Hi, I'm Brian and I just got started hunting, got my gear and license all sorted out. Let me explain my current gear set up and where I'm from. I'm very new to hunting, never did it before and fishing probably doesn't count. I want hunt rabbits and I've been spending quite a bit of time learning about them and getting a fair idea of where to go, but still uncertain of what my best options really are. I realize I'm probably late in the season since summer is just starting and perhaps I'm better off waiting until september or october. I live in Mesa and I've been trying to figure out what would be my best options for hunting areas that would have the least issues with other hunters, off-roaders and hikers. I only have time on the weekends to really do this and Only willing to drive so far that doesn't exceed a half hour of driving for now. perhaps later on in the cooler months i'll consider camping out somewhere for a few days.
My current gear is pretty basic for now, with standard hunting vest, first aid kit, knife, portable shovel, good boots and such. I have a Marlin Model 60 semi-auto .22LR rifle, it shoots very nice and accurate, cycles rounds fast. Current choice of ammo is Aguila super extra and Federal gameshok (this is really nice ammo, btw). I probably would have gotten a shotgun but I'm pretty good with my aim so far and I don't have a good scope on it yet, but will soon once I get the tools to sight one correctly. Perhaps I'll get a 20gauge later once I find a good deal on one. I've been very tight with my budget on this so far since I'm pretty new to this.
So, from Mesa, where would be good place to go? I've been told north of roosevelt lake might be good. Sycamore Creek off of 87 might be an option, since it's got a large wash. Though it seems like people off-road there a lot. Maybe I could look south of phoenix area toward maricopa or out toward surprise? Maybe west toward buckeye, seems risky though since there's a lot of military stuff going out there. I hear farms are great, but I have no idea who would allow me to hunt on their land. I also did just purchase a state land trust permit, just to be safe.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
My current gear is pretty basic for now, with standard hunting vest, first aid kit, knife, portable shovel, good boots and such. I have a Marlin Model 60 semi-auto .22LR rifle, it shoots very nice and accurate, cycles rounds fast. Current choice of ammo is Aguila super extra and Federal gameshok (this is really nice ammo, btw). I probably would have gotten a shotgun but I'm pretty good with my aim so far and I don't have a good scope on it yet, but will soon once I get the tools to sight one correctly. Perhaps I'll get a 20gauge later once I find a good deal on one. I've been very tight with my budget on this so far since I'm pretty new to this.
So, from Mesa, where would be good place to go? I've been told north of roosevelt lake might be good. Sycamore Creek off of 87 might be an option, since it's got a large wash. Though it seems like people off-road there a lot. Maybe I could look south of phoenix area toward maricopa or out toward surprise? Maybe west toward buckeye, seems risky though since there's a lot of military stuff going out there. I hear farms are great, but I have no idea who would allow me to hunt on their land. I also did just purchase a state land trust permit, just to be safe.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
