Coueser

Anybody have advice for a good scent-free bug spray? I was scouting in Unit 1 this weekend and the mosquitos were miserable in a couple of my favorite spots. I see some sprays that say scent free but I wonder if they truly pass the test of an elks nose.

You know better than me BOHNTR; I’ll never argue with you. I hope you’re right. Any pics of the 427”? I hadn’t heard of it

I've looked at quite a few and I would say they are slightly below average this year; definitely better than last year, however. Bodies are healthy as they can be right now but I think that significant dry spell from January through May left them down a bit this year. Should be a great rut this year with how healthy they are looking.

Sorry to piggyback on this post a bit did any of you with a Pioneer have to shorten the roof to fit it in a toyhauler? I would love to get one but I need to either tweak the back bunks on the toyhauler or shorten the roof on the pioneer to get it in.

Great deal. I have this exact same pair and love them. GLWS

What is the law in AZ again for hunting near residential buildings? I'm looking for it but can't find it. Is it that you cannot discharge a firearm within 400 yards of a structure unless you have written permission?

Thank you! I couldn’t find that anywhere

Gorgeous

AzDiamond, thanks for the link. I’m guessing you use the RV model? Are there many camping locations where you don’t have signal?

Love to see them. Thanks for sharing. Looks like it’s greening up a bit

Happened to be on AZGFD website today and clicked on the link "Taking the Confusion out of choosing a PointGuard Product". Can anybody provide clarification on the statement below? Those who purchase PointGuard Plus will receive priority positioning for the reissuing of hunt permit-tags that are surrendered by PointGuard members and non-members alike.

Definitely says $25 on the website

Feels wrong to me to go this route. First example I can think of where G&F is essentially giving a draw benefit to those who pay more. I know money is tight and they need it but I would rather see them raise permit fees instead of gimmicky things like this. It feels like things are trending toward someday essentially buying bonus points if you can afford it.

Great gun. GLWS

Great pics. Thanks for sharing. My guess is quality was down a little last year. Did you feel that was the case?

I had the tag 7 years ago. It’s a fun hunt. I wouldn’t say it was head and shoulders better than other hunts I have had. The quality isn’t really out of this world. You see lots of elk and have less hunters in the field but still rarely see bulls over 350. I think you have high tag numbers on the late rifle hunt to thank for that. As some have alluded to already, there are WAY more people in the field than tags. . . This really diminishes some of the benefits of only 15 tags. You will likely run into many people out calling and enjoying the woods/rut who aren’t even hunting or with a hunter. I never really did have confrontations but did find that when I was on a great bull, there were often other hunters/callers after the same bull. The year I had the tag there were cameras on almost all water sources and often these cameras were being checked multiple times daily which made many elk go nocturnal in spite of limited “hunters” in the field. If water is scarce, water sources getting hit by big bulls are in high demand. This year may change, to a degree, with cameras banned for hunting. For the most part, I think you draw this tag for great rut action and experiences and not for sitting water. I think if you go into it expecting to get into rutting bulls that you will be happy. If you think the bulls are a lot bigger in 23 than other units, you will be let down. One other benefit to this hunt is different topography. You can be in gentle rolling hills covered with pines, steep canyons overgrown with oaks after fires, or pinyon/junipers. All hold elk and have the potential to hold a giant. You can pick what you’re looking for in your hunt. Enjoy the time and hope the rut gets going early this year for your sake.

I think you are smart to start with water sources. Depends on the year, but when it is dry they can be you best bet for archery. I second above on Steve Chappell. I think the sounds he makes on his youtube videos are the most authentic I've heard. If you can get down a good locator bugle and a smooth cow call with either diaphragm or my preference is an external reed cow elk call (personal favorites are the primos hyperlip or phelps ez estrus) then you should be in great shape

Planning to haul my travel trailer up to Kaibab for the deer hunt. I'm a little worried about freezing pipes overnight. Any of you ever had pipes freeze when using your trailer in cold conditions?

Just listened to Duwane Adams interview on the Jay Scott podcast. He said the 12AW early hunt was the worst he had seen in his 40 years up there. The deer were spread out from up top to down low and very "pockety". The biggest deer they saw was probably a 170s buck. He felt like all the guides up there had a pretty similar experience this year. Pretty depressing to hear that. I have been so excited to get to go with my wife who has a tag this year. Just curious on yall's thoughts? I appreciated the couple stories on the hunt so far but was curious if any of you others who had been up there had similar experiences? It seems like tag #'s have been decreased up there in the hopes of getting back to the glory days but it doesn't seem to be rebounding very quickly. I know last years fawn recruitment was way down. Do you think the monsoon rains came too late this year for antler growth?

186”

Thanks for the write-up and pictures. They'll cherish that week hunting with you for the rest of their lives. Love it!

Great write up. So happy for you that you were able to get it done and had a great experience. Hope your wife gets back to 100% quickly.

Love seeing the antlers boiling in the background

Looks like an awesome time. Way to go!

Way to go Nash. Great buck!!