AZ Deer Units

sancarloshunter · Apr 5, 2006

The deadline for putting in for the draw is far away but I would like to get an idea of where some of you would recommend I put in? I got drawn in Unit 9 last year but there was a lot of hunters everywhere I went. Any areas that have a low number of hunters but still produce nice deer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

bullwidgeon · Apr 5, 2006

All of the 12 and 13 units. They are the best units hands down.

Bret M.

smokepolejohnson · Apr 6, 2006

With out question 12 and 13, good luck.

sancarloshunter · Apr 7, 2006

Thanks for the input. I will be sure to put in for those units.

jaybob · Apr 8, 2006

12a West late is hard to draw but a great hunt. The early hunt in that unit is a bit easier to draw with a few more people in it. Nothing like 9 though. If you want a hunt that has a reasonable chance to draw and can hunt after opening weekend, look at units like 17A or 18B. A group of buddies went 3 for 3 in 17A last year with decent deer in just a couple days. Hunters pretty much go home after the first few days. The hunting isn't the best quality, but the units do produce some nice deer and good times. Good luck wiht your choice.

AZtrophyhunter · Apr 8, 2006

That Unit 9 deer hunt is the worst deer hunt I've ever been on. I asked a Game Warden why they offer so many damn permits in there when there are hardly any deer. He said there are deer....but then let the cat out of the bag & said that most of the deer they survey are all in the park! BUT, because it's still in the unit they offer the permits anyway according to what they survey. So, bottom line is low success, lots of hunters, & the G&F making a little extra $$$$$.

sancarloshunter · Apr 9, 2006

Yeah, on opening day I saw hunters everywhere I went. It sucked. I did see a lot of deer though. I think we saw close to 100 does and fawns on the opening weekend but we could not find any bucks. People were shooting all around us but they were mainly forked horns and spikes; nothing spectacular. Thanks for telling me about the experience that you had up there. I am glad I am not the only one that had the same experience as I did.

Trone · Apr 9, 2006

I agree 12 and 13 units consistently produce the best deer in the state, but odds of drawing are next to impossible especially for 13a and 13b. If you are lucky enough to draw one of these tags, I would suggest investing in a guide. These two hunts are some of the hardest hunts in the west especially if you dont know the country extremely well. Good luck on drawing, if you do it will be the hunt of a life time.

tooele · Apr 10, 2006

What about unit 10, no comments?

T

sancarloshunter · Apr 10, 2006

Unit 10 has produced some big deer over the years. I have even found some of the shed antlers when I am elk hunting in there before the fall deer hunt starts. The only problem is that these deer are hard to find. I really haven't seen very many when I am elk hunting but I know that they are there, somewhere. I also think that the success rate for the unti is really low for the unit overall but if You do bag one it would probably be a big one.