Got back yesterday from my AZ trip. Hunted units 8 and 10. No animal, but did have a good time. The hot weather (every day over 100 degrees), the daily afternoon thunderstorms (got pounded with hail one day), and the high number of other hunters due to other units being closed because of the fires, made for some really challenging hunting. But saw some quality shooter bucks, just couldn't get close enough. Saw an incredible number of elk (they were everywhere), even got treated to some bugling and cow calls. Also saw all kinds of antelope, javelina, quail and coyotes. One diamondback rattler encounter and one tarantula too. Ran into some other hunters that were great guys and some others that weren't. Hopefully, I'll be able to go to AZ again, really like it out there. Almost get mesmerized watching the big storms coming in and then realize that I better get my rain suit on! Lol! Lightning pounding down all around me, temps going from the low 100's to the mid 60's really fast, getting lumps on my head from the hail, the incredible mud in unit 10... the sunrises and sunsets... the cool nights... the incredible scenery... Got close to deer a couple times, one stalk got me to within 45 yards of a group of 4 bucks, one of which was a 165" or better, but a little spike ended that stalk. Saw about a 180" buck, but so did another guy and he went after it hard and spooked it to the next unit, oh well. But in the end, I'll do it again! Looking forward to more seasons opening up this fall. Happy hunting to all, be safe! Dean
