Arizona in Dec/Jan. Typically bachelor groups varying between 3-5 bucks in a group. While the units do not present as much trophy mule deer potential, there are trophy bucks harvested in these units regularly. Lots of 150ish bucks with a decent shot at something bigger. There are ~ 150 deer units in CO. The only OTC mule deer tags I have found are archery in AZ. Hiking between 2-6 miles daily various terrain and weather conditions depending on the season. Archery (OTC) Mule Deer hunts . Buying an OTC mule deer tag in Arizona gives a bowhunter the opportunity to hunt earlier and more often than those who draw tags. You can buy archery licenses in prime units. There are several management units within Arizona that produce extremely large Rocky Mountain mule deer and most of those management units offer good chances to draw a mule deer permit. General Rifle and OTC Archery Mule Deer If you do not want to wait the several required years to hunt Arizona’s top units then there is another option for you. These aren’t just any tags. Arizona offers over-the-counter (OTC) archery mule deer and Coues deer hunts during prime hunting times in prime hunting units. Arizona offers some of the best OTC (over the counter) archery Mule deer hunting opportunities in the west! Mule deer are found on all terrains from the low southern deserts to high forested northern and eastern mountains. The best way to hunt the dense mesquite-cacti flats is by still-hunting. In Arizona, you’re only allowed to kill one deer per calendar year. Looking for a buck this January (2013) on the AZ OTC archery deer tag (valid in various units Jan 1-31; 4 weeks in Aug/Sep(~8/24-9/13), and then again last 2 weeks of December). AZ OTC Archery Deer Units 16A, 15A/B Report/Advice? Additionally, each individual tribe controls hunting, if allowed, on the respective Reservation. This is a relatively dry unit. The OTC tags and licenses for our trophy Arizona coues or mule deer trip are purchased over the counter and do not need to be drawn. Buying an OTC mule deer tag in Arizona gives a bowhunter the opportunity to hunt earlier and more often than those who draw tags. ! Arizona Over-The-Counter Mule Deer Hunts. Late Season – Arizona has a long archery deer season that runs mid-December through January. Go to the CPW site and check out the hunting statistics. The Az OTC Archery Deer Hunt is the most over looked hunt in the west with opportunity at trophy caliber bucks with an average 160-180 class bucks with annually bucks exceeding 180+. The area north of the Colorado River known as the Arizona Strip and the north Kaibab consist of units 13 A and B and 12 A and B. Region III has productive mule deer units too near Kingman in western Arizona," he noted. I have never hunted in AZ before and I am trying to figure out what are the best units to hunt in. That's how I learned 'em. OTC states like Nebraska (archery and muzzleloader) and South Dakota (archery) are go-to locations for mule deer fanatics who come up empty in draw states / units. Hunt: 5-day hunt, expect to see/stalk on mature coues deer between 85-115" and mature mule deer between 150-180" and they will be in the velvet, every day have opportunities on Mule deer between 15-50yds. The most abundant deer in Arizona is the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer. While the units do not present as much trophy mule deer potential, there are trophy bucks harvested in these units regularly. Mule Deer: Trophy Rocky Mountain (forest) mule deer bucks range in size between 150 inches and 250 inches and average about 170 inches. Cost: Deer tag: $315 Combo license: $160 Plenty of good deer and elk in both units. Arizona is unique in that if offers over the counter tags for archery mule deer and coues deer hunting. Of Tucson’s seventeen units, 36A and 36C are best known for their all-around success rate for deer hunting harvest in Arizona, rating almost 65% in the late season. Mule deer may be found on the flats around mesquite-lined washes. Archery season runs in September and most rifle seasons occur during October, with some exceptions. From January 31st and December 31st, you can only kill one deer. Montana Trophy mule deer and Coues bucks can be hunted in January and December (in most units) and bucks are relatively easy to … You will NOT lose any bonus points if you harvest a mule deer on an OTC hunt. Generally the trophy mule deer prefer the more rugged Arizona high country and southeastern areas. Arizona OTC (over the counter) Mule & Coues Deer Hunts. Mule Deer. ! Southeast Idaho is seeing a notable downtrend due to several severe … This is where we have looked: Velvet Bucks in the summer range. Hunters can apply for mule deer … It has become one of the most overlooked and underrated hunts in the southwest. Last year we killed a 201 gross typical. The Strip and Kaibab units are difficult to draw but have arguably the best genetics in the world. OTC tags and beautiful weather too. If you narrow down your request to specific units, you might get some input. All tags are draw, but you can buy the leftovers in August. I