Unit 21, 22, 23 January Archery

[Elmacho]

Love this site.

 

This year I bought a bow and have been practicing, practicing, practicing.

 

I usually hunt rifle down in 32 or 33, but this year have to wait until Jan to hunt because of baby on the way. Will have to stay closer to home.

 

Any help would be appreciated as I am new to archery. No hotspots requested.

I prefer spot and stalk, as that's how I rifle hunt.

 

What tips can you guys share re type of habitat best suited in these units for archery. are the deer numbers decent enough to make this attempt? What are your experiences re deer densities- more to the north, mid or south part of these units. Any help is appreciated.

 

Josh-you out there- I know you know these units......any help?

 

Thanks guys, I am dying to stick one.

 

Mark

[Elmacho]

Anyone...Anyone........???????

 

OK......PLEASE...............

[bullwidgeon]

I know the Sierra Ancha wilderness area has some hike in only tanks and good slopes for glassing in unit 23 but honestly you could be hunting in 33 with less drive time than it takes to get there. Besides that 33 has a billion and a half times as many deer as that place does. Good luck.

 

Bret M.

[TREESTANDMAN]

I would have said unit 22 between rye and payson but the willow fire took that option out for now.

[Elmacho]

Thanks guys..

 

Bullwidgeon- my gut was telling me what you stated, but you clarified it.

 

Did you get a tag??

[bullwidgeon]

I got a 27/28 late whitetail tag. Not alot of deer, but alot of room for them to grow big in.

 

Bret M.

[Elmacho]

Good luck on your hunt.

 

These deer are addicting.............

[GRONG]

Mark,

There are tons of Coues and tons of places to hunt some good bucks off of the control road in 22. I guided a couple elk hunters in there in Dec two years ago and there were rubs and scrapes all over! I've never hunted it yet but one of these days I will. Those deer love that area under the rim! Thick stuff but get out in the rolling hills and longer ridges and you'll find sign I guarantee it. I've never hunted 23 but I'm sure it's awesome too. Drive from the Pine/Strawberry side in. Pick anywhere from 260 all the way over to 260 again. I know 2 guys that have picked up monster bucks in there. One was about 50 yards off the road and was over 115", the other was up under the rim and grossed a tad over 120" and netted 114". That stuff is seldom hunted successfully and is a sleeper, I think anyway. Anyone beg to differ as I've never hunted it in January?

 

Josh Epperson

[Rembrant]

Just go to the archery shop in Payson and look at the pictures on the wall.

You'll get an education.

Mike

[Elmacho]

Thanks Josh and Mike-

 

I know the units have some really good deer, but I do not know them well. Being limited on time- 5 days, I may just stick with what I know down in 32-33. or not.

 

Being new to archery, and the only person I know with a bow, I am trying to get a tip or two on approaching the task. Guess like anything, I need to go do it and see what happens.

 

Josh- I am surprised....being such a fan of the coues I would've put money you'd be out EVERY January for them. Why have you not done it??(I'M thinking they may run around chasing tail, which makes for a tough stalk)

 

Anyone interesetd in trying it......I'm probably goin solo

 

Mark

[bowhunter89]

i would recommend hunting in 22. Go on el oso road. provides great glassing, see deer everytime im in there

[Dan H]

Easiest way is to put in for Javelina Archery 1st and 2nd choice for those units 21, 22 or 23. The whitetail are down low in both these units in January. And the hornier they are the closer you can get.

Later,

Dan

[m1280]

el macho i pm'd ya chk your mailbox here.. i'm lookin to hit 33 in jan also