My biggest buck yet!

[Grasp]

Well it didn't happen in BC but it's still a pretty cool hunt so I thought you guys might enjoy watching the film I made about my 2020 Arizona archery spot and stalk deer hunt. We busted our asses and I was fortunate enough to take the biggest buck I've ever shot with a bow or a rifle. I understand this is not a giant for some people but for where I am at in my hunting journey this was a very big deal for me. It's the first time I decided to only go after an old, mature buck and not just shoot the first legal buck I saw. I was hunting with Arizona Trophy Outfitters and my guide was Chad McLaughlin. This is the second year I have hunted with these guys and I can't recommend them enough. I was unsuccessful last year and that only motivated me more. This is a tough, tough hunt and I love it. Spot and stalk archery deer hunting in the desert is no joke. I hope you guys enjoy the film. Feel free to hit me up with any questions.



https://youtu.be/xP3vCfTWatQ

[LBM]

Very cool congrats on a great buck That desert country is very neat.

[Huntingtyler123]

That’s awesome! Congrats!

[ghost]

good job looks like an awesome hunt.love the desert

[Grasp]

Thanks guys! I highly recommend this hunt. It's a $300 OTC tag and there's tons of public land so if you don't want to pay for an outfitter it's still a very doable hunt. And who doesn't want to get out of BC for a week in January!

[Pinewood]

Nice buck! Did you fly down or do the drive again? You were in NM for the Elk right? I wish I had your holiday time lol.

[HarryToolips]

That's a very nice buck congrats....cool looking country for sure...,,

[Rattler]

Great buck, congratulations!!

[Grasp]

That’s right I was in NM for elk in sept. Flew down for this one. That drive’s a bitch. I work for myself so taking time off isn’t a problem it’s all the extra work I gotta do before I leave and after I get back that sucks lol

[RackStar]

Awesome buck!

I didn’t know you could just go down there and hunt without a guide.

thanks for sharing

[twoSevenO]

Thanks guys! I highly recommend this hunt. It's a $300 OTC tag and there's tons of public land so if you don't want to pay for an outfitter it's still a very doable hunt. And who doesn't want to get out of BC for a week in January!

How busy is it with everyone able to just buy regular tags and hunt unguided? Sure, it's a far drive, but if it opens it up for every Canadian when our season is done and American hunter around its gotta be a gong show?

I dont expect more than a handful of canadians make the drive, but I know Americans from surrounding states do for sure.

Nice buck!!!

[ydouask]

Congratulations Grasp, great inspiring hunt ! 8)

[Grasp]

Arizona is a very big place! Also I should clear up the tag is 300 USD and you also need a hunting license which is 160 USD and the season is archery only. I’ve been there for two years and I’ve seen the odd hunter here and there but I’ve never had to change my plans or been affected by other hunter pressure in any way.

[tdot]

Thanks guys! I highly recommend this hunt. It's a $300 OTC tag and there's tons of public land so if you don't want to pay for an outfitter it's still a very doable hunt. And who doesn't want to get out of BC for a week in January!

OTC tags are available to Non-US Citizens????

[RyoTHC]

OTC tags are available to Non-US Citizens????


Yes, that’s precisely what he’s said numerous times in this thread. ;)

[Grasp]

Not sure if most Canadians realize but the only state you can’t DIY hunt is Alaska. In the last 6 years I have drawn 0 LEH tags in BC. And that’s not for lack of trying. I apply for every species every year. During that same time I have drawn tags in Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico and done OTC hunts in Arizona, Texas and Maui. And I already bought my OTC elk tag for Idaho this year. If you don’t mind driving there are phenomenal hunting opportunities south of the border.

[twoSevenO]

Not sure if most Canadians realize but the only state you can’t DIY hunt is Alaska. In the last 6 years I have drawn 0 LEH tags in BC. And that’s not for lack of trying. I apply for every species every year. During that same time I have drawn tags in Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico and done OTC hunts in Arizona, Texas and Maui. And I already bought my OTC elk tag for Idaho this year. If you don’t mind driving there are phenomenal hunting opportunities south of the border.

Well, its not just driving. It's a lot of time off that you need to have. I cant take 3-4 weeks for hunting and have any family time off. Lots of others are in the same boat. Not to mention time you need to learn a new area.

But no, I did not know they allow canadians to just come down and hunt.

But good for you, for pursuing hunting opportunities of interest instead of just waiting for an LEH here!

Who is helping you with getting started hunting a new area?
Also, what are the rifle hunting opportunities like? I would drive to Idaho for an elk rifle hunt! But, from what I've heard Idaho is a very crowded hunting place.

Edit: I'm not saying this in a way to imply hunting in Idaho is better than BC. Just that country down there seems awesome place to hunt them in. I firmly believe elk hunting is better in BC. The better zones down south are not gonna be that easy for a foreigner to hunt

[Grasp]

That's a totally fair point. I'm fortunate that I can set aside time to pursue my passion. That being said you don't need 3-4 weeks for a hunting trip. I don't have anyone help me sort out new areas. And to be clear this particular hunt in AZ was outfitted so they picked the spots. It's a pretty affordable hunt too considering you don;t have to worry about anything. I spend a lot of time on google earth and ONX maps before I head down. The site gohunt.com also helps a bit. Part of the reason I do these trips is the adventure. I'd rather go to a new area I've never been before and maybe not get anything than go back to the same spot every year and tag out. Don't get me wrong there are amazing opportunities for adventure here at home in BC. I was a forestry engineer for 15 years in BC and I have been lucky enough to work across a lof of BC so now that I have the freedom I like to go explore other places. I have never rifle hunted ID so can't comment directly but you are right that there are definitely areas where there is more pressure. I primarily hunt the backcountry so my strategy is always to pick the steepest, gnarliest shit and just out hike everyone. SO far it's paid off. Another note is that except for Utah there are no rifle opportunities for elk in the rut. Basically all of sept. is archery only in most states.

I should also add I'm happy to help in any way I can, if anyone is looking to hunt south of the border I'd hop on a call any time to share what I've learned about tags and applications etc.

[tdot]

Yes, that’s precisely what he’s said numerous times in this thread. ;)

Really? Can you highlight where he says that, for me?

Pretty please.

[tdot]

Not sure if most Canadians realize but the only state you can’t DIY hunt is Alaska. In the last 6 years I have drawn 0 LEH tags in BC. And that’s not for lack of trying. I apply for every species every year. During that same time I have drawn tags in Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico and done OTC hunts in Arizona, Texas and Maui. And I already bought my OTC elk tag for Idaho this year. If you don’t mind driving there are phenomenal hunting opportunities south of the border.

Awesome, thanks for that info. Its definitely something I'll have to look into. There are a few spots down South I've been interested in hunting. Just didnt want to go guided. And obviously made the wrong assumption it was like BC & AB resident requirements.