I first started hunting 17A in 1978 when I was 14 years old. Even today, I usually have it as my second choice every year (first chice is usually late kaibab). This area has a lot of sentimental value to me. We have always camped along road 9 and Walnut creek. I have walked the fence between 17A and Baca float many times too. Back in the day, when we would bowhunt in there we used to see quite a few bucks in the 24 -28 inch range, but like I said, that was back in the day. I bowhunted real close to the 7-up this past December for 5 days and saw 3 does, 30 turkeys and about 50 elk. This area has really been hit hard over the past 10 years or so by the elk, predation and drought. Very hard to find bucks of any caliber now. It was a challenge to even find a fresh deer track. I have hunted this area for a very long time and it never used to be this way.
The Arizona Hunter and Angler had an article in the mid 80's about the deer being transplanted from the kaibab in this general area. As I recall, the artical stated that unit 19B(yes, 19B) during arial surveys by G&F said it was probably the best unit below Colorado river to spot 30 - 40 inch bucks!! They said they were out in thick, flat PJ country and darn near impossible to spot unless you were in a plane. The article also mentioned how these bucks tended to migrate from 19b, to 17a, and even the Baca.
I have also been a little leery of crossing over the fence even to "scout". Have heard many rumors over the years and I'm sure most/all are untrue but it is still always in the back of my mind. Sure wish this area would return to the good ol' days.
Good hunting
John