How much water?- November in Arizona

[mtwarden]

A buddy and myself are considering a Coues deer hunt in Arizona, mid November (assuming we draw ). I backpacked this area last March where this area was experiencing 300-500% of normal snowpack. We had water everywhere. That was a rare year and I know March water is likely to be much different than November water.

This will be a backpack hunt. What do you think is a realistic amount of water/day with temps in the 30-60's, drinking water, a cup of coffee in the morning and a freeze dried supper- probably hiking 5-10 miles/day?

I'd love to count on one of the springs (there aren't a lot, but a few) but that could be foolish in November I'm thinking.

 

[Cannonball]

Up until this week its been a very dry winter. It varies a lot year to year, but id say that is a little early for our winter rains. A 100oz bladder/day min and prob more

 

[BBob]

Coues hunt S AZ. We plan for and use ~1gal a day for what you list for food and drink. You didn’t list breakfast but that includes an oatmeal mix for me. When you get a cold year you might use less, hot year more. We at times pack in water pre season while scouting if there’s no water available where we’re hunting.

 

[hereinaz]

Plan on bringing all the water you will need for sunshine and daytime temps up to the 70s. I only count on permanent springs.

You can leave water at the truck if it is a wet time with water everywhere. Even then, sometimes the wetness can vary.

Always stash water on the way in and drink or dump it on your way out. I have been thirsty and bordering on dangerous one too many times on the last few miles finishing a hike…

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks guys! I was thinking 3.5 liters-ish- 7.5 lbs/day, so I'm in the ballpark- going to be a lot of water weightier sure!

@hereinaz that's a good tip!- our hike into (and out) of the area is probably going to be our longest days

 

[Cannonball]

Thanks guys! I was thinking 3.5 liters-ish- 7.5 lbs/day, so I'm in the ballpark- going to be a lot of water weightier sure!

@hereinaz that's a good tip!- our hike into (and out) of the area is probably going to be our longest days

Water in...meat out!

 

[mtwarden]

Water in...meat out!

I'm thinking it will be a nice change packing a Coues out (if we're so lucky!)

 

[Scoot]

Coues pack out slightly better than elk do!

 

[S.Clancy]

On my mulie hunt this fall down there I packed in 8L, so enough for 2 days. That is a minimum for me, to feel good I need to drink more especially when you are off trail hiking, that terrain is gnarly.

I packed in 8 miles and luckily had a good water source. That trip wouldn't have been feasible without locating water. I also saw some pretty nice coues bucks where I hunted, but they were the minority, most deer were mulies. Also saw rams, some elk and a couple of fatty black bears. AZ is sweet.

I'm pretty sure I know the unit you are gonna be applying in. I am excited to see how the hunting is, hoping you draw!

 

[mtwarden]

^ Thanks!

We found several named springs, would be nice if it was closer as I could check them out ahead of time or worse case we could cache water ahead of time. We'll just have to play it safe

 

[pirogue]

There usually/can be a huge difference in the northernmost Coues units compared to the southernmost Coues units in AZ, not only from the daily temperatures in November, but the precipitation amount from the past winter.

 

[100%DIYazCOUES]

We backpack hunt every year for coues in southern Arizona. Depends on the year, but it can be in the 90s through November. We aim for a gallon a day. 3/4 /day minimum gets us by. Be VERY careful depending on water sources,I’ve had springs disappear on me a couple days later, and drinking from cattle tanks is gross…
Did you draw a tag?

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks- springs disappearing was definitely a big concern for me.

Didn’t put in; my buddy wants to come out this way next year. If he doesn’t draw, we’ll put in next year for AZ.