Big or Bust Report post Posted May 22 Yeah. Few big boys killed early but I've never seen the desperation for deer that just didn't exist.... It was kinda nuts..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
creed Report post Posted May 22 I hunt only desert muleys but have seen a big drop off in size. I ran 35mm trailcams back before digital cameras. I have pics of some giants. Before the recent ban the same area was producing animals that were much smaller. Numbers were down too. Put the whole state to a draw regardless of weapon. I'm not a fan of point restrictions but maybe it's time to take another look at them. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerhntr Report post Posted May 22 22 minutes ago, trphyhntr said: My buddy was there and killed a giant after 4 weeks scouting leading up. the biggest they saw before was like 160. Define giant. Pics or it didn’t happen 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sneaker Report post Posted May 22 When the new average spring moisture is this bad, the herd suffers, just no way around it. If we can get 7 out of 10 above average rain years going forward, I think we would have something positive to talk about again, but most years lately have been so bad for rain, they are in survival mode. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted May 22 29 minutes ago, muledeerhntr said: Define giant. Pics or it didn’t happen I’ve already posted it on here. Was like 220 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roosevelt Mark Report post Posted May 22 Ya, right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted May 22 Add in the sheer number of Kaibab tags, and picture the number of hunters looking for the same holy-grail rack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big or Bust Report post Posted May 22 11 hours ago, Sneaker said: When the new average spring moisture is this bad, the herd suffers, just no way around it. If we can get 7 out of 10 above average rain years going forward, I think we would have something positive to talk about again, but most years lately have been so bad for rain, they are in survival mode. What app or website is that from? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sneaker Report post Posted May 22 3 hours ago, Big or Bust said: What app or website is that from? https://www.weather.gov/lmrfc/wxobsfcst_past_precipitation Click on layers on the right side, then Quantitative Precipitation Estimates, then Percent of Normal, pic how far back you want it to show. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grugle Report post Posted May 23 With 12 points I’d go Kaibab late 1st Kaibab early hunt 2nd choice and look for the best buck you can and have fun doing it ! The Strip imo you better have some darn good help . .scout a lot and be ready for a mentally tough hunt. Either way you’re still hunting the best Az has to offer just two different experiences. Good luck 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
savagman Report post Posted June 16 On 5/17/2026 at 8:58 AM, goinhuntn said: Curious as to what some of you would? I have 12 points for deer. I have been holding out for late Kaibab & the strip, but I have along way to go unless I get lucky. My question is even if I did draw my scouting would be limited 1 or 2 trips to a unit I have never set foot in & will not hire a guide. I thought about burning my points on a unit I can scout almost every weekend & know the unit well. There have been some big deer taken out of this unit, but they are far & few between. If I scout all summer long I think I could find a respectable buck. Just curious what some of you would do, would you hold out or burn points & find a respectable buck in a lesser unit? I know there is the potential of a 170 to 180 class buck in this unit. I am in the same boat with 11 points. But I drew an early 12AW tag previously and have helped 2x on the Jr. hunts up there. I know the unit some. Pretty good haul up there from the valley. I Just burned my 11 points this year to hunt with my nephew. Sharing the points got us drawn for 6A. When I started saving points 12AW late took about 12 points. Now onX has my draw odds for 12AW late at 2%. with 11 points. I thought I was getting close but seeing that helped change my mind. Getting harder to draw any unit. I decided a hunt with family means more to me than maybe a bigger deer on the Kaibab or Strip. Curious what you decided? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goinhuntn Report post Posted June 17 2 hours ago, savagman said: I am in the same boat with 11 points. But I drew an early 12AW tag previously and have helped 2x on the Jr. hunts up there. I know the unit some. Pretty good haul up there from the valley. I Just burned my 11 points this year to hunt with my nephew. Sharing the points got us drawn for 6A. When I started saving points 12AW late took about 12 points. Now onX has my draw odds for 12AW late at 2%. with 11 points. I thought I was getting close but seeing that helped change my mind. Getting harder to draw any unit. I decided a hunt with family means more to me than maybe a bigger deer on the Kaibab or Strip. Curious what you decided? Well I was drawn, but not sure what unit yet. 12aw late was my first choice with 12 points. Pretty sure I burned my points for a lesser unit, but at least I’m hunting & will be taking my 85 year old dad to camp so it’s all good. Going to enjoy every minute of it! 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted June 17 On 5/21/2026 at 7:08 PM, trphyhntr said: Draw strip and scout a few times? Just to see if it’s good. Most people can’t do that. They’re mostly committed at that point That’s why they hire guilds 😉 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted June 17 14 hours ago, oz31p said: That’s why they hire guilds 😉 On 5/17/2026 at 8:58 AM, goinhuntn said: question is even if I did draw my scouting would be limited 1 or 2 trips to a unit I have never set foot in & will not hire a guide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
