Need input from the AZ members

jerry · 07-31-2007, 11:26 PM

Hi All,
I have a buddy moving to Tucson. He was asking about hunting opportunities. Iv'e been moved away since 95 and have slept since then. I used to run down Houghton to the desert and hunt just about everything bird wise. Without giving up any good spots, any suggestions? He is interested in mule deer and fishing too.

Thanks,
Jerry

Beer Forever · 08-01-2007, 04:50 PM

There is great fishing and hunting, not to mention there is over 10 rifle/pistol ranges in a 20 mile radius. I am a big camping and hiking kind of guy as long as it is not during the middle of summer. I love it here when it is not over 110 degrees. I can tell you all the good places if you want, it does help to have a decent 4X4.

Burke · 08-01-2007, 07:15 PM

Umm..I can tell you that hunting near Tucson is not what it used to be...
Last time I went to Arivaca to hunt deer (long time ago)...when the sun came up as we were getting settled it was a sea of orange vests...not too safe...too many hunters not nearly enough deer...

and with the AK-47 toting Drug runners who shot that hunter not to long ago adjacent to Green Valley near the Santa Rita base..it's not as popular as it use to be..It's very dangerous the closer you get to the border..

All the good hunting is up north..with all the illegals crossing the hunting areas which used to flourish down south its a surprise when you see one near I-19.. In fact my Uncle told me last year he saw more illegals than he saw deer and he didn't see one Mule or even edible rabbits..Just Jacks.

Fishing at Roosevelt lake is insane..The Indians let loose the damn and the lake is now 60 acres larger. That release also covered most of the new construction that took place a few years back..things like parking lots and bathrooms..

But they also covered a huge cottonwood tree clump which has given rise to incredible fishing...and the growth of the Aquatic life is reassuring.

As far as a 4x4 is concerned most of the trails to the spots around Tucson are accessible by car...you can go right around the Catalina Mtn. Range in a car on the roads past A7 and Bellota Ranch. but a 4x4 is required for backwoods work.

Patagonia Lake is pretty close but its crowded on weekends and it's not very big.

Pena Blanca Lake is also close but its depths have gone down incredibly over the past 10 years.
There are a crapload of lakes further up North, you just have to drive..

Running down Houghton now means you will see houses all the way to the Fairgrounds..Its not like it use to be..I used to shoot pretty much across the street from the fairgrounds for years..not anymore..(can you say suburb) and with the the Parks Service upset over cow killing at Reddington Pass, shooting out there will soon be gone.
The Tucson Rod and Gun Club wants to build a range out there..and ban any shooters from wildcatting..which means Rail X ranch will soon be gone too..

Recently a Park Ranger told me that he caught 2 men hunting rabbits at Reddington and they were fined pretty hard..its public land..but no hunting.

I have killed virtually all my rabbits up there..some down near Green Valley. It's going to be a shame when all the crap closes down and we have to drive 60 miles just to sight in a rifle..
Yeah there are a few ranges down here, but I really don't like shooting w/ people that I don't know. and its really annoying to hear 15 other people shooting around you..
I like my peace and quiet when I use my boom stick..and they do not allow you to rapid fire your weapons..which sucks for me...

I'm sure a quick internet search will give your friend a low down on Tucson's hunting.

but he can call my Buddy Steve Tapia at Pima Gun Room for more information. (hes the guy who has my Saiga on layaway, and i've bought 2 other firearms from him) he knows his crap.
520-318-1010

Then theres the city lakes which are urban and have dead people floating in them along with a Piranha or 2 (no kidding)..

he's goin to have to travel for any good meat on anything.

Beer Forever · 08-01-2007, 08:34 PM

Ohh, Arivaca is where I grew up, I know exactly where the deer are. It is not that bad. The places I go you have to have a 4X4, but it is worth it.

jerry · 08-01-2007, 08:35 PM

Thanks,
definitely different than 1987 when I got there

Beer Forever · 08-02-2007, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Yeah there are a few ranges down here, but I really don't like shooting w/ people that I don't know. and its really annoying to hear 15 other people shooting around you..
I like my peace and quiet when I use my boom stick..and they do not allow you to rapid fire your weapons..which sucks for me...

Go to the Pima rifle range by the fairgrounds. I go with a group of AR fans once a week, usually Saturday or Sunday. The owner, and all the range officers are good friends of mine, I even bring some silenced stuff and another buddy has full auto and they let us rock and roll. That is the best range in town, you should contact me and come with us one of these days.

