Arizona Over-the-Counter Archery Mule Deer Hunts
Up to 8 Guests
About
Guided by Arizona Strip Guides | Travis McClendon – (928) 300-6755
Arizona offers bowhunters a rare and exciting opportunity to pursue trophy mule deer bucks through over-the-counter (OTC) archery seasons, available twice each year. These hunts allow hunters to chase velvet bucks in August or rutting giants in December and January—all without waiting on a draw tag.
OTC Archery Mule Deer Hunting Seasons
Early Season OTC Archery Hunt
- August 22 – September 11
This 21-day season gives bowhunters the chance to hunt bachelor groups of velvet bucks in their summer patterns. Due to the heat, most deer are concentrated around water sources, making this an ideal hunt for tree stands or ground blinds.
- Style: Waterhole hunts with occasional spot-and-stalk
- Conditions: Hot, dry, predictable deer patterns
- Target Bucks: Velvet bucks in bachelor groups
- Prime Strategy: Hunt water sources early and late in the day
Late Season OTC Rut Archery Hunt
- December 12 – January 31
The rut hunt is one of the most exciting bowhunting experiences in the West. Trophy mule deer bucks are visible, active, and chasing does across open terrain, offering intense spot-and-stalk action and plenty of opportunity for those ready to move.
- Style: Fast-paced spot-and-stalk
- Conditions: Cool, winter weather with peak rut behavior
- Target Bucks: Hard-antlered giants in full rut
- Prime Strategy: Glassing and moving on active bucks in pursuit
Lodging & Camp Details
Most late-season hunts are based out of a comfortable lodge featuring:
- Satellite TV
- WiFi access
- Hot showers
- Full kitchen and dining space
- On-site bow range (bring your own target recommended)
You’ll enjoy a true hunting camp atmosphere with modern comforts—hot meals, a warm bed, and the ability to unwind after long days in the field.
2025 OTC Archery Hunt Pricing
All hunts are "Guide Only" Packages
- 5 Days – 1x1 Guide & Lodging: $4,000
- 5 Days – 2x1 Guide & Lodging: $3,000 per hunter
Included:
- Field transportation
- Field dressing
- Local delivery to processor (if needed)
- Camp lodging
Not Included:
- Meals (Breakfast at gas station, dinner in town 20 minutes away)
- Hunting license: $160
- Deer tag: $300
- (We can assist with purchasing these on arrival)
Note: These hunts do not affect your bonus points in the Arizona draw system. However, you may only harvest one deer per calendar year.
2025 Hunting Weeks Available
Early Season Velvet Hunts
- Aug 22 – 28
- Aug 30 – Sept 1
- Sept 3 – 7
Winter Rut Hunts
- Dec 12 – 16
- Dec 18 – 22
- Jan 2 – 6
- Jan 8 – 12
- Jan 14 – 18
- Jan 20 – 25
Booking early gives you the most flexibility in choosing your hunting week—especially once draw results are released in July and demand spikes.
Travel Information
- We’ll coordinate a meet-up time and location at the ranch for hunters driving in.
Flying:
- Fly into Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) and schedule a shuttle to Prescott Valley. Your guide will meet you there and take you to the ranch. (Shuttle approx. $40 – book in advance)
Book Your OTC Archery Mule Deer Hunt Today
Call Travis McClendon at (928) 300-6755
Arizona Strip Guides – Trusted, Experienced, Proven
This outfitter currently has no lodging available.
Target species
Mule Deer
Amenities
Guided
Toilet
WifiTrip includes
Lodging
Meals
BYOB
Fuel costsLocation
Cottonwood, Arizona, United States
Exact location provided after booking.
Arizona Strip Guides LLC is a full-time, year-round professional outfitting service specializing in trophy mule deer hunts across the Arizona Strip, Kaibab Plateau, and other premier units throughout the state of Arizona. Our team is made up of highly experienced, licensed, and insured professional guides who live and breathe trophy deer hunting. Founded by veteran outfitters who are deeply passionate about harvesting the biggest mule deer bucks on earth, Arizona Strip Guides is dedicated to helping every client experience a world-class hunt and pursue the best buck their tag can produce.
Our mission is simple: to provide serious and discriminating hunters with premium quality professional guiding and outfitting services for all Arizona trophy deer hunts. Whether you’ve drawn a coveted tag in Units 13A, 13B, 12A West, 12A East, 12B, or you’re planning an OTC archery hunt, we are fully committed to helping you capitalize on your opportunity and deliver a hunt experience you’ll never forget.
What separates Arizona Strip Guides from the rest is our unmatched commitment to preseason scouting. Our team scouts year-round, logging thousands of hours on the ground and behind the glass. Several of our guides live right on or near the Arizona Strip and Kaibab Plateau, giving us local, daily insight and allowing us to stay in constant tune with changing deer patterns. We leave no stone unturned in our effort to find you the absolute best buck your unit has to offer.
Our team is full-time, professional, and deeply invested in your success. We are not hobby guides or seasonal help—each of our guides is a hardworking, ethical, and highly skilled professional committed to the highest standards of conduct and client care. From glassing and stalking to camp logistics and post-harvest support, you will be guided by experts using the best optics and gear available. When you hunt with Arizona Strip Guides, you are supported by the full strength of our entire team. Every one of our guides stays in camp for the duration of the hunt, even if their personal client tags out early, ensuring you always have a team working on your behalf.
We also believe your time in camp should be as enjoyable as your time in the field. Depending on the hunt, accommodations range from heated wall tents and travel trailers to fully outfitted lodges or local motels. Wherever we are based, you can expect a clean, comfortable environment with good food, hot coffee, and a welcoming camp atmosphere. We handle all transportation in the field, help with game care and processing, and make sure every detail of your hunt runs smoothly from start to finish.
Arizona Strip Guides has built a proven track record of success, helping clients take some of the largest mule deer bucks ever harvested in Arizona. We specialize in guiding high-difficulty, high-reward hunts in tough-to-draw units where success depends on preparation, local knowledge, and relentless effort. We take pride in helping hunters fulfill lifelong dreams, and we treat every hunt like it’s our own once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We are fully licensed, insured, and permitted statewide by the USFS and BLM. Our operation is run with integrity and professionalism, and we work hard to maintain our standing as one of Arizona’s top guiding services for trophy mule deer.
If you’ve drawn a tag, are applying for an upcoming season, or simply want to learn more about the world-class hunting opportunities in Arizona, we would love to talk with you. Arizona Strip Guides is here to help you plan, prepare, and execute the trophy mule deer hunt of a lifetime. Contact us today and let’s get started.
Travis McClendon – Owner / CEO
Phone: (928) 300-6755
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$3,000