oct or nov hunt you have a 80% chance or better at getting drawn. You guys should put in together that away you both have a chance if you see 2 or more bucks together. I have always put in with my dad for 21 years and it has been great to both have tags. Good luck with whatever you put in for.

[firstcoueswas80]

I very well could be wrong, but arent some juniors hunts for any antlered deer? Muley or WT?

 

I know back when I was a junior, there was a juniors only cow elk hunt that coincided with a juniors onle mule deer hunt. I had the cow tag and saw several very nice mule deer, most of which I could have easily killed.

 

I do not know if they do that any more, but it would be worth a shot. I think it was/is one of the only tags in Az where you can hunt two species at a time with a rifle.