Southern AZ rut....

[IZZY]

So I have an OTC tag for deer, and I have been doing my homework....mostly looking at 36A, B and C....but I was out there this past weekend and it was quiet...nothing moving at all...I thought the rut was supposed to have started already? I am going back out on Xmas day all thru the weekend...? Any advice on spotting these guys will help...I have been glassing, and looking at areas with watering holes, but the rain we had last week I think is hindering me....

Thanks in advance...and hope you all have a merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

 

[fulldraw1972]

I always thought january was better timing for the rut down there.
How high are you hunting? I was told you want to hunt the foothills to the desert floor.
I would think if you found some does some bucks need to be poking around sooner or later. In your case hopefully sooner.
Good luck hope that helps

 

[RosinBag]

The rut in that area usually starts first week of January. Find the does and there will be small bucks with them. Then the bigger bucks will be out searching until they find the hot ones. They keep moving from different groups of does all the time.

 

[IZZY]

I always thought january was better timing for the rut down there.
How high are you hunting? I was told you want to hunt the foothills to the desert floor.
I would think if you found some does some bucks need to be poking around sooner or later. In your case hopefully sooner.
Good luck hope that helps

The elevation is about 3100-4000 ft...

 

[elkbowkevin]

Yup, find the does,,,, you'll find the bros.

 

[Coues hunter]

I live in the 35(a),(b) area. The small mule deer bucks are running with the does but the big boys are close. Find a hilltop near a big desert valley and glass, glass, glass.

 

[BARichardson]

This is kinda off topic but can the OTC archery tags be filled in any open OTC unit? I was told they use to but not 100% if u can still hunt any open OTC unit