PhxHunt Report post Posted October 26, 2011 Well I didn't get anything, but still had a lot of fun. This was in unit 21. We saw a group of 9 cow elk the first evening. That was pretty neat as always. After that...nothing for 2 days. We spoke to a few other hunters that hunt that unit a lot and they said it was abnormally hot and hard. They said they would usually see a lot more deer. So the evening before we were to leave we went a little higher a glassed. I spotted 2 whitetail over 500 hards away heading away from me up a hill...and the light was already fading. Nothing I could to about that...I was honestly just glad to see some. So the next morning...we just decided to have coffee and then pack up and leave. So I said we might as well glass this hill across from camp while we have our coffee. 2 minutes later I see a deer under a dead juniper. So I grab my range finder and ranged them...400 yards. I grabbed my gun and went to try to close the distance. I got to about 300 yards and got down and ready. Chambered a round. Saw that there were actually 2, and they were both huge. Got the one that was the biggest in my sights...Saw the racks and thought..."THESE ARE HUGE." He was standing broad side....But I decided to watch him just for a second. The light was still low but shootable. They turned to head away from me...then I saw their white butts....MULE DEER. Oh well. It was a lot of fun, had a great time just being out there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted October 26, 2011 It has been very warm lately, it sux. Good for you to verify your target before taking the shot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhxHunt Report post Posted October 26, 2011 Thanks. I do have a question. What would be the consequences if I would have shot and killed one of those Mule Deer? I would be upfront and contact the AZGFD, and be honest....which I would assume would help in what they decide to throw my way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted October 26, 2011 Thanks. I do have a question. What would be the consequences if I would have shot and killed one of those Mule Deer? I would be upfront and contact the AZGFD, and be honest....which I would assume would help in what they decide to throw my way. I'm sure they would take your hunting rights away! Set a hearing and throw the book at you! I screwed up my wife last year! She was set up to take the shot... about 380yds. Good light but he had his head down feeding away from us. I told her to hold on a minute to make sure. I knew it was a whitetail but started second guessing. It all happened fast! When we first glassed him up I could see his rack gleaming in the sun. We didn't waste time, we closed the distance as much as possible. I ranged him at 384 yds slightly down hill. As she got set up I was glassing him and started getting the fever! She said ok I'm ready! I was like hold on let me make certain it's not a muley! So as I glassed him he started moving slowly while feeding up the hill behind some shrub and over the other side of the hill with no shot! Better to not find out what would happen. I think there is a section in the back of the book that gives penalties for taking game out of season or without a tag. james Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
luvdemcoues Report post Posted October 26, 2011 Typically doesn't seem like they reward honesty. It is what it is. I am curious about this as well. Would love to hear stories and other experiences with this though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
