In order: Unit 10 The last two years have been amazing in this unit and 2017 and 2018 both look to keep the streak going! I tracked down 35 different bucks taken in this unit in 2016 and 24 of those 35 were over 80. We guided to three of the biggest bucks in Unit 10 on opening morning and all three scored over 90 SCI. Austin Brishky's buck was the biggest in Arizona this year scoring 93 B&C. The Boquillas makes up most of the best country and access is always changing. Keep your ears open. Also, because of the premier nature of these tags and the lengthy wait to draw them, this hunt can be very competitive if you're after the best trophy bucks. If you'd rather not compete for the best bucks then apply elsewhere. Interesting fact: Unit 10 has been in the Top 7 every year for the past 16 years except 2012 and 2013. Unit 19A We didn't have much luck scouting 19A in 2016, but a 90 was taken during one of the hunts. This unit is always a top unit, even in it's down years. Private access remains an issue. If you apply here contact as many landowners as possible as soon as you know you drew a tag. Interesting fact: My new ranking method has 19A ranked either 1st or 2nd every year for the past 16 years. Unit 7 I heard rumors of giant bucks in this unit but never located any of them. I'm sure they're alive since this unit has plenty of hiding spots. Unit 7 hasn't produced many bucks over 90, but I think they're there, just hidden away. Interesting fact: A large part of antelope country in the north east is off limits until 2019. Unit 4A Last year was great in this unit. I know of several 80+ bucks taken. The herd is growing and I expect it to produce several more great bucks in 2017. Interesting fact: Michael O'Haco killed the former B&C World's Record in 4A in 1985. He also owns the best antelope hunting ranch in 4A. Unit 19B 19B is a great unit plagued by private land issues. We guided Mike Heller in 19B this year and killed a giant 87 3/8 SCI buck. We found many great bucks in 2016. Maybe a few made it through the year. Interesting fact: Two of the three auction tag bucks came from 19B in 2015. Unit 8 Many trees and few flats. I don't like this unit, but I know hunters who love it. Interesting fact: Jeff Erickson killed a 96 1/8 SCI buck in Unit 8 in 2014. Unit 5B Like Unit 7 it has a lot of trees, but also a decent amount of open country. A 90 was taken here this year. Interesting fact: Surprisingly, 5B has only been ranked in the Top 7 six times in the last 16 years. Bonus: 3 Sleeper Units! Unit 4B: This unit is at 96% of it's 16 year high for potential giants. Units 5A and 3C: These two units are both at their 16 year high for potential giants. Neither unit produces the types of bucks that come from areas like 19A and 19B, but this year and next year are better bets than usual. Extra Bonus: Units that don't rank well but have great genetics! Units 18A, 18B, 17A, and 17B: These units have produced a lot of giants over the years, but always seem to rank poorly. Mostly because of the very low populations. Any one of these areas could produce a giant buck in 2017, just don't expect to see a bunch of them. Good luck in the draws!
|
Details
HuntsArchives
January 2020
Categories
All
|