Kofa NWR

[Rizzy]

Has anyone hunted unit 45 lately? I have all the pertinent maps, with more on the way and have narrowed it down to a few spots (mostly in the king valley). I've never hunted desert mule deer before and am wondering what kind of plant communties or geographic features to look for when I go scouting. I'm also wondering how tied to water these deer will be, this is a fairly low part of the desert.
Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[BOHNTR]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-24-05 AT 08:48AM (MST)[p]Rizzy:

First off, welcome to Monster Muleys. I've been all over that country, as I used to live in nearby Blythe. The 7 year drought has really hurt the deer herd there, as it has in all the Arizona desert country. There are still a few bucks there for a few lucky hunters, and this years moisture should produce a few slammers.

Most of the bucks I've scouted there have been in the washes (flats) in the mesquite trees. I've seen some Mnoster bucks there, especially when still in velvet. They feed on mesquite beans in that part of the country and also an ankle high redish shrub that is prevalent in the washes.

As with most mule deer, water is a key to locating animals. There are a few guzzlers and /or tanks in that area. Some are on maps, but the best ones are not. I'd buy 7.5 minute Topo maps of the area and look for tanks, springs, etc. Then, I'd get out and check them all for sign. Just remember, there are sheep in that country too, and both have similar sign.

A friend of mine (rifle hunter) has killed a 4x4 or better buck just about every year there at a guzzler he located while scouting. He simply sets up 1/4 mile away from the guzzler and waits for them to arrive and/or return.

Some people hike into the steep canyon country looking for deer. Although I've seen a few in these areas, I mostly encounter the huge desert bighorns that inhabit the unit. Makes me wish I could draw a sheep tag. Good luck and hope it helps.

BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[Heat]

Congratulations on drawing a very difficult hunt. I'm not sure if you've noticed the hunt success for this unit from the last couple of years, but they weren't good. As BOHNTR mentioned this unit, and all the rest in the SW part of AZ, has been devestated by the drought. However there are a decent number of big bucks in comparison to other units. The density of deer/sq. mi is probably some of the lowest anywhere, but if you find a buck it might be a good one.

Look for dense areas of vegetation that looks "more green" than the rest. The deer key in on areas that have received more moisture than others. Look for permanent water sources in the area. As mentioned, the deer use these waters extensively, however finding them there during shooting hours, especially during deer season will be tough. Waterholes with a windmill are likely to have water year round, and likely to hold deer year round as well.

Keep in mind most of this unit is Wilderness. There is a lot of country to hunt, so I would concentrate on using my binoculars to cover ground rather than my feet.

I would check out the wash systems that run west from the Palm Canyon Area, the King Valley, and the flat area along the E part of the unit (Palomas Plain). Most of the big deer I hear about that are killed out there are found by following tracks of the deer you want (hard as heck to do on the dry ground) or by hunting water during the archery season.

Remember, this is some of the most rugged, desolate country in Arizona and the deer are few and far between, but big buck potential is good. Keep your head up and work hard, and with a little luck, this could be a very rewarding hunt.

I live nearby in Yuma, and would be happy to help with any other details you might want to hear about. Feel free to email me at [email protected].

Nick

 

[Chef]

There is farmland in that unit also. Deer do feed and water in the fields at night and sometimes find refuge there on the ranches during the hunting seasons.

If you don't believe me, travel the dirt roads along the fields adjacent to the desert wilderness and look for tracks. A great tip for me in these units is to go and speak with the farm workers early in the mornings. The Mexican workers will quickly throw up their hands to their heads forming "racks" to tell you of the size of the bucks they see in the area. The workers arrive very early in the morning before daybreak and that is usually when they spot the deer with their headlights.

Go to google earth and check out the terrain!
Good luck and keep us posted.

Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"

 

[Chef]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-26-05 AT 09:47AM (MST)[p]Well,
Upon closer observations, the fields and such are more in unit 41. Closer towards Tacna. I've hunted 41 twice and tagged once in that unit so I'm aware of the trials and tribulations involved in going after the desert variety of mule deer.

Wish I could have been more help at the moment. I spoke up too soon!

I do have a friend that has tackled that area before so I'll post with any leads if he has any.

If you haven't gone to Google Earth yet I recommend it. Make sure you choose the feature that allows you to see water. As you zoom closer into the unit, it names tanks in the area. Burnt Wagon Tank, Red Tank, Dixon spring, a 4x4 road, etc. are all listed. That program is quite helpful. Make sure you use the "tilt" feature button too so you can get a better look at the elevation adjustments.

Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"

 

[Rizzy]

Thanks for the replies, it's great to hear from hunters that know the area. So far most of my research has been on USAPhotomaps because my computer is to outdated to run google earth. I'll be solving this problem shortly however. The quadmaps I ordered should be here this week and I'll get a better idea of the roads and be able to look for a high spot to glass from in the vicinity of water.

I'm optimistic, so does anyone have any recomendations on taxidermists and meat processors in that area?

Ron