12A West Late

bigoltom · Jul 25, 2005

I drew the 12 A west late hunt and am pretty excited about being able to hunt the Kiabab. I have never hunted this unit before, so if anyone has any good areas or advice they wouldn't mind sharing I would appreciate it.

ridgewalker · Jul 25, 2005

You should be excited..awesome tag!! My advice to you is to get outta the truck and hike.. Get there a few days early and find the main part of the herd.. I would spend a day at 5500 feet, a day at 6000-6300 feet, and another day a little higher until you really get into the deer..When you find big groups of doe's there will be bucks around.. Don't shoot the first average buck you see.. Often times there will be a 170 class or smaller buck chasing the doe's around and a bomber tucked away in the brush..wait them out.. The big boy may not get up til right before dark. Hold out and get off of the main roads and you will get your chance.. It gets better everyday!! Good Luck!!

Forepaw · Jul 26, 2005

Ridgewalker could you be a little more specific regarding possible areas for does? My son drew one of the 750 youth hunt (winter range habitat management) antlerless tags, which is only open Nov. 11-14.

We plan to head up that way for one or two scouting/camping trips but could sure use some pointers on access and general topographic features to use as landmarks, etc.

Thanks a bunch.

forepaw

Bucher · Jul 26, 2005

bigoltom, give me a call at 480-540-9617.

huntazido · Jul 26, 2005

Forepaw,

Look on your map for an area called Sowats. Most is rolling hills that had been burned around 1998 or so. You should have no problem finding does because they are literally everywhere at first light and dusk. Find a good vantage point to glass and your son will do fine. I would spend as much time as possible with your son, at the range practicing 100 to 200 yards.

My neighbors 11 year old daughter drew this same tag and they will be in the same area too.

Good luck and make room in the freezer before you go.

ridgewalker · Jul 26, 2005

Forepaw,
Anywhere below 6500-6600 feet should produce a doe.. They are everywhere.. I couldn't imagine not getting one right off of the road..If you are having trouble, just get out and hike over a hill or two. Good Luck

Bura Nut · Jul 27, 2005

Forepaw, there will be a few of us with kids up at the grand canyon hotel for the Juniors hunt. Also Arizona Deer Association probably will have a tent set up with hot chocolate, treats etc......for the junior hunters. If you have any problems finding a doe, come by the hotel and hook up with us........ Thanks, Allen Taylor......

bigoltom · Jul 28, 2005

Hey everyone, thanks for the tips, I appreciate the help!
bigoltom

Forepaw · Jul 28, 2005

Thanks everyone for the tips, I think I can find a place, looking forward to planning and going on this hunt. Now for the range time . . . no more water filled jugs, time to get serious.

forepaw