09 AZ Archery Hunt (pics)

BOHNTR

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LAST EDITED ON Jan-10-09 AT 09:05AM (MST)[p]Well, I just got back from my annual trek to the Arizona desert.......saw a lot of deer.....most were broken up from fighting except for the immature bucks.

The best buck I saw was about a 165" net typical 4x4. He was nice but had no mass to speak of (younger age class buck, IMO).....if he makes it to next year he'll be a stud for the desert. On opening morning, he got into a serious fight (and lost) with the buck I arrowed and broke his main beam as well.

The buck I arrowed is the same buck I've seen the last three or four years down there. He has a unique bob tail......probably lost it to a coyote when he was young?? Either that or he's related to Bess. :) Anyway, he's always just been a 3 point and will never be any better, IMO. He is definitely a "cull" type buck with inferior genes.....but still cool in his own way.

He was absolutely one of the most dominant and aggressive bucks around, as he warded off all others. I spotted him working his way down a face towards a large wash from about 800 yards off. Having hunted this area for years, I had a fairly good idea where he was heading. So I hiked into the thick mesquite choked wash and set up to wait for him. Just as I got set up, I saw him coming through the cholla and mesquite right towards me. I shot him through the heart as he passed by me at 30 yards. The first arrow at an animal with my new bow (Admiral). Hope it brings me more luck.

He has exceptional mass for a desert buck and good tine length. But he's just a 24.5 " wide 3x3 as he's always been. Teeth were worn severely, and based on the years we've seen him as a 3x3, we estimated him to be in the 6-8 year old range. He had a HUGE body for a desert buck in this area.

I arrowed the buck last weekend but elected to stay the week to look around and scout some new areas and help out my long-time hunting partners (Fred and Wally). They are still down there......trying to close the deal on a few other mature bucks. As a result, I lost some of the meat around the neck and shoulders to spoilage......Arizona is a place that can be 23 degrees in the morning and 70 in the afternoon........I was plenty angry with myself and knew I should have checked on it daily in the cooler.....darn rookie mistake! I cut all of the spoiled meat away and saved a good portion of the carcass.......then decided I better get it home asap.

Overall, a great time with good friends.....I really love the Arizona desert this time of year. Hope you enjoy.

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Good example of an immature buck....hopefully not with the lifetime 3x3 frame:

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BOHNTR )))---------->
 
That buck is an old stud, BOHNTR. Nice mass and he's defintely an old mature buck. Congrats on another successful adventure.

If you are really curious about his age, save the two middle bottom incisors and you can send them in and get the exact age. It costs about $10 but it is worth it IMO.

As always, thanks for the post.
 
What a great 3 point Roy! He really does have some impressive mass. I don't think I've seen a three point that heavy down there before! Thank you for sharing, I always look forward to seeing what you come home with! :)
 
Good Post, great hunt!
Looks like you had a great hunt and did everything right.
Congrats on having everything come together.
HH
 
Congrats on a great buck! I have been chasing a buck that looks identical to that one for the past 2 years down south. I am heading down for the next 2 days hopefully to have a shot at a mature buck like yours. Big Congrats again!
 
Nothing wrong with that bucks! Very heavy unique 3x3! Congrats on another successful hunt! You are indeed the MAN! Thanks for sharing your hunt with us!

Chad
 
Congrats on a great buck.I just shot a pig with my new Admiral and love the bow.Have not been able to chase the coues and muleys as much as I liked so far because of falling and hurting my back.It is getting better and I hope to chase them the last couple week's.
 
pretty nice buck roy have you heard from wally,fred yet





hey stikslinger rumor hasit you and eddie shot some good buck lets see some pic
 
Congrats on another AZ archery buck! You really get the job done with your bow in hand. Thanks for sharing.
 
Roy:

Tell me it's not true --- you in a baseball cap!!! BTW, you sure that floppy-eared thing didn't cross with a Barzona or something? He's got some serious poundage going on, no lie!

As always, way to go, Senor Stud! Next time you're over our way again, stop by and I'll buy you lunch!

Lv2hnt
 
Nice cull buck - that is about the best definition of a management buck you are ever going to get.

Sorry you lost the neck and shoulders - we call that the "mother-in-law" meat though - I am sure she will be disappointed.

UTROY
Proverbs 21:19 (why I hunt!)
 
From what I am used to hunting, that country looks more like snake country then deer country.

Good job and sweet buck!



Archery is a year round commitment!!
 
Congrats Roy on your hunt. I was looking forward to hearing about it and knew you'd still hammer a good one. That cull buck is great and I'd loose an arrow in an instant on a buck like that as I've never arrowed one that big, but then again I can't seem to let the smaller bucks walk.I tried to let a cow elk walk as I've never arrowed a branch antlered bull either only a spike bull and second day of my 08 elk hunt I called in two cows and I couldn't resist and drew back. I missed, but the point is I'm weak when I have my bow tech in hand and may never pass on an animal.So your going to have to keep threading the needle so I can read and dream ....Again thanks for sharing it....
 

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