Guided Arizona mule deer hunts
Arizona Mule Deer: Overview
The mule deer can be found in all areas of Arizona in varying densities. Arizona has both desert mule deer, and Rocky Mountain mule deer. The deer in some areas are indistinguishable between the two. Large desert mule deer are typically smaller than their northern counterparts, and are less densely populated throughout their range, owing to the poorer nutrient availability along the desert floor. Very high temperatures, large home ranges, and abundant predators making hunting desert mule deer difficult, as their movement is very limited during daylight hours. Though the deer are sparsely populated, good bucks can be found and hunted in their southern range. Stalking a mule deer in the desert is challenging, as cover is scarce and the ground is full of thorns and needles.
Archers have very good chances of locating and taking mature desert mule deer during the December archery season, and every year, Arizona produces a handful of desert mule deer around 180". Above average winter rainfall should create excellent conditions for antler growth making the 2010-2011 hunt season look even more promising.
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Hunting Mule deer in Arizona requires a tag. There are two types of tags: permit tags and non-permit tags. Hunting during the general seasons, when there are no restrictions on legal weapons requires a permit-tag. Permit tags are issued through a lottery draw process. The best hunts in the best units see intense demand, so it is important to have an effective draw strategy. To hunt Coues deer with archery equipment requires a non-permit tag. Non-permit tags can be purchased over the counter.
Arizona Mule Deer: Rifle hunting seasons
There are two general seasons and one muzzleloader season for hunting Mule deer in Arizona, although not every hunting unit is open for each season. The first mule deer hunt typically begins the last week of October. Temperatures in Arizona have yet to subside and buck activity is concentrated in the early mornings and evenings. Ample pre-season scouting is crucial to knowing where to find good bucks during this season. Good bucks can be found, and this season gives you a chance to find deer before they have been disrupted by earlier hunts.
The second season begins in the middle of November. The temperatures should be lower temperatures, the rattlesnakes hybernating, and bachelor groups of bucks will be breaking up in anticipation of the rut. We normally see smaller bucks running with does during this hunt.
Muzzelloader only season starts at the end of November around Thanksgivin. Daytime temperatures have subsided, bucks begin rutting activity, and the larger bucks move in closer to groups of does. Muzzleloaders provide one of the best ways to harvest a big mature desert mule deer.
Arizona Mule Deer: Archery hunting seasons
Archery hunters in Arizona enjoy three seasons. The early season begins in the middle to end of August and runs through the middle of September. Temperatures in the desert are high and buck activity is minimal. Mule deer bucks typically only move in the early mornings and late evenings or after dark. Most movements at this time of year center around sustaining food and water requirements. Bucks are vulnerable at this time of year to hunters willing to sit ground blinds or tree stands over water or travel routes. Scouting is important to establish movement patterns.
The next season begins the second week of December and runs through the end of the year. Bucks are easy to find during this time of year, as they are in early or peak rut activity, and move throughout the day looking for hot does. However, they can be difficult to hunt because they move great distances. The largest bucks tend to roam all day, sometimes covering miles, and rarely spend too much time with any one herd of does. You must be quick to make decisions, and a careful stalker to get within range. Not only do you have to sneak up on a buck, but also on all of the does the buck is with.
The December season runs into the first season of the new year, beginning January 1st. A new hunting license and non-permit tag are required. January hunting be effective depending upon the timing of the rut. Post-rut bucks can be difficult to locate, however, making post-rut scouting vital to your success.
Arizona Mule Deer: Strategies
We spend significant time every year scouting the best Arizona desert mule deer units. Our hunting strategies depend on the time of year and the type of weapon you are using. Our rifle hunts are spot and stalk. We use high-powered optics mounted on steady tripods to locate acceptable bucks. Once a buck is located, we then plan a stalk to get within range. Spot and stalk hunting with a bow is very demanding, but it is fairly easy to get within rifle range of desert mule deer bucks. Archers also have the option of sitting in ground blinds overlooking water sources or travel routes.
Arizona Mule Deer Camps: Accomodations and other details
we accomodate our Arizona mule deer hunters in base camps outfitted with wall tents, state of the art sleeping systems, a heat source (depending upon the season), light, and other comforts. Food is expertly prepared in large portions, and any diet requirements can be accomodated.
Wilderness mule deer hunts are outfitted with backcountry gear including lightweight tents, sleep systems, and backcountry stoves. The nature of these trips demand more from hunters in terms of physical exertion and comfort sacrifices, but the rewards include hunting areas devoid of other hunters, undisturbed deer, and scenery seen by relatively few others.
Arizona Mule Deer: Prices and inquiries
| Hunt length | Guide ratio | Price | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | 1:1 | $3,400 | August-November |
| 5 days | 1:2 | $2,800 | August-November |
| 7 days | 1:1 | $4,000 | December-January |
| 7 days | 1:2 | $3,200 | December-January |
Prices include: All local travel including pickup at Tucson International Airport. Please bring your own firearm and ammunition, unless prior arrangements are made. Other gear will be supplied.
License and tag fees are not included.
Please contact us for additional details. If you are hunting as a group, contact us for special group packaging.
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Borderland Adventures
ph. (520) 820-4728
P.O. Box 4546
Tubac, AZ 85646
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