dustinf
Active member
First of all, I didn't kill anything. Just don't want anyone to get their hopes up.
I bought an OTC non-permit archery tag. For 5 days I solo hunted in the Chiricahua Wilderness, Cave Creek Recreational area to be specific. The deer numbers were great, I saw deer every day. If I were gun hunting I could have shot a legal buck everyday.
Mentally this was the toughest hunt I've ever been on. I saw more rattlesnakes, bear, border patrol, and illegal aliens than I have in my entire life.
My original plan was to spend the entire trip in the backcountry. I ended up camping at a campsite, and doing day trips from there. I was basically "warned" by Border Patrol that camping in the wilderness was a big risk, with all the smuggling and immigrant activity.
The third day I was 5 miles from the trail head glassing. I caught movement lower in the canyon, spun my spotting scope over to find two very dehydrated looking Mexicans. I just did my best rock impersonation, and was glad the sun was at my back. I almost felt guilty for not offering them water.
Then, there were the monsoons. Tuesday and yesterday I was convinced, if the lightning didn't kill me, the rain was going to drown me. I've experienced high altitude lightning before, but nothing like this.
The steepness of the area I was in, made stalking very difficult, I only tried 2 stalks and both ended up with deer blowing out of the country. Once because I ended up distracted by a rattle snake, and once because I just made too much noise. Now, I know why most guys archery hunt water tanks. I really think a deer drive, or push, would work great as well.
Overall it was a great trip, and I can't wait for next year.
No pictures until Monday when I get home. Still in a Tuscon hotel until Monday morning.
I bought an OTC non-permit archery tag. For 5 days I solo hunted in the Chiricahua Wilderness, Cave Creek Recreational area to be specific. The deer numbers were great, I saw deer every day. If I were gun hunting I could have shot a legal buck everyday.
Mentally this was the toughest hunt I've ever been on. I saw more rattlesnakes, bear, border patrol, and illegal aliens than I have in my entire life.
My original plan was to spend the entire trip in the backcountry. I ended up camping at a campsite, and doing day trips from there. I was basically "warned" by Border Patrol that camping in the wilderness was a big risk, with all the smuggling and immigrant activity.
The third day I was 5 miles from the trail head glassing. I caught movement lower in the canyon, spun my spotting scope over to find two very dehydrated looking Mexicans. I just did my best rock impersonation, and was glad the sun was at my back. I almost felt guilty for not offering them water.
Then, there were the monsoons. Tuesday and yesterday I was convinced, if the lightning didn't kill me, the rain was going to drown me. I've experienced high altitude lightning before, but nothing like this.
The steepness of the area I was in, made stalking very difficult, I only tried 2 stalks and both ended up with deer blowing out of the country. Once because I ended up distracted by a rattle snake, and once because I just made too much noise. Now, I know why most guys archery hunt water tanks. I really think a deer drive, or push, would work great as well.
Overall it was a great trip, and I can't wait for next year.
No pictures until Monday when I get home. Still in a Tuscon hotel until Monday morning.
Last edited:
