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AZ_SAWBUCK

Coues Deer Activity Unit 22

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I have been getting a little discouraged the past few times I have been out scouting. This is my first time drawing a rifle tag in 22 (end of October hunt), I have been scouting some spots that I have found deer in the past mostly in the winter. I'm no stranger to 22, spent more time in this unit than any other. I'm not going to be too specific about where I am looking other than its 22 south. Looking in deep canyons and open country high and low. The last few weeks I haven't been able to locate hardly any deer. I'm using practical methods glassing at dawn dusk and throughout the day with 15's on a tripod. Are the deer in some type of super elusive mode this time of year? I know there are deer where I am looking cuz I'm finding fresh sign. Has anyone else found this to be the case the past few weeks? Am I overthinking this right now? Think the deer movement will be more active towards the end of October?

 

 

Also I have noticed in one particular area that I have seen a lot of lion sign, I actually glassed on up last December in there. I'm thinking we have a huge lion problem.

 

 

What do you guys think?

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Coues deer are hard to find.

 

The area I hunt coues deer in central Az if I find 2 bucks in 6 days I'm happy

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Find water with coues sign on it, glass the nearest north facing slopes to the water at sunup. And glass very very slow.

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I have hunted 22-S, late Oct, for the past several years. I usually glass a buck or two each time out scouting, but some days they are really out and moving....some days they are really hard to find. I think it depends on moon phase....like mentioned in a previous post. I also believe they have trap doors and a network of tunnels :blink: The main thing during the hunt is to not give up. Hunt hard every day. Hunt the whole hunt. It will pay off. That hunt has been getting very crowded. It will be interesting to see how it goes this year, with the hunt being split. There are a lot of lions. Someone in our group sees one every year...have a tag in your pocket. I will be up there every weekend of October...maybe I'll see you around.

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I also believe they have trap doors and a network of tunnels

I was gonna mention this but I thought it was implied

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IMHO- From what i have observed when out and about looking for the Ghost. The tracks on the ground near the water indicate they are around . Other than being behind the glass and actually seeing them get up and shift positions they drop back out of sight . With more activity in their neighborhoods going on i think going nocturnal and laying up all day is what happens other than to move when the sun starts to beat down on them or you push them out . Have not encountered any that have sprouted wings to just up and disappear . Either way it is still fun to get out and try to match wits with them and also enjoy the public lands . Best of luck to all with tags for the ever elusive Grey Ghost!

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I seem to have the same problem every year as soon as they start rubbing velvet. The bucks seem to change their pattern as soon as they go hardhorned. Takes a few weeks to get back to normal, at least, in my experience.

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