With the June 9th draw deadline fast approaching for Arizona’s sheep and deer tags, sportsmen have some decisions to make. Here are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling. The WTA TAGS Consultants are standing by to help you dial in on an application strategy.
Mule Deer
When most members of the hunting community hear terms like “The Strip” and “Kaibab” immediately thoughts turn to the monster mule deer bucks that roam these famous Arizona units. If you are lucky enough to draw any of these hunts you will be hunting in great habitat with the genetics to produce incredible bucks. With the moisture they have received the past two years everyone should have their name in the draw as the quality of animals should be spectacular.
Coues Deer
Even though mule deer receive the most attention within the state one must not overlook the opportunity that the Coues whitetail deer will provide. Arizona has quality Coues deer that will rival Old Mexico and you have the luxury of hunting in the states without having to worry about international travel. There are numerous units that produce great deer hunting with multiple seasons to cover almost anyone’s schedule or weapon preference. Furthermore, drawing odds for Coues deer in Arizona are reasonable in comparison to Arizona’s famous mule deer units mentioned above. If you are interested in chasing the “Grey Ghosts” of Arizona please give us a call and we can help decide the best option for you.
Youth Deer
Arizona does offer incredible “Youth Only” deer tags with much better drawing odds. These tags are for some of the very best units in the state and they often offer both species of deer for kids to choose from. Remember WTA TAGS offers free application serves for kids through their 18th year.
Bighorn Sheep
For the sheep hunters out there, if Arizona is not on your radar it should be – particularly for Desert bighorn. Arizona only lags behind Nevada in allocating the most Desert sheep tags available to non-residents. There are multiple units to choose from allowing a hunter to find a hunt to best fit their needs. If a Desert bighorn is on your bucket list than Arizona is a “must apply” state for you. Arizona also issues non-resident Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep tags through the draw as well. The quality of both species is excellent and with two valid choices on each application there are multiple application strategies you could take. We would be happy to discuss any of these with you, so please give one our TAGS Consultants a call and we can walk you through the process.
Draw System: Arizona utilizes a “bonus point” structure that issues a bonus point to unsuccessful applicants each year they apply in the draw. Applicants that have bonus points will have their name entered that many times plus one for this year’s application. Remember a bonus system gives everyone a chance. We have drawn many awesome tags over the years to those applicants with minimal points. Somebody has to get lucky … it may as well be you!
Again, with the Arizona draw deadline looming (June 9th), please give our office, located in Sidney, NE a call today. Ask to speak to a TAGS Consultant. It could be one of the best calls you ever make. You and your Consultant can discuss an application strategy that meet your needs. We can be reached Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM MST – 1-800-755-TAGS(8247).
