AZ 12a east verses Colo #53

B

bacpac

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My dad has drawn a Az 12a east and and Colo unit 53 rifle tag. Both of these hunts are in the same time frame, with the Az tag starting one day earlier and ending two days latter. My dad is 72 and cannot walk far. He can get away from truck just not to far or fast. At his age he needs help to hunt. I don't wanna waste either tag and would like to find my dad a good buck as he has yet to take a buck over 160". Myself, being a working stiff and not able to take 3 weeks from work to hunt, my question is what tag should we focus on? I would love to be able to unit both tags however I'm not sure this would be possible with my schedule. We would go DIY.
I know my dad can turn in his Colo tag and get a refund or points back but not both.
I know the history of the Kiabab but Colo unit 53 also has some great bucks.
What would you do?
 
Is your father's 12A east tag for the early hunt, or the late hunt? The season he drew can have a major bearing on how tough, physically, his hunt will likely be. Let us know which season, and then you'll get some better information.
 
I would turn in the colorado tag and get my points back! Both great tags concentrate on one this year and hopefully draw colorado next
 
You might be suprised about your Colorado points. No you're father won't get back the preference points just because he doesn't want to use the license. Sure if you have a written letter from a Doctor giving medical reasons, then yes you can get the points back. But of course this must be before the season starts.

So, I suggest you call the DOW and double check!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-08 AT 08:25AM (MST)[p]You should call Colorado DOW and see what your options are for returning the tag. I do know that it is different than it used to be, but don't know specifics.

Your father will likely never draw another Kaibab tag again in his lifetime, unless he's a resident, and even then it's a longshot. I don't know the specifics of how that region of Colorado fared this winter, but keep in mind that the Gunnison basin isn't that far from unit 53 and it got hammered. Deer hunting in 53 might not be what you expect, or are hoping for.

I'd definitely go on the Kaibab hunt, as it should be a wonderful experience, and you have a chance to take a very nice buck. In the early season, you'll likely be hunting on top, which is beautiful timber country. Two summers ago, the Warm Fire destroyed over 50,000 acres, burned some of it completely while other areas are a nice patchwork that still have a lot of old growth mixed with burned spots. Two years and some good rains this year have created an area that should now be a deer magnet. Most of the burned country is easily accessible, as it's right along the road that leads to the park. It starts only a mile or so south of Jacob Lake and runs for many miles. Of course, the Kaibab is a big area, so most of it is still unburned and has lots of mature timber. It's a beautiful place.

You mentioned that your dad is 72 and can't walk far. There are plenty of dirt roads all around the top, so you guys will have no trouble getting around. I'd highly recommend that you find areas you like, park the truck and then just walk the roads. Most of the top is rolling country, so the walking isn't tough on roads and you'll see plenty of deer. You should have a good chance to find a buck bigger than the 160 class you mentioned in your original post, and who knows, he might end up with one of those bucks the plateau is famous for producing. they're not behind every tree, but there are some up there.

Spend some time talking to the fellow at the Jacob Lake Lodge who has lived up there for 60+ years, I don't remember his name, but if you sit down for a bite at the lunch counter anyone can tell you who he is. He'd be an excellent source of information for you guys, and he's of your father's generation so they may get on quite well and perhaps he'll be even more helpful than usual. He's a very nice man and likes to help.

Regardless of what kind of deer your dad might take, the two of you should have a wonderful time together on an early Kaibab hunt. I would plan on arriving a day or two before the season and check things out, and plan on having one really good hunt over the whole season. It's a great place to camp, and if you want you can stay at the lodge where you can have a hot shower each night if that's your preference. Remember, its about the experience and memories, so don't neglect to take a little extra time and drive down to the park and go see the canyon from the north side. Neither of you will be disappointed.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-08 AT 12:10PM (MST)[p]I have no idea on 53, I had 12a East early and was not impressed with the hunt. Most people hunt it as a giant road hunt, I did see a 200" deer shot, heck it was in a couple magazines, and I will guarantee you it was shot out of the window. Well, at least according to the hunter, the guide, and the guy that was with them. I didn't see a shooter. Let me know and I can give you any info I can. I was also told buy a guide that his dad, in the past had killed a couple of HUGE bucks(I saw the pictures HHUUGGEE) he told me both were shot road hunting.
 
You can turn the CO tag back in and if he opts to not get his refund he will keep his points, and like many have already mentioned he will most likely draw CO next year. He'll lose alomost $300 but if he had to buy a 3rd season 53 tag it would cost him 4-5K.

Mike
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-08 AT 02:09PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-08 AT 02:04?PM (MST)

I am going against the majority here......for what it's worth.

I have hunted both. I will NEVER put in for the AZ early hunt again! The AZ 12A East hunt may be one tough hunt for your dad. It was for us and we even had snow! We hiked, glassed, had 4-wheelers, and horses.....NEVER Again. Kiabab can be great, but the East side hunt is tough.

Colorado 53 will be a lot more enjoyable for your dad. A lot of deer along with a lot of roads/ 4wheeler access. In the last couple of years, the second season has been the best, but that 3rd season is due... ;-)

53 has a ton of winter range, so I doubt you will be affected much by last years winter kill.

Make sure you do your research before deciding to commit to the AZ hunt.

Just my opinion......

Good Luck in which ever you choose!!
 

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