New Guy and Family, Communication in AZ Backcountry

[Cheaha]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am new to the CouesWhitetail.com forum. I am from the Alabama Gulf Coast (Magnolia Springs) and I have never actually been to Arizona. I did get lucky this year and I will be experiencing Arizona for two weeks in September. I drew a bull elk tag for the early archery hunt in Unit 6A.

 

Don't worry, I am not about to ask "where are the elk." I have more general questions I hope someone will be willing to answer.

 

In order to make this trip happen, I will be bringing my wife and 11 year old daughter. The plan is to set up a base camp where we can camp together. I will be making solo overnight (possibly multi-night) trips into the backcountry. My wife and daughter are into camping for a few nights, but will want to do some other things while I am out hunting. (Any suggestions for activities would be welcome.) This base camp will have to be near a road on which my wife will feel comfortable driving, so she can get where they want to go.

 

I am concerned about making this work. Obviously, communication is a major concern for my safety and theirs. A friend who hunted there last year said there is no cell phone coverage in the interior of the unit. Does coverage exist along the fringes of the unit on the highways?

 

My research indicates two-way radios are permitted. There is no mention of them except one place in the regulations booklet where the use of FRS type radios is encouraged for emergency use, so I believe they are legal. Someone please correct me if I am incorrect.

 

Does anyone have experience with the use of FRS type radios in the area? Is it realistic to think if I went 10 miles into the Unit I would be able to communicate with my wife back at base camp? Some of the FRS radios advertise a 26 mile range, but I am doubtful. It appears the southern region of Unit 6A would likely be more conducive to radio communication, but I don't know.

 

I am thinking about investing in an inReach or Spot device, but without cell coverage on the road it would not do me much good as far as communicating with the family. Has anyone gone that route? Any ideas?

 

Thanks for any guidance you may be able to provide.

 

Good hunting to all,

 

Andrew

 

 

[azelkhunter2]

Call me.....Dave 602-228-1719