Recently, I had the privilege of attending an archery hunting trip in Northern Arizona’s famed Unit 13A, also known as the Arizona Strip. This opportunity came to me through the generosity of an organization called Giving Back Outdoors (GBO), which donated a rare mule deer tag. Although I had never shot archery before, I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience such a unique hunt.
Through my CEO, Ken, who is involved with another organization called The Circle, I was introduced to The Circle’s founder, Francis Cameron. To my great fortune, Francis not only facilitated the hunt but also guided me through the entire experience. His years of expertise were invaluable. Our hunting dates spanned from August 29th to September 2nd, and I was incredibly grateful to have his seasoned guidance by my side throughout the journey.
The location was as remote as it was beautiful. It took us over eight hours of driving from the Phoenix area, with the last 60 miles on rough, unimproved dirt roads. A flat tire slowed us down just before reaching camp, but it was a small price to pay for the solitude and scenery that awaited us near the Mount Trumbull Wilderness. The views were stunning—volcanic rock formations and expansive landscapes, home to large mule deer.
We began each day early, starting our hunts between 5:30 and 6 AM, then resting during the midday heat before heading back out for evening hunts. Nights were spent around camp, cooking dinner under a vibrant, star-filled sky, an awe-inspiring sight in such a remote location.
On the first day, I had an opportunity to take a shot at a buck but made the rookie mistake of holding the wrong pin, and my arrow missed just under the deer. Over the next few days, I had several more close encounters, including a few heart-pounding stalks where the deer caught wind of me just before I could take a shot.
The morning of my successful hunt was different. I had posted up near a road crossing where we’d seen deer cross before, but Francis radioed from a field where he’d spotted several impressive bucks. He urged me to join him, so I moved to his location, and we quickly spotted my buck grazing about 50-60 yards from the roadside. Francis kept driving while I stepped out of the jeep to begin my stalk. As the buck grazed south, paying no mind to the vehicle, I closed the distance.
When he was about 45 yards away and in a clear shooting lane, I drew my bow, focused on holding the correct pins this time, and released the arrow. The buck reacted immediately, kicking as the arrow hit its mark in the vital zone on his left side. He ran approximately 60 yards before succumbing to his injuries. Just like that, I had my first successful hunt! Afterward, Francis guided me through the field processing, sharing his wealth of knowledge from years of experience in the field. It was an invaluable lesson, and I felt honored to learn techniques from someone with a wealth of knowledge.
I decided to have the buck preserved with a pedestal mount, which I’ll be picking up in about a year—another reminder of this incredible journey. From learning archery in such a short amount of time, to hunting in one of Arizona’s most coveted units, to being supported by the generosity of the people who made this trip possible, the entire experience was unforgettable.
I can’t thank everyone who played a role in making this adventure happen enough, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and memories it provided.