Oxford · 08-02-2007, 09:49 AM

Jerry...also, you might contact Dale. He used to live in the Phoenix area last I heard. But lately, he's been missing on G&G.

jerry · 08-02-2007, 03:49 PM

Yes Sir,
There are a few I'd like to find time to meet with on our winter trip down this year. I will be toting at least one gun I could use for a range visit.

07-31-2007, 11:26 PM	#1
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,883 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Need input from the AZ members Hi All, I have a buddy moving to Tucson. He was asking about hunting opportunities. Iv'e been moved away since 95 and have slept since then. I used to run down Houghton to the desert and hunt just about everything bird wise. Without giving up any good spots, any suggestions? He is interested in mule deer and fishing too. Thanks, Jerry

08-01-2007, 04:50 PM	#2
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	There is great fishing and hunting, not to mention there is over 10 rifle/pistol ranges in a 20 mile radius. I am a big camping and hiking kind of guy as long as it is not during the middle of summer. I love it here when it is not over 110 degrees. I can tell you all the good places if you want, it does help to have a decent 4X4. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

08-01-2007, 08:34 PM	#4
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	Ohh, Arivaca is where I grew up, I know exactly where the deer are. It is not that bad. The places I go you have to have a 4X4, but it is worth it. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

08-02-2007, 09:49 AM	#7
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 13,023 Blog Entries: 4	Jerry...also, you might contact Dale. He used to live in the Phoenix area last I heard. But lately, he's been missing on G&G. __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

08-01-2007, 07:15 PM	#3
Burke Ahh..Cordite. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gun City, Arizona Posts: 515 Images: 23	Umm..I can tell you that hunting near Tucson is not what it used to be... Last time I went to Arivaca to hunt deer (long time ago)...when the sun came up as we were getting settled it was a sea of orange vests...not too safe...too many hunters not nearly enough deer... and with the AK-47 toting Drug runners who shot that hunter not to long ago adjacent to Green Valley near the Santa Rita base..it's not as popular as it use to be..It's very dangerous the closer you get to the border.. All the good hunting is up north..with all the illegals crossing the hunting areas which used to flourish down south its a surprise when you see one near I-19.. In fact my Uncle told me last year he saw more illegals than he saw deer and he didn't see one Mule or even edible rabbits..Just Jacks. Fishing at Roosevelt lake is insane..The Indians let loose the damn and the lake is now 60 acres larger. That release also covered most of the new construction that took place a few years back..things like parking lots and bathrooms.. But they also covered a huge cottonwood tree clump which has given rise to incredible fishing...and the growth of the Aquatic life is reassuring. As far as a 4x4 is concerned most of the trails to the spots around Tucson are accessible by car...you can go right around the Catalina Mtn. Range in a car on the roads past A7 and Bellota Ranch. but a 4x4 is required for backwoods work. Patagonia Lake is pretty close but its crowded on weekends and it's not very big. Pena Blanca Lake is also close but its depths have gone down incredibly over the past 10 years. There are a crapload of lakes further up North, you just have to drive.. Running down Houghton now means you will see houses all the way to the Fairgrounds..Its not like it use to be..I used to shoot pretty much across the street from the fairgrounds for years..not anymore..(can you say suburb) and with the the Parks Service upset over cow killing at Reddington Pass, shooting out there will soon be gone. The Tucson Rod and Gun Club wants to build a range out there..and ban any shooters from wildcatting..which means Rail X ranch will soon be gone too.. Recently a Park Ranger told me that he caught 2 men hunting rabbits at Reddington and they were fined pretty hard..its public land..but no hunting. I have killed virtually all my rabbits up there..some down near Green Valley. It's going to be a shame when all the crap closes down and we have to drive 60 miles just to sight in a rifle.. Yeah there are a few ranges down here, but I really don't like shooting w/ people that I don't know. and its really annoying to hear 15 other people shooting around you.. I like my peace and quiet when I use my boom stick..and they do not allow you to rapid fire your weapons..which sucks for me... I'm sure a quick internet search will give your friend a low down on Tucson's hunting. but he can call my Buddy Steve Tapia at Pima Gun Room for more information. (hes the guy who has my Saiga on layaway, and i've bought 2 other firearms from him) he knows his crap. 520-318-1010 Then theres the city lakes which are urban and have dead people floating in them along with a Piranha or 2 (no kidding).. he's goin to have to travel for any good meat on anything.

08-01-2007, 08:35 PM	#5
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,883 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks, definitely different than 1987 when I got there

08-02-2007, 03:49 PM	#8
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,883 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Yes Sir, There are a few I'd like to find time to meet with on our winter trip down this year. I will be toting at least one gun I could use for a range visit.