Shadow Valley Co-Owner with a 120+ over the counter coues buck.
Arizona offers unique and flexible opportunities for any archery mule deer hunter regardless of your residency status.In most units, three OTC hunts are offered per year and permits can be purchased from any license dealer or AZ Game and Fish office.This guarantees you the ability to hunt deer every year, and gives you the flexibility to plan a hunt during a time of year that works best for you. It also allows you to accrue bonus points for that trophy Strip, Kaibab or rut Coues hunt through the draw process. The bag limit remains at one deer per year whether it’s killed during an OTC hunt or permitted draw hunt. SVO offers two OTC opportunities – public land hunts and private ranch hunts in Arizona.
Shadow Valley Outfitter's Guide Tyler Krantz with a awesome public land Mule Deer he guided.
Big rutting mule deer and Coues bucks can be hunted in January and December (in most units) when they are out pushing does around and more easily located. When the rut is in full swing, this time of year is Awesome! Archery OTC deer hunters can also hunt in August/September when bucks are in velvet, in bachelor herds and in some cases easier to hunt if you can deal with heat and bugs. We guide these hunts for 3-5 days, but can build a hunt to fit your preference, accommodations and hunting style. The majority of hunts are run out of wall tents and trailers, although some hunters prefer to book hotel rooms in the nearest towns and commute. Backpack style hunts are available and can be very effective for trophy Coues deer. Our hunting style depends on our hunters’ capabilities but typically includes either spot and stalk or sitting water when conditions are favorable, or a combination of the two. We can be as physical as you want to be.
Trophy Coues Deer
Hunts begin August 23rd through September 12th. Mule deer bucks form bachelor groups this time of the year. Hunting methods vary depending on hunter preference and weather conditions.
Late Season hunts in Northern Arizona start December 13th and end January 31st. This is a rut hunt with the rut in Arizona normally peaking in late December & early January.
