As a deer hunter I'm intrigued by opportunities beyond our great state.  Neighboring and nearby Western states offer habitat, terrain, tags and wildlife populations that are uniquely different, and enticing, compared to what we have available. I love big mountain back-country hunting, but the reality is that wilderness beauty and backcountry adventure isn't limited to high-alpine basins. The desert offers a starkly different experience - and there are some big bucks cruising the palo verde and cactus.  In this episode I get to chat with John Stallone of Days in the Wild for a quick podcast call, and to pick his brain on what to look for when it comes to mule-deer rut, habitat and habits in the Southwest corner of AZ. 

If you're heading to AZ or even the southern deserts of California you'll benefit from John's Days in the Wild podcast - he has been sharing stories and experience of coues deer, mule deer, javalina and coyote hunting in AZ for many years! 

A trip to hunt AZ in December or January will sharpen your skills and expand your idea of what "mule deer country" really looks like.  I encourage you to use our CA off-season to explore the southwest, find desert bucks and get some practice stalking these bucks. 

John Stallone - Instagram 

Days in the Wild outfitters - Instagram 

AZGFD online 

Hunting Ain't Easy - Instagram 

HOWL For Wildlife

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