Late season rifle AZ Outfitter recommendations

[Rooster46]

Well, I was lucky enough to have drawn an AZ late rifle tag. Unluckily the only year I will be gone the 6 months leading up to the hunt dates. I’m looking for any opinions, recommendations, and experiences with any guides for this type of hunt.

I am looking for a guide that is going to push hard and go the distance. Im in shape and very experienced in the backcountry. I’m looking for an outfitter that will put in the scouting. I’m not looking for a fancy camp or being in a side by side riding around. I just want a hard working guide with experience. I will have a group of friends with me that can pack a bull out from hell and back.

Unit 27 is where I’m looking for reference.

Thank you for any recommendations.

 

[fmyth]

Sonny Tapia of Dream Mountain Outfitters. I havn't hunted with him. I met him while hiking in the unit. He was trying to help an injured hiker off of Mount Baldy. I stopped and used my first aid kit to bandage her ankle up. Sonny and his friend were scouting and had stopped on the trail to help the injured hiker. They offered to take her off the mountain on one of their horses but she was scared of horses. Might be worth checking him out.

 

[Rooster46]

Sonny Tapia of Dream Mountain Outfitters. I havn't hunted with him. I met him while hiking in the unit. He was trying to help an injured hiker off of Mount Baldy. I stopped and used my first aid kit to bandage her ankle up. Sonny and his friend were scouting and had stopped on the trail to help the injured hiker. They offered to take her off the mountain on one of their horses but she was scared of horses. Might be worth checking him out.

Thank you, I will be looking them up!

 

[208Logan]

A3 Trophy guides. Hands down the best. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I used them 2 years ago on an AZ late hunt. Killed this 8x7 with them

 

[Rooster46]

A3 Trophy guides. Hands down the best. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I used them 2 years ago on an AZ late hunt. Killed this 8x7 with themView attachment 529943

Wow!! Great Bull. PM sent.

 

[Djacker]

I also used A3 for a late season hunt, it was in 2016. I would definitely use them again.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

While A3 is well known for their ability to get their clients on awesome game, they are equally well known for less than friendly behavior to other hunters and their gear (including vehicles) in the field.

 

[Rooster46]

While A3 is well known for their ability to get their clients on awesome game, they are equally well known for less than friendly behavior to other hunters and their gear (including vehicles) in the field.

Personal experience?

 

[pirogue]

While A3 is well known for their ability to get their clients on awesome game, they are equally well known for less than friendly behavior to other hunters and their gear (including vehicles) in the field.

Bingo! Couple years ago, I drew a Strip archery deer tag. The tough to get tag that is in August and you normally hunt water catchments. Hunted the same water for 5 or 6 days, that is in a blind set up about 30 yards from the catchment. EVERY day between 8:00 and 8:15, an A3 guy in a red Dodge pickup would drive right by my truck(1/4mile away), and drive right up to the cameras on the water. TOTAL DISREGARD of ethics and politeness. Some people posts they wouldn’t use A3 if they were free. I know why.

 

[pirogue]

Personal experience?

Yes, read above.

 

[Rmdykeman]

Bingo! Couple years ago, I drew a Strip archery deer tag. The tough to get tag that is in August and you normally hunt water catchments. Hunted the same water for 5 or 6 days, that is in a blind set up about 30 yards from the catchment. EVERY day between 8:00 and 8:15, an A3 guy in a red Dodge pickup would drive right by my truck(1/4mile away), and drive right up to the cameras on the water. TOTAL DISREGARD of ethics and politeness. Some people posts they wouldn’t use A3 if they were free. I know why.

Hey Danny! I remember that week of hunting. I hope you and the family are doing well.

To the OP, would love to chat with ya!! I’ve got some fantastic guides over there.

-Bob Dykeman
Shadow Valley Outfitters

 

[ElGuapo]

Shadow Valley or Premium hunts

 

[lilharcher]

A3 Trophy guides. Hands down the best. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I used them 2 years ago on an AZ late hunt. Killed this 8x7 with themView attachment 529943

100% Agree…..lots of great guides there but check out Jed Larson. Just look at his IG page and you will see a bunch of monsters! He thrives in 27 too.

 

[WRO]

27 - Jeff Lester with Hunt Hard outfitters, or Keith williams with arizona pro outfitters.

A3 is a roll of the dice, they hire a lot of unqualified help. I’ve had 2 buddies who’ve had complete shit show hunts with them.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Jay Scott from Jay Scott Outdoors can likely get you pointed in the right direction. He is a stand up guy and is extremely helpful. Reach out to him on IG.

 

[bohntr]

100% Agree…..lots of great guides there but check out Jed Larson. Just look at his IG page and you will see a bunch of monsters! He thrives in 27 too.

He also took a client on the wrong side of the fence and killed a bull on the reservation. The bull was confiscated and he paid a fine.

 

[bohntr]

Well, I was lucky enough to have drawn an AZ late rifle tag. Unluckily the only year I will be gone the 6 months leading up to the hunt dates. I’m looking for any opinions, recommendations, and experiences with any guides for this type of hunt.

I am looking for a guide that is going to push hard and go the distance. Im in shape and very experienced in the backcountry. I’m looking for an outfitter that will put in the scouting. I’m not looking for a fancy camp or being in a side by side riding around. I just want a hard working guide with experience. I will have a group of friends with me that can pack a bull out from hell and back.

Unit 27 is where I’m looking for reference.

Thank you for any recommendations.

I live year round in the White Mountains…..if I had to pick a guide for 27 I’d pick one of the Hamblins from Eager. Willie would be my first choice, but all of them know those elk and their habits.

 

[Rooster46]

Just when I thought I had it dialed down. I got my work cut out for me. Thank you all for the information.

 

[DBuck]

Just when I thought I had it dialed down. I got my work cut out for me. Thank you all for the information.

I'm from the area as well and as bohntr said, Willie Hamblin knows his stuff and goes hard, he works for Premium Hunts PM in bound.

 

[WRO]

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