Magically drew 12A East late hunt, looking for scouting/hunting tips

[CouesHunterAZ]

Whelp I didn't expect this day to actually come until later down the road as I only had 2 bonus points and this was my second option. Needless to say, I am PUMPED and can not wait to venture into this unknown territory. Sadly this hunt came at a very busy time in my life for me, and my biggest fear is not scouting the area efficiently beforehand, as I have already mapped out only 3 possible weekends to go up north and scout. As a college student who just spent my life savings away on interning/studying abroad a hunting guide is not in the equation for me. With this being said I already have some main questions to ask if you if any of you experienced hunters may help me out.

 

1) The game and fish notes on 12A says that there are numerous books about how to hunt these mule deer, does anyone know a book that I can buy specifically for hunting the Kaibab and where might I purchase it?

 

2) Most of the scouting I can do will be in late September to early October, yet everything I have read says that these deer traverse far distances based on climate changes. Should I start in the low ground and scout out areas there or work my way to higher elevation?

 

3) Due to this hunt being in very late November will the rut be occurring at all? Should I find of groups of does while scouting and hunt the areas they are located?

 

4) I plan on calling the game and fish warden once I get back into the states, is there anyone else that I should reach out to for info.

 

5) The Game and Fish website said these mule deer migrate down from Utah, so should I start my scouting at the northern end of the area?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated and good luck to all of you on your upcoming hunts!!

[coueshunter]

call Duwane Adams and use his map service. Save's you tons on gas and he has guided the units for 30+ years. 520-385-4995. www.arizonabiggamehunting.com

[AZMThunter]

call Duwane Adams and use his map service. Save's you tons on gas and he has guided the units for 30+ years. 520-385-4995. www.arizonabiggamehunting.com

 

+1

 

I did this for my hunt in 2007... I was drawn along with my son, my father-in-law, and my uncle-in-law (neither of which had ever hunted.) I was worried because my FIL has some health issues and I knew he wouldnt be able to walk much on uneven terrain.

 

Winds up that, in addition to running a first class guide service, Duwayne is just one heck of a guy. I paid not very much for guides for all four of us and we had the time of our lives. Never did tell my father-in-law that it cost me anything lol - he would have killed me for spending money on him.

 

There just aren't words for how grateful I was - still am. And, for what its worth, if all you can afford is the map then by all means find a way to do it. His book isn't too shabby either, or his video ;-)

[muley224]

Give me a call. would be glad to help. The Buck in my avatar is from that hunt. You read wrong about the migration from Utah, that is 12BW. Scouting early is not beneficial. Sent you a PM.

[cmbbulldog]

Give me a call. would be glad to help. The Buck in my avatar is from that hunt. You read wrong about the migration from Utah, that is 12BW. Scouting early is not beneficial. Sent you a PM.

Awesome. That's what it's all about.

[reganranch]

I see your from Tucson did you go to the U, and if so what did you study?

[Havasuhunter]

 

call Duwane Adams and use his map service. Save's you tons on gas and he has guided the units for 30+ years. 520-385-4995. www.arizonabiggamehunting.com

 

+1

 

I did this for my hunt in 2007... I was drawn along with my son, my father-in-law, and my uncle-in-law (neither of which had ever hunted.) I was worried because my FIL has some health issues and I knew he wouldnt be able to walk much on uneven terrain.

 

Winds up that, in addition to running a first class guide service, Duwayne is just one heck of a guy. I paid not very much for guides for all four of us and we had the time of our lives. Never did tell my father-in-law that it cost me anything lol - he would have killed me for spending money on him.

 

There just aren't words for how grateful I was - still am. And, for what its worth, if all you can afford is the map then by all means find a way to do it. His book isn't too shabby either, or his video ;-)

I used Duwayne Adams for the Coues deer in my profile pic. Very satisfied with his service and expertise. Whole family are great people and easy to work with. I'm sure if he can't help, he'll point you to someone that can.

[CouesHunterAZ]

I see your from Tucson did you go to the U, and if so what did you study?

 

I am still at the U of A right now as I will be a Junior this upcoming year. I am double majoring in Business Economics and Finance with a minor in Sports Management. Thanks guys for all the willingness to help, I have already messaged Jeff and plan on meeting up with him once I get home. I will also give Duwane Adams a call when I get back to the states.

[muley224]

Duwane Adams probably has more knowledge of the Kaibab than anyone out there. We see him every year up there. He is a very nice guy.

[coueshunter]

I have personally hunted with Duwane on the Kaibab for the past 10 years. I used his service when I drew tags in 2010, 2011 & 2012. The 2012 hunt my oldest son Travis had a tag as well. There are pictures here on CW of these hunts. These were all west side late hunts. I have learned all I know about the Kaibab from him and cannot speak higher of his capabilities. He consistently kills big bucks up there. In 2012 there were not alot of people that killed big bucks, you didnt see alot of stories in the big name magazines because the deer were so spread out, you had to really know the unit to find where they were. His camp that year had 3 bucks at 190 then a few a bit smaller. I think that was impressive. It sure is worth a call to see what advice/guidance he can give and see what he charges for a map service. You may save alot of money in gas and learn some things. Allen Taylor.