AZ Unit 35B

Quail_Runner · Jul 24, 2002

I drew the December Hunt and would like some advice. I have gone to the unit with a Bow last year, but still know very little about the area. I am willing to scout/hike my tail off, but any information that someone has would be greatly appreciated. I don't know what type caliber bucks this unit holds, but I have heard good things. Anybody willing to point a finger in a general direction?

Also, who do the bucks relocate to the does in the rut, or is it the other way around. Translation, if I find where does are during September-November, can I reasonably expect to find bucks with those same groups come December?

Bura Nut · Jul 24, 2002

The bucks will be chasing the does, so even though the bucks have a "home range", during the rut, they move to the does in heat.... as to knowing this unit, I sure dont, but someone here will, or call Duwane Adams 520-385-4995

Happyhunting · Jul 24, 2002

Bura, I didn't know you drew 35b December, that is a great tag. I started out hunting in 35B 20 years ago and know the unit real well. We've killed some nice bucks in that unit. E-mail me at [email protected]

RandyWeaver · Jul 24, 2002

Of all the units I hunted in southeastern Arizona, unfortunately, I know 35B the least. I have hunted some different sections of the Canelo Hills (35B takes in the western end of the Canelos) and wooded areas in the Canelos that hold water can be pretty good. Although I've never seen any really big bucks in the unit, it is the only unit in which I've seen what I know to have been a whitetail/mule deer hybrid, which is usually most evident in the tail. My recommendation: find some areas that offer water and cover and scout them completely. The last two weeks of August and first two weeks of September (last spurt of antler growth) are good times to see a lot of bucks. For the December hunt, also locate pockets of does and their preferred bedding areas; they'll come in handy in December. During your hunt, glass areas downwind of those bedding areas for cruising bucks. Finally, buy an archery tag and hunt the area the first week of January, particularly the 5th to 7th. It is normally the period when the most does come into estrus, and also the period when Coues bucks are easiest to stalk - trust me on this one - and best of luck.

Quail_Runner · Jul 25, 2002

Thanks to all for their input. I will call Mr. Adams, it seems many people recommend him for everything from Kaibab to, now, Southern AZ. Happyhunting - I hope you don't mind if I email you, even though I am not Bura

Randy... what can I say, you have vasts amount of knowledge - Have you considered writing a book? Then again, you might have already done that... if so, where can I buy a copy?

RandyWeaver · Jul 25, 2002

Nah, I don't really know anything, I'm just a great BS'er. Actually, I've been thinking about writing a book on Coues whitetails. Given the increasing interest in the subject, I might sell a hundred or so. Thanks for the kind words.

Venado muy grande!

Couesnut · Jul 25, 2002

Randy,
The 5th / 7th, WOW!! those dates... I'm there... What tree will i find him behind??
You know i don't want to sound insulting, but i still can't stop laughing at that one.....

RandyWeaver · Jul 26, 2002

That's ARCHERY season: you wouldn't know anything about that! (LOL!) As you know, I kept copious notes from my scouting and hunts and hunted a lot in January. In every area I hunted, every year, rut activity and the number of does in estrous were greatest from the 5th to 7th of January. You may not buy it, but I was out all day, every day, the first week of January every year - just ask my wife. In areas with a good buck/doe ratio, I would see great bucks that I had never seen (including one I missed in '94 - a 130s 4x4 typical) in areas that I scouted year long. Of course, the biggest problem was that I was hunting with a bow and some of you know how that can go...

RandyWeaver · Jul 26, 2002

That's ARCHERY season: you wouldn't know anything about that! (LOL!) As you know, I kept copious notes from my scouting and hunts and hunted a lot in January. In every area I hunted, every year, rut activity and the number of does in estrous were greatest from the 5th to 7th of January. You may not buy it, but I was out all day, every day, the first week of January every year - just ask my wife. In areas with a good buck/doe ratio, I would see great bucks that I had never seen (including one I missed in '94 - a 130s 4x4 typical) in areas that I scouted year long. Of course, the biggest problem was that I was hunting with a bow and some of you know how that can go...

RandyWeaver · Jul 26, 2002

OOPS! My bad. I guess the second post was for added emphasis. I was going to launch into a discussion of photoperiodism and its effect on the rut, but Couesnut wouldn't understand anyway. LOL! (Just kidding DH, lighten up!)

Couesnut · Jul 26, 2002

LAST EDITED ON Jul-26-02 AT 04:31PM (MST)[p]Randy'
Has living back east & chaseing lowlifes caused you to lose you're sence of humor or what???
Just yuken it up a bit....

RandyWeaver · Jul 26, 2002

No, not at all. Just thought I'd give some of it back to you. No offense was taken, 'cause I know none was intended. It's just too damned hard to convey humor when you write. Actually, I've gotten a similar reaction to that 5-7 January thing from several people. I told another guy about it last year. He planned his hunt around the first week of January and ended up taking a 104" buck (with a bow) on - you guessed it - January 6th. By the way, the "magic days" - at least in this part of Pennsylvania - are November 6th to 9th...

Bura Nut · Jul 26, 2002

My magic days are going to be Nov 8-11th. I am going to look right between the two taller Ocotillo on the 3rd ridge over. There will be the 118 buck of my dreams. At that point, I wont care what the date is, while you two will be discussing the finer points of the upcoming rut.............LOL I am just throwing in some country humor........

RandyWeaver · Jul 28, 2002

...don't overlook the buck that beds by the yucca closest to the top of the second ridge - he's a dandy!

Maverick · Sep 30, 2002

RE: AZ Unit 35B - good locations to start for Oct hunt?

Hey guys,

Great thread.. I have a rifle Oct hunt, any good spots to start? I used to hunt the Wash Camp area but that was ~6 years ago. Any tankm canyon or road names would be helpful.

Thanks.

coues · Oct 14, 2002

RE: AZ Unit 35B - good locations to start for Oct hunt?

LAST EDITED ON Oct-14-02 AT 10:20PM (MST)[p]ttt

pollohombre · Oct 19, 2002

Quail_Runner,
I hunt 35B alot. Email me at [email protected]. Last year we missed a 5x5 I think would score 115. I have a hunt there in Oct. so with luck he will be coming home with me. If not I will tell you where we saw him. Just to get you fired up I saw a 130 class buck before the hunt two years ago. It was taken on opening day by another hunter. It was a monster! I also shot a 103 buck in the same area. I will tell you where that area is.
Rick