Late Season AZ tactics

[dashj7]

Looking for a little advice on late season mule deer tactics for central AZ. Over the years ive learned its about food, water, cover and arrangement to develop patterns. My questions come into how does the rut and late season weather effect these things?

1) How critical is water during that cold time of year?
2) with the rut going on are buck on any type of feed pattern?
3) What are they feeding on that time of year. in a semi desert terrain
4)does grazing pressure affect this at all?
5)When it comes to glassing Im always looking at feed areas up high on the south slopes and bed area on the north but in AZ during late season does this change due to cold weather?
6)Does the extreme cold slow deer movement as they are not use to it.

dashj7

 

[bohntr]

Here's my opinion, based on 30+ years bowhunting the AZ desert during the late season rut hunt:

1. They still need water. However, it is not as critical as the summer months. Sitting water can often work, if it has been dry and warm. If you like to sit (I don't) and you locate a good water source, it may be a viable option.

2. Desert rut hunting is unique, IMO. When a desert buck is in rut, there is no pattern. He could be 15 miles away the next morning looking for a hot doe. They feed very little, which is why the can lose 20% of the overall body weight (fat reserves) by the time the rut is over.

3. The same type of various legumes they feed on year round. If you're fortunate to be in a transition area where bitterbrush grows, deer will feed on it, primarily, during the winter months.

4. Normal (consistent) cattle in the area.....no. Sheep, YES!

5. Not necessarily the cold weather.......but if you're in an area that those facing slopes have snow or is prone to cold wind, I have seen them feed on slopes that have neither during those type of storm fronts.

6. Not in my experience. When they are in rut.........nothing seems to slow them down.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[robby denning]

Thanks Bohntr!

dash, he just gave you $50,000 in tips!

 

[dashj7]

Thanks BOHNTR
I appreciate the great response. It is not very often that someone can give you an honest answer atleast someone with true experience. Now its time for boots on the ground. Check your PM. I believe good things happen the good people.

dashj7