Small Bucks Report post Posted October 9 Hey Yall, I finally got a rifle tag for Unit 31 and could really use some advice from anyone who’s spent some time in there. I’ve hunted archery javelina in 31 quite a bit and done some otc mule deer hunting during the rut, but I’ve never hunted the rifle season and I’m not totally sure what to expect that time of year. Javelina hunts typically consist of hunting washes and tend to not have much visibility for glassing. I’ve been out scouting quite a bit lately, and up in the mountains I mostly seem to turn up whitetail. Down in the flats, it’s been tough to glass effectively and I haven’t been seeing much. If anyone has any tips or strategies on how to locate mule deer in that unit during rifle season—whether that’s certain terrain features, areas to focus, elevation, or just general approach—I’d really appreciate it. Just hoping to get some general tips or pointers on what areas tend to hold deer or how they move that time of year. I really appreciate any help or insight you’re willing to share. Thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone this season! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
452b264 Report post Posted October 12 Mule Deer Overview: Deer numbers are fair with pre-scouting being highly recommended for a successful hunt. Mule deer are not found in the timber and high elevations of the Pinaleno Mountains along Hwy 366. Greasewood Mtn located in the Southern Pinaleno’s between Willcox and SR. 266 (Stockton Pass Rd.) is a recommended area. Some deer are concentrated around the apple orchards south of Bonita and on the flats leading to the mountainous areas along Hwy 191. The lower elevations between Bonita and the Aravaipa area are also popular mule-deer hunting localities. Areas: Southern Pinaleno’s (Greasewood Mtn.) Hunt in lower elevations around mountain complex. Access into this area can be obtained from SR 191 and the gasline road that travels north from I-10. The O-Bar- O canyon and Bar X canyon areas are accessed from SR 266 through the O-Bar-O Ranch where the Department has a Sportsman Landowner sign in box, you must sign in before entering the area. These areas along the foothills and lower elevations would be places to begin. Pre-season scouting and a good pair of binoculars are very important when hunting mule deer in Unit 31. Durkee and Battle Mountain Area: Take Bonita-Klondyke road northwest to FS 672 road. Follow this road to foothills and hunt the drainages and bottoms that run north and south from Mt. Graham. Lower Tripp Canyon and Bear Springs: There are two ways to access these areas. Take Tripp Canyon road out of Pima from SR 70. This is also FS road 286. Follow FS 286 to intersect FS 351. Hunt the lower drainage and elevations. Or follow SR 70 to Klondyke road approximately 5 miles west of Pima. Follow Klondyke road t FS 351. This will access the same area as above. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roofer Billy Report post Posted October 12 2 hours ago, 452b264 said: Mule Deer Overview: Deer numbers are fair with pre-scouting being highly recommended for a successful hunt. Mule deer are not found in the timber and high elevations of the Pinaleno Mountains along Hwy 366. Greasewood Mtn located in the Southern Pinaleno’s between Willcox and SR. 266 (Stockton Pass Rd.) is a recommended area. Some deer are concentrated around the apple orchards south of Bonita and on the flats leading to the mountainous areas along Hwy 191. The lower elevations between Bonita and the Aravaipa area are also popular mule-deer hunting localities. Areas: Southern Pinaleno’s (Greasewood Mtn.) Hunt in lower elevations around mountain complex. Access into this area can be obtained from SR 191 and the gasline road that travels north from I-10. The O-Bar- O canyon and Bar X canyon areas are accessed from SR 266 through the O-Bar-O Ranch where the Department has a Sportsman Landowner sign in box, you must sign in before entering the area. These areas along the foothills and lower elevations would be places to begin. Pre-season scouting and a good pair of binoculars are very important when hunting mule deer in Unit 31. Durkee and Battle Mountain Area: Take Bonita-Klondyke road northwest to FS 672 road. Follow this road to foothills and hunt the drainages and bottoms that run north and south from Mt. Graham. Lower Tripp Canyon and Bear Springs: There are two ways to access these areas. Take Tripp Canyon road out of Pima from SR 70. This is also FS road 286. Follow FS 286 to intersect FS 351. Hunt the lower drainage and elevations. Or follow SR 70 to Klondyke road approximately 5 miles west of Pima. Follow Klondyke road t FS 351. This will access the same area as above. What he said 😆 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