am planning on going Mule deer hunting in AZ this year. On the plus side, outfitted hunts generally run south of $4,000 and offer a legitimate opportunity at a nice 140- … These units are premier mule deer units in Arizona for giant mule deer. Top LE Mule deer hunts Idaho is a strong mule deer state that offers hunts with high quality and high harvest success. Over the Counter Archery Mule Deer Hunts in Arizona are the most overlooked in the west with opportunity at trophy caliber bucks with an average 160 – 180 class bucks, with annual bucks exceeding 180+ and our biggest archery buck to date being 223 inches!. I haven't looked at the plains states like OK, NE, KS and the Dakotas because I enjoy spending my 2 weeks vacation in the high country. The OTC archery tags for Coues deer and Mule Deer are among the most flexible tags around in terms of opportunity and the actual hunting timeframe. Arizona offers some of the best OTC (over the counter) archery Coues deer hunting opportunities in the west! Look for dirt tanks that contain water, as deer should be nearby. Arizona Over-The-Counter Mule Deer Hunts. There are many units in central and southern Arizona that hold good bucks and can be drawn with minimal or no bonus points. Deer Tag Fee – $300.00 (You must purchase a deer tag to hunt the OTC archery mule deer hunt. It’s the over-the-counter archery mule deer and Coues deer hunting. Early season hunts begin August 19 through September 8th. Over the Counter Archery Deer Hunts. It’s probably the easiest way to get it. Flagstaff is particularly popular for producing trophy bucks among its twelve units, most notably unit 6A. For more information, contact the appropriate tribe directly. Arizona Hunting Today - Your Arizona Hunting Resource. The best mule deer hunt....any you have tag for. We also can purchase this upon arrival). Prime Units. However, don’t be discouraged, MANY hunts in MANY great units offer very good draw odds for both resident as well as non-resident applicants with few, to no bonus points at all. The mule deer hunting is generally better in the units closer to the Mogollon Rim than down south by me as I understand (Coues deer are doing really well down here) but regardless I would caution you on the heat. The best units are very difficult to draw. Just get a map and go out and explore! This hunt is over the counter and you can hunt trophy mule deer and Arizona coues deer bucks in the late season during the peak of the rut.. Hunting License ($37) Non-Resident License ($160) Resident OTC-Tag ($45) Non-Resident OTC-Tag ($300) Guided Hunt ($2,850) Trip available on Aug 21st 2020 - Sept 10th 2020 Dec 18th 2020 - Jan 31st 2021 However, Arizona has some very good opportunities that can be purchased over the counter to hunt desert bucks. Plenty of states have over-the-counter tags for deer so what makes these so special? However, don’t be discouraged, MANY hunts in MANY great units offer very good draw odds for both resident as well as non-resident applicants with few, to no bonus points at all. The biggest buck one of our hunters have gotten so far on this hunt was a 229 inch monster! However you may not harvest 2 mule deer in the same calendar year. Access is the primary issue; most of Texas is private land. "We are a Veteran friendly guiding service" The best part about this OTC hunt is that there is no draw, no application and no waiting. The terrain where you’ll find mule deer ranges from dry, high-desert foothills to the rugged, mountainous, alpine zone. Forums > Species and Groups > Big Game > OTC archery deer help Discussion in 'Big Game' started by Donny, Mar 7, 2018. It’s not an easy hunt by any means, but the tags are easy to get, and the big ones are out there! 2020 Season Information. As with most LE hunts, draw odds for Idaho mule deer tend to be tough, but in this case, worth the wait. Arizona’s Hunt Units. If you shot a Coues deer, then you can’t come back and shoot a mule deer. I am planning on buying OTC tags so I don't know which units you are allowed to hunt because I know some you need to apply for to hunt there. Page 1 ... but I live in Unit 10 and hunt both 10 and 8. 5th Choice – Arizona Hunt Unit 12 A East: Unit 12A east, the east side of the world famous Kaibab Plateau, is our 5th ranking choice for the best mule deer units in Arizona. The maps and information provided are for reference only. The hunt takes place in early November. The Wasatch and Manti units have very large herds of elk, a lot of tags, and are not managed for the same age class as the units listed above – that being said, 300+ bulls are fairly common, and seeing a 350+ bull can happen with hard work and a little luck. Utah has an interesting Mule Deer … Our Outfitter believes that the two Arizona Strip units are the best premier mule deer tags in Arizona. Many also hunt the late season in Arizona with a non-permit OTC archery tag. However, I tend to target bucks that are 160 inches or larger. "A nonresident generally can draw a rifle tag in this unit every 2 to 3 years. 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