The iconic Superstition Mountains comprise the majority of GMU 24B Coues Whitetail habitat. Much of this mountain range is congressionally designated Wilderness within the Tonto National Forest. This isolated expanse or rocky high Sonoran Desert and chaparral terrain is crisscrossed with numerous maintained trails that allow access into many remote, truly wild, areas. Throughout many of the bedrock canyons and higher elevation portions of the unit natural springs and both perennial and annual creeks provide abundant yet isolated water to Coues deer and many other species of wildlife native to the region including Javelina, Desert Bighorn Sheep and even a moderate Black Bear population.
*Check out our Deer Hunt Application Picks page for info on our preferred draw choices for the year.*
The landscape of 24B is captivating in appearance, by every measure of grandeur and natural beauty. During the fire seasons of 2019 the human-caused Woodbury wildfire burned 123,875 acres of the unit. This dramatically transformed large swaths of both the desert and chaparral regions reducing the prevalence of brush and trees landscape wide. In many areas watershed damage markedly changed ease of access and trail quality. However, the post-fire regeneration of plant life has created a new era of forest regrowth and renewed habitat. The lasting effects of the fires on 24B deer habitat will remain far beyond our lifetimes. It is a landscape ideally demonstrating the constant adaptation and evolution of ecology over time. As of 2022 much of the area has grown back into lush grasses and forbs.
This is a mountain hunt! 24B Coues Whitetail terrain is extremely physical. The most productive hunting is done on foot within the Wilderness area and at the highest peaks. 4-10 mile hikes in mountainous country are to be expected. Experience with this sort of hunt puts an individual far ahead when it comes to taking a quality deer and enjoying the adventure.
What does it take to draw a 24B Coues Deer tag?
1st season October "Opportunity": Residents 2-3 BPs ~30% @ 0BPs. Non-Residents 2-3 BPs ~29% @ 0BPs.
2nd season November "Opportunity": Residents 2-3 BPs ~43% @ 0BPs. Non-Residents 2-3 BPs ~42% @ 0BPs.
3rd season November "Opportunity": Residents 2-3 BPs ~45% @ 0BPs. Non-Residents 2-3 BPs ~20% @ 0BPs.
4th season December "Trophy": Residents 6-8 BPs ~2.5% @ 0BPs. Non-Residents 7-8 BPs ~1.1% @ 0BPs.
How do the 24B Coues hunts compare to others?
Being in good shape physically is a must hunting in 24B. If you can't climb mountains well, this is not the hunt for you. Seasons 1-3 are easy tags to get and if you can do what it takes to get into Coues country can produce great deer. Due to the difficulty of terrain, despite the great deer, we consider these hunts to be for representative class bucks. 4th season is a "Trophy" hunt and offers much cooler temps, a welcome relief when hunting out of your backpack!
Contact Dillon Currie (623) 606-3364 or hunts@chasentheking.com for more information or to book a hunt. The Arizona Deer Draw Deadline is the second Tuesday in June, each year. Do not miss out on your chance to hunt Arizona!
