help with unit 34 B

[jasjacks]

My son drew a 34b tag for the nov hunt any suggestions would help us thanks jason and jay

[ac guy]

I suggest getting out and scouting. Scouting is half the fun to a hunt.

[GameHauler]

I suggest getting out and scouting. Scouting is half the fun to a hunt.

 

YEP

[jasjacks]

I suggest getting out and scouting. Scouting is half the fun to a hunt.

 

YEP

thanks for the advise we are going to scout, but i was seeking a starting point never been even close to the unit I'm not asking for everyones honey hole we will do our best find our own. thanks jason and jay

[Snapshot]

Most of the bucks will be in the one to two year old age classes. The majority of the whitetail population is in the Whetstone Mountain range with dispersed groups in outlying areas.

 

Area: One of the main problems hunters encounter in this hunt unit is access. The Cottonwood and Wakefield Canyon areas are locked off at this time. This means that the north side of the Whetstones does not have legal vehicular public access. Hunters need to plan their hunt accordingly and look at alternative areas. Access may be granted by contacting the local ranchers and obtaining permission. Be aware that you must abide by their rules while on their land so be respectful of their wishes.

 

The area known as Ricketts Mine has also been locked off. This will prevent vehicular access to McGrew Springs, Middle Canyon, and Guindani Canyon.

 

French Joe and Middle Canyon can both be accessed from F.S. road 369 at milepost 300 on Hwy. 90.

 

For those hunters wanting a little more seclusion and fewer hunters I would suggest the west side of the Whetstones. You can access those areas either through the Las Cienegas National Consevation Arera off Hwy 83 or from F.S. road 779 off Hwy. 82 east of Sonoita. The area from Bear Springs north to Apache Canyon has some nice whitetail. Be prepared for some dense brushy areas in some spots and also some steep canyons.

 

Hunters may also want to try the south end of the Whetstones in Mine and Dry canyons. To get to Mine Canyon take the Sand Ranch Road from Highway 82 and follow the road west to Forest Service property. The road turns north just east of the ranch and onto Forest Service property. Remember that any land not on forest is private in this area and obey all postings unless you obtain permission from the rancher. Approximately one (1) mile past the Forest boundary there is a primitive cut across road that will take you east around the base of the mountain over to Dry Canyon. Dry Canyon can also be accessed off of State Highway 90.

 

Along the Cienega Creek can also be a good area for whitetail. In general the whitetail densities are low and the vegetation is thick, which makes it a challenging hunt. Archery hunters frequent this area in the winter.

 

Summary: As you can see, if you are not familiar with unit 34B you need to obtain a Forest Service map to help you identify the roads and canyons.

 

It is also a must for the serious whitetail hunter to have a pair of binoculars. They will help you find those hard-to-spot bucks.

 

The first hunt will probably be pretty warm so plan to leave camp very early to catch the bucks before they bed down. Bedding will start soon after light if it is warm weather. The second hunt will be cooler but still plan on hitting it early. Those big bucks still bed early.

 

The late hunt will have the highest hunt success because the bucks will be out starting to chase the does for the rut. The weather can be unpredictable at that time of the year so come prepared.

 

Access is still a problem at the north end of the Whetstones so a pre-hunt scouting trip will help you find your way in.

 

 

 

Don't overlook the Empire Mountain Range I have seen some decent deer in there.