Kaibab Mule Deer in White Tank Mtns.

Blackknight · Aug 13, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Aug-13-05 AT 08:02PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Aug-13-05 AT 08:01?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Aug-13-05 AT 08:01?PM (MST)

I heard from an Ol timer that back in the late 50s or early 60s they brought down some Kaibab mule deer and placed there here in the White Tank mtns. Two othere locations near Tonopah and Something snake??? Anyhow, any info on the subject would be interesting. I have seen some Big Bucks close to where I live and I tell some of my friends at Qwest about them and they dont believe me. I showed them some photos and there Mouths dropped. I seen a Nice 5x5, and 3 (3x3s) in the same spot two years in a row around august and sept. Any comments??? Sorry to all. I placed this in the Elk Section!!!!

jkhunterid · Aug 13, 2005

Pictures?

Cazador · Aug 13, 2005

I also heard the same thing about the G&F transplanting bucks from Kaibab in Unit 17a back in the 80's & 90's.

Tinman · Aug 13, 2005

I haven't heard of any transplants in the White Tanks, and I'm not even sure if they would work out too well. The muleys on the Kiabab are "Rocky Mountain" muleys. The ones that call the White Tanks home are "Desert" muleys. The Desert muleys are smaller in stature, and have larger ears in relation to their body size to help dissipate the heat. Even though deer are fairly abaptable creatures, I think the desert heat would be too much for the Kiabab muleys.

Don't get me wrong, there are some mega bucks in the Tanks, but I'm pretty sure it is because of the genetics in the area, and a lack of a general rifle season. Bow huntin' only dudes. These bucks are able to reach 6 years old and up.

huntazido · Aug 13, 2005

I heard about the 17a and 19B too. I actually read about it in an early 80's issue of AZ Hunter & Angler. The artical went on too say that besides units north of the Colorado river, the consistently biggest deer G&F would see during aerial surveys was out in the flat PJ country in 19B. The deer are very tough to hunt in that areal because it is so flat and thick. Seems to me the artical also said they were transplanted in the 60's and early 70's.

Have lived in AZ all my life and I have never heard of any transplants into the White Tanks. Not to say it isn't true but this is the first I have ever heard of it. I do know there some very BIG deer up there though.

Bura Nut · Aug 14, 2005

I would call Leonard Ordeway with AZGFD or Ron Seig with AZGFD to see if they have any old archives that show this. The Kaibab has been used over the years to start new gene pools like on Santa Rosa Island so who knows........... Thanks, Allen Taylor......

bullwidgeon · Aug 14, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Aug-14-05 AT 10:02PM (MST)[p]I have heard that about unit 34A, the Santa Ritas. I know there have been some giant deer killed in the flats around Santa Ritas but have no idea as to the truth of the rumors.

Bret M.

btpatriot04 · Aug 14, 2005

I just moved out to Buckeye off Watson and Yuma rd. I can glass a few of the south facing slopes from my bedroom window. I am anxious to see some deer in there this year. I'll head in there once it starts to cool down and do some hard scouting!

btpatriot

Blackknight · Aug 15, 2005

If you know where the caterpillar proving area is and or the back side near the tower there are some dandy's. The new subdivision called verado has some deer daily behind the community in the mtns. Good size too. I heard there was a harsh winter in the kaibab and they moved some of the deer down here so they wouldnt die off. Back in the 70's my uncle used to drop off his friend in the back side or west side of the tank. And three days later picked him up on the road he had dropped him off and he always had a big buck. Took those deer near the towers somewhere... I have seen with my own eyes last year and the year before a gigantic 5x5. If I can get a good camera ill post it for you all!!!