Kaibab experience
Contributors to this thread:Mule Deer
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
Just returned home from a week of chasing bucks in Az and wanted to give an update on the experience. The old books of Jack O’ Connor I read as a kid planted the seed a long time ago to experience the Kaibab and the bucks that grow old there. Arrived last week a couple days early to learn the country and hopefully turn up something cool. Met a couple great dudes from Phoenix that were doing the same, became fast friends and traded some intel, well they had more for me so I appreciated the help and you know when you meet some good hunters the vibe is recognizable. Kept after it and Thursday afternoon found a few dandy’s… in a group of a dozen or so bucks, there were 4 shooters. 2-170 plus, one that was a giant forky with huge mass, wide probably 30”…and the other was a sweet large typical on one side with two or 3 snakes growing straight up on the other side. The area was not far from the highway but certainly was being bypassed by the dozen or so trucks that hauled ass by on the access road opening morning in the dark. From 10 minutes after shooting light on the first morning I was in bucks. Had one of the great looking typicals at 100 plus yds but a small forky between us. Tried to slip around and was busted by another I didn’t see initially. So it began…opportunities every morning and evening with tricky, dense, young Aspen growth the deer would vaporize into. Actually first evening I noticed a couple guys glassing the area I was hunting from a great vantage point. I could tell they were seeing bucks up above me and thought ahhh shit they’re going to be in here from now on. Long story short, I recognized the truck the next day, introduced myself and they were great guys, easy going, shared intel etc. I only knew first names initially but found out a couple days later it was three generations of the Richardson’s. George “Gramps”, Corky and Russ. Az bowhunting legends to say the least. Stayed in the same square mile or so for 5 days, multiple almost got er done encounters but could not get off a clean, ethical shot. Sunday night, tucked against a giant, downed ponderosa a big ole basket buck with what looked like 20” daggers for g2s came through after getting bumped. I had ranged a lane to stop him in, 42, dialed the site, 1 step before he came through he stopped, maybe 15 seconds, then he started forward, I’m at full draw, somehow I just didn’t stop him, flash decision to lead him and shoot. He walked,I I I Ifollowed, touched it off, hit a limb and completely missed. Always stop them….I was pissed. Hunted a couple more days with more action… no shots. Incredible, beautiful, tough hunt. Not easy at all, lots of little details that make it tough.
From: Beginner
31-Aug-23
You enjoyed yourself and that is what counts.
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
I learned to not worry about other guys. Hunt there and there’s a constant flow of guys driving past, walking, glassing etc. The deer are still there and actually it creates action when they’re bumped. I hope to get back in a week or two for a few more days to try and close the deal. If not I still say the hunts a success. Beautiful country, big deer mixed in with tons of forky sand spikes, meet some great hunters even a few legends. It’s not a slam dunk deer hunt but it’s a hoot!
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
The only buck I snapped a pic of
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
From: Bowfinatic
31-Aug-23
Awesome! Sounds like you are having a blast. Hope it all works out the next time. Great recap
From: pav
31-Aug-23
Glad you enjoyed the adventure. Bowhunting the Kaibab is definitely a great experience. Hope you are able to make it back before season closes!
From: BULELK1
31-Aug-23
Good for you.
Memories for ever.
Good luck, Robb
From: Billyvanness
31-Aug-23
Thanks boys! pav the first couple days it hammered rain periodically so water was everywhere, took away that option.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
31-Aug-23
Way to enjoy the hunt! Good luck and keep us posted on round two!
From: Ron Niziolek
31-Aug-23
Hope you get back there for some more fun. Good luck!
From: BwanaND
31-Aug-23
Sounds like a GRAND time!
From: Treeline
31-Aug-23
Sounds like an awesome hunt! Plenty of action and a few really cool ones! Hopefully you close the deal next go!
From: Scoot
31-Aug-23
Yes, sounds like a great trip to me. You got close and got to fling an arrow, and you were in the mix a lot. Sounds great!
From: Shrewski
31-Aug-23
My odds are on you WHEN you go back soon…
From: Old Bow
31-Aug-23
Good luck on your hunt it’s a great place to hunt , I’ve had a tag there three different times
From: Billyvanness
01-Sep-23
Steve O (shrewski) I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing about your next couple weeks brother! Thanks for the positive stuff here gents!
