31 coues help

sridge

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Looking for some pointers on this unit, I drew the late hunt. I'm a first time coues hunter. From what I've read so far, access may be a little tough with private and the country is rough. I'm planning on probably doing a backpack type hunt. I'm mainly interested in access areas and places to try where there are some good concentrations of deer. thanks in advance.
 
If you want to backpack I would suggest starting at the top of Mount Graham and findinga trail that drops off the backside. Lots of country in there and you could definitely spend a few days in country no one else would be looking at. Tripp canyon is a well known hot spot that might not be too crowded in December, but with an open archery hunt you could have some company. Access shouldn't really too big of a deal unless you are back in the Klondyke area. Another option is the O Bar O and Stockton Pass. Both always produce deer but again, this is no secret so expect some company. Good luck.
 
The main road up the mountain gets closer around November but if you drive up the mountain there are some good spots to glass and access is pretty good as well. The hole mountain is accessible. Taking the fort grant road will take you around the mountain and will take you to stockton and o bar o..good country and lots of walking. Good luck
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-08-13 AT 09:55AM (MST)[p]Whoever told you access would be tough in unit 31 because of private land is wrong. There might be a little private on the Klondyke/Bonita side of of unit 31 but I would say 90% of the access to 31 is public.
The terrain is easy and fairly flat around the base of the mountain out towards the boundaries but steep and nasty in the core of the unit around Mount Graham and Stockton Pass. Stockton Pass does have a good number of deer but it has a lot of people chasing them as mentioned above.
Have you had a chance to scout?
As mentioned above I would hit any one of a number of trails around Mount Graham and get back (it really doesn't take much to do that:) I am not as familiar with the backside (Bonita/Klondyke) as I am with the front (Safford) side. Feel free to PM me.
I had the late tag a couple years ago and had a great hunt.
This year our family has 4 tags for the hunt right before yours.
I have been fortunate to draw unit 31, 6 out of 7 years.
Jeff
 
Hey jeff not trying to hijack the original post,do you have any knowledge
of unit 30a south of 31 for the 1st dec rifle hunt.Coming from cali,thanks
Hank
 
Sorry hank, i have only been down that way around El Frieda a couple times.
Lots of private around town but you can get back into some good country on foot if you find some public close to the private.

Jeff
 
Well, I ended up having a great hunt and my brother was able to come with me. Shot what is probably an average buck for this area, but I'm more than happy with him. Did see one toad that was out of range for the rifle I brought, kicking myself now for not bringing a long range gun. These deer are a blast to hunt and I definitely want to do it again! Thanks for all the pointers everyone.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-14-14 AT 10:54AM (MST)[p]You are more than welcome to post the story and pictures! LOL
Congratulations!
Yes, its not a bad idea to be able to shoot 500, 700 yards, etc.
Sorry, I should have mentioned long range shooting before you came.
Congrats again!
Jeff
 

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