akbowhunter

I just posted this in the Mtn Lion section, but thought I would post over here since there is more traffic here and might be someone interested in some lion activity. Hello All--Just returned from my Coues trip to the Galiuros and thought I would drop a note for anyone looking for some lions that the south end of Galiuros has a few (too many). I have hunted the south end of the Galiuros a number of times over the years (last time in 2012) near the Muleshoe/Pride Ranch/Jackson/Hooker Cabin. What I found however was 6 lion kills and 4 does in 2 days of glassing/hiking. We relocated after two days, but never found anything like what I had experienced in past years in the Galiuros. Never saw a lion, but did see some tracks (mostly smaller ones, but I am sure there must be a big tom in there somewhere?). Had four hunters covering some ground in those days and the kills seemed concentrated to the West of the road to Jackson Cabin between Cherry Springs Canyon up to Jackson Cabin. We hunted from the Road to the western edge of the Galiuros and into Redfield Canyon. I would never have believed such a dramatic decrease in numbers. I suppose it is a combination of the kills and the remainder just fled the area. We just weren't able to figure out where they fled to--perhaps deeper into Redfield to the North.? Anyway, we gave up and moved on to do some javelina hunting and mule deer nearer Willcox. Still a great trip--weather was nice (perhaps too nice?). We never get to hunt in T-shirts up here in Alaska. You guys definitely live in some fantastic country down there (at least in January!). Good Luck out there!

Hello All--Just returned from my Coues trip to the Galiuros and thought I would drop a note for anyone looking for some lions that the south end of Galiuros has a few (too many). I have hunted the south end of the Galiuros a number of times over the years (last time in 2012) near the Muleshoe/Pride Ranch/Jackson/Hooker Cabin. What I found however was 6 lion kills and 4 does in 2 days of glassing/hiking. We relocated after two days, but never found anything like what I had experienced in past years in the Galiuros. Never saw a lion, but did see some tracks (mostly smaller ones, but I am sure there must be a big tom in there somewhere?). Had four hunters covering some ground in those days and the kills seemed concentrated to the West of the road to Jackson Cabin between Cherry Springs Canyon up to Jackson Cabin. We hunted from the Road to the western edge of the Galiuros and into Redfield Canyon. I would never have believed such a dramatic decrease in numbers. I suppose it is a combination of the kills and the remainder just fled the area. We just weren't able to figure out where they fled to--perhaps deeper into Redfield to the North.? Anyway, we gave up and moved on to do some javelina hunting and mule deer nearer Willcox. Still a great trip--weather was nice (perhaps too nice?). We never get to hunt in T-shirts up here in Alaska. You guys definitely live in some fantastic country down there (at least in January!). Good Luck out there!

Finally made it back and caught up enough to update. Had an awesome trip. Had some mishaps that cut a few hunting days out, but still had plenty to get it done--even though I came home with one empty tag. Filled the javelina tag early on--bigger one than last time, although the pics suck--we took them in a hurry so we could get to some deer hunting. Hunted some new areas this time, since the areas hunted previously seemed pretty empty compared to years past. Probably burned through a few days weeding through some less than abundant spots. Found some good bucks toward the end of the hunt, but never loosed an arrow--but, I was two steps from getting a shot and had some fun stalking a couple great bucks. I saw some new areas, saw some bighorns (one really nice ram--but, had been dead for a number of years). What an awesome place to be in January!! I'll be back in 2014-already have the kitchen pass--had to commit to Hawaii in 2013 (but I'll be hunting pigs for a couple days in there, so it isn't too much of a compromise). Seems like a long wait, but I'm sure I'll be able to hunt up here to pass the time. Who knows? This might be the year I draw in AZ and have to come down again this fall? See you soon!??

Hello all- Longtime lurker here, but I wanted to drop a note of thanks for all the information and excitement provided on this forum. Amanda really deserves some kudos <insert applause here>. I live in Alaska and have bowhunted Coues twice and javelina once (successful once on each)back in 2005 & 2006. I had a blast each time and vowed to be back each year. But, things happen and I have been on hiatus, but I am headed down on Saturday for 2 weeks of T-shirt hunting (we don't get to hunt in T-shirts much up here). I love Alaska, but Arizona has to be my second favorite place to hunt. You residents are really lucky to have a relatively well managed state (I know everone has their gripes--we all do). But, from my perspective you guys have it pretty dang good. Good luck to everyone this season and I can't tell you how much this website has me pumped for this trip. I hope to have some pics to share when I return! PS--if you see a pasty-white (not much for suntans up here) guy with a big smile on his face down around Willcox in the next two weeks its probably me. Say "HI!" I posted a pic of me (the pasty one) and my buddy Ray with the javi in 2006--don't have the WT from 2005 on my work computer.

The RFW programs actually work pretty well at opening up new land if implemented correctly. Most top-notch private land in other western states is already off-limits to everyone due to outfitters locking up landowners with payments. These outfitters don't allow anyone onto "their" property without paying the full fee. At least the RFW program (if implemented correctly) gives a certain percentage--like 10% to the general public through the draw system. I know it isn't much, but something is better than nothing. Also, they must impose limits on the size of ranches. In Colorado, they have implemented a pretty good system and it works better than the old system at getting "Joe Public" into some great opportunities to hunt private land that they would have not been able to hunt previously without paying the outfitter controlling that land. It would really be nice if the Indian Reservations were required to follow the same guidelines. If they are going to implement it anyway, it wouldn't hurt to have hunter input in the formulation of the system instead of just ignoring the issue. Just a perspective from someone outside Arizona--maybe I don't have enough background to comment and if this seems off-base--I apologize...

Thanks for the encouragement/info guys. I was a little scared to post here, but I feel more comfortable now. I will probably be one of those "lurkers" for awhile, but surely I will come up with new questions as my research unfolds new areas. you have a great site here. One other thing that just came to mind....Are there many leftover tags for javelina in the SE corner? I know that I just missed the drawing, but would like to buy a tag if they come available. I will be watching the AZ website around the 22nd (apparently that is when they can be purchased if there are any left. Thanks again, Ken

I have been reading your website all day (snowing here--waiting for a break). I gather many of you aren't fond of NR hunters, but am hoping to appeal to some of the guys who put alot of time in research for hunting unfamiliar areas. I am heading to Arizona Unit 32 in January on the recommendation of my taxidermist who used to hunt a particular area. I am a dedicated bowhunter and am willing to put in as much research as I can before I embark on a hunting trip. That said, I am looking at some other areas as backup. I am looking over maps, but can't discern whether there are roadless areas in Southern Arizona. Most look like they are littered with 2-tracks. Not looking for secret spots, just a unit. I hope this doesn't strike a chord with anyone.... Ken R