OTC non resident archery?

[Jacob Chapman]

Afternoon Rokslide,

If you had to choose a state to hunt in '19 for mule deer with no points for archery (I'm saving up in Colorado now) where would you go?

I mainly am after the experience, as I didn't get to chase muley a ton in Montana (focused on elk) would be solo, have the gear (minus optics) for a backpack/high country hunt-or could go do a Dakota's/Nebraska style prairie hunt.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Arizona

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Arizona

Never thought of Arizona truthfully, will pull up their DNR website today!

My ultimate goal is to be able to hunt high mountain basins without having to stock up points for years. Planning to get to 3 points for Colorado muley, by that time my wife will be out of school and I can afford to take some time off work.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Arizona is OTC for 3 weeks in late August/early September for almost the entire state. The terrain may not be exactly what you're talking about, but it'll definitely be fun and you'll hone your skills. Still lots of spot and stalk type areas. You could also go back for the second half of December with the same license and tag.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Arizona is OTC for 3 weeks in late August/early September for almost the entire state. The terrain may not be exactly what you're talking about, but it'll definitely be fun and you'll hone your skills. Still lots of spot and stalk type areas. You could also go back for the second half of December with the same license and tag.

Have you hunted out there before? I've only hunted Iowa whitetails, then out in Montana so still pretty green when it comes to new areas.

 

[KHNC]

You can also throw into the NM muley draw. Same odds as everyone else. And if you draw, it should be a great hunt. same deal, jan rut . go early , come back later if needed.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Look like the idea of a rut hunt too, really have always wanted a big muley. I know it's going to take years of hunting to do it, but the more experience the better.

I have everything I need to do this type of hunt except optics, currently saving up.

Been re-reading Rob Dennings book-great resource for those of you that haven't read it.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Have you hunted out there before? I've only hunted Iowa whitetails, then out in Montana so still pretty green when it comes to new areas.

Yes. I've hunted units 7, 8, 21, 22, 23 and 24. There's dozens of Youtube videos out there if you want to get an idea of how the hunt might be. There's better options if you can draw in a state like NM or UT general but AZ is a great option for OTC if you just want to go hunting.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Yes. I've hunted units 7, 8, 21, 22, 23 and 24. There's dozens of Youtube videos out there if you want to get an idea of how the hunt might be. There's better options if you can draw in a state like NM or UT general but AZ is a great option for OTC if you just want to go hunting.

Thanks! I hope to move back to Montana when my wife is done with school, have to talk the boss I to letting me work from home however.

 

[fwafwow]

Tag to subscribe. Just decided with a buddy to do our first Mule deer hunt OTC in AZ in January of 2020.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Tag to subscribe. Just decided with a buddy to do our first Mule deer hunt OTC in AZ in January of 2020.

Good luck, you'll have to keep us posted. I need new friends haha, all mine are interested in is guided or whitetails.

 

[fwafwow]

Good luck, you'll have to keep us posted. I need new friends haha, all mine are interested in is guided or whitetails.

Well, I did a lot of whitetail hunting this year (results were weak, but I loved every minute), and I'd love to do a guided hunt (especially for my first time), but my friend convinced me that we should just take the plunge, especially since we have a year to research and plan. For me, half of the fun is figuring out all of the gear choices. I've already got 2 spreadsheets going, with more to follow. I have some problems.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

Well, I did a lot of whitetail hunting this year (results were weak, but I loved every minute), and I'd love to do a guided hunt (especially for my first time), but my friend convinced me that we should just take the plunge, especially since we have a year to research and plan. For me, half of the fun is figuring out all of the gear choices. I've already got 2 spreadsheets going, with more to follow. I have some problems.

The gear and planning is great fun, I agree. I live in Iowa so get to chase whitetails plenty, I just also want to go after other animals and am forced to do so alone as my hunting buddies either dont care about hunting other species, or aren't motivated enough to actually plan anything.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

My look into the Colorado leftover tags as well, trying to convince a buddy to come with me to help with the drive!

 

[WoolyBugger]

My look into the Colorado leftover tags as well, trying to convince a buddy to come with me to help with the drive!

I'm also heading out there from central IA to CO this year for my first mule deer hunt. Thinking about 2nd rifle though

 

[bohntr]

For the type of hunt you are describing (high country basins-above timberline), why don’t you simply put in for CO with a PP as your first choice and a 0 point unit as your second choice (archery of course)? I’ve done this several times and had good hunts in units that I drew as a second choice.

 

[Foldem]

I agree with Bohntr. Many 0 pt or 1 pt Co units will be better than most anywhere else you're looking to hunt high country during archery season. I would find a 0 pt Co unit that looks good to you and hunt it 3 years in a row instead of saving up the 3 pts.

 

[Jacob Chapman]

I agree with Bohntr. Many 0 pt or 1 pt Co units will be better than most anywhere else you're looking to hunt high country during archery season. I would find a 0 pt Co unit that looks good to you and hunt it 3 years in a row instead of saving up the 3 pts.

I like that logic. I think honestly I'd use my CO muley points for a rifle hunt-my grandpa gave me his old 7mm Mag, would love to take a really nice muley with it in a higher draw unit, and in the meantime hunt easy draw with my bow.