Hunting outlook
By Brian Wakeling, big game program supervisor, and Mark Zornes, small game biologist, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Interested in hunting archery deer or dove this fall? Lucky enough to get drawn for pronghorn? Here is our regional forecast for these species.

Archery Deer
Statewide, deer fawn recruitment increased for both white-tailed deer and mule deer this past year. What that means to hunters is that more yearling bucks (spikes and forkhorns) will be available this year than in the recent past. Do not expect droves of deer, but you should note a moderate improvement in numbers, and possibly in size.

Keep in mind that most early hunts have hot weather. Take lots of ice and be prepared to deal with meat and capes in warm weather. Remember that successful archery deer hunters, including Kaibab archery hunters, must contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department in person or by telephone at 866-903-3337 within 10 days of taking a deer.

Region I and II
Hunt at higher elevations. Water is not likely to be a problem this year, so water hole sitting may be less successful. Spot and stalk hunting may prove a good alternative approach. The Kaibab is always popular, but overcrowding complaints are common.

Region III
December archery deer hunts should be good spot and stalk hunting. If the summer monsoon produces average moisture, water sources may not be a strong attractant, making deer harder to find.

Region IV
Southwestern deserts can be difficult to hunt if the monsoon is average. Good quality bucks are taken annually in this area of relatively low deer density.

Region V
Compared with long term averages, rainfall was less plentiful in this region than in the other regions last winter and populations have responded less favorably. However, this is the main white-tailed deer region, so patient spot and stalk hunters can be successful.

Region VI
Hunt success has been high in Units 22 and 23 during the last two years. Last year’s Willow Fire improved visibility and may prove helpful to white-tailed deer hunters. The Cave Creek Complex fire impacted a large area this summer, but few animals will abandon this area. Be aware that depending on when you go, parts of the area impacted by fire may be closed; it’s a good idea to contact the Tonto National Forest ahead of time at 602-225-5200. If the monsoon is favorable, watch for fresh green patches, as they will attract deer.

Pronghorn
Pronghorn surveys have been favorable in the northern regions, with better fawn recruitment when compared with recent years. Pronghorn hunting seasons usually have warm weather, so hunters should be prepared to care for meat and capes. Pronghorn lose fur easily, especially in warm weather, so packing your harvest out will require care.

Many pronghorn experts say that the pronghorn hunt occurs primarily before the season. Pre-season scouting can play an important role in locating and identifying the animal you plan to harvest. Hunts are often over in a very short time.

Regardless of which region your permit is in, pronghorn may not show much affinity to water sources if the monsoon produces average moisture. Hunt in areas with a diversity of broad-leaved herbaceous plants, as this is their primary food. Watch for green areas. Although Unit 21 recently suffered from the Cave Creek Complex fire, wildlife rarely abandon their areas entirely. They may respond well to green up and herbaceous improvements after the fire.

Dove
Overall, dove hunters should be pleased with the 2005 early dove season. Nesting mourning and white-winged dove numbers appear to be up. Doves are likely to be more widespread than during the past few years, due to the abnormally wet winter and widespread natural food resources. For the best dove hunting, hunters should focus their efforts in the southern half of the state. Some opportunity for dove hunting will also occur in the northern half of Arizona, but won’t be consistent due to weather conditions and timing of migration.

Region IV
Dove hunting will be best in agricultural areas planted to small grains, like wheat or safflower. Abnormally wet conditions during the 2004-2005 winter caused some farmers to shift from wheat to less desirable cotton due to planting conditions. Increasing development in the Yuma Valley and Yuma Mesa is going to negatively impact a hunter’s ability to find a place to hunt. Areas like Wellton and the Mohawk Valley will yield good hunting in 2005. Hunting should also be good this year around Salome and Aguila.

Region V
Dove hunting should be good in traditional spots like Milligan Road near Picacho and around the Red Rock feedlots. More opportunity will exist to hunt desert birds this year. Dove numbers are up near Tucson, but hunters should be aware of limitations regarding developments, city limits, and private property.

Region VI
Many areas in the east and north valleys are no longer accessible to dove hunting due to housing developments and annexation. The best opportunities exist in the agricultural areas near Stanfield, Maricopa and Casa Grande. The west valley near Buckeye down to Gila Bend and along the Gila River should also provide good opportunity. There are numerous feedlots in these areas, some of which permit dove hunting. Desert water holes will be good spots for late morning hunts. Hunters should check maps for such places that are located on state or other public lands.

Overall, development and annexation near urban centers is reducing dove hunting opportunities. Hunters should plan on pre-season scouting to locate dove flights and hunting access. Remember to get permission from landowners to hunt private lands. Spent shell casings are litter and should be picked up. Retrieving them shows respect for the land and landowner, and improves the image of hunters. Failure to do so has permanently closed gates to dove hunters in many locations. Keep in mind that hunters are not permitted to discharge a firearm within one quarter mile of a home or building without the owner’s permission, and that shooting from or across roads is a violation of the law.

Good hunting!