Has Anyone Hunted With the Big Bo Ranch in Arizona?

[centershot]

As the question states, has anyone hunted with them? I am thinking prairie dogs.

 

[JRS]

If you are contemplating hunting on that property, take the time to carefully read their rules.

 

[Kurz]

This is my response which I wrote in May:

Arizona has gone through some changes with laws regarding animal protection such as those for hunting prairie dogs only during certain parts of the year.

The last time I shot Arizona for prairie dogs was some years ago on The Big Boquillas Ranch before it went to the Access Permit System. Four of us camped and shot for 3 days without interruption except for one check by the ranch manager. This is not even possible anymore.

https://huntbigboranch.com/notices/


Fall 2016 Prairie Dog Access

• Prairie Dog Hunting Access permits will be available to purchase online beginning the 3rd week of July 2016 along with big game permits.
• Prairie dog Hunters can purchase Access Permits for $20 per day per person for any of the dates between August 5th and Sept 30th, 2016. The ranch will not be open to Prairie dog access until August 5th 2016.
• Prairie dog access is limited to the grassland portion of the Aubrey Valley only. There is no access by foot or vehicle to any area outside of the “grassland portion” of the Aubrey Valley with the Prairie dog access permit.

From AZ Game & Fish:

Furbearer Species

Fur-bearing mammals are defined as muskrats, raccoons, otters, weasels, bobcats, beavers, badgers, and ringtails. Of these, only the bobcat is also considered a predatory animal. All mammals not classified as game mammals, predatory animals, or furbearers are considered "nongame mammals." These include opossums, coatis, black-footed ferrets, Gunnison's prairie dogs, black-tailed prairie dogs, wolves, jaguars, ocelots, and porcupines. Of these, only Gunnison's prairie dogs and coatis may be taken during an open season, with the bag limit on coatis being one per calendar year. No season for the taking of jaguars, ocelots, wolves, or porcupines exists.

Most of the other shooting I've done has been in the Williams/Seligman area which is located along Historic Old Route 66. There are still some ranches which will cooperate with shooters but always ask first. The precedent has been set now so you may be asked to pay for the privilege. Far too many of the prairie dogs we saw at first were in the safety zone of the railroad right of way.

Do a search for Arizona Prairie Dog hunting and you'll get a few of the groups to contact.

Regards.

 

[STRSRLVR]

I'm not trying to hijack your tread but I reached out to them twice over the last 2 months about the same and have not received any response. I'll try to let you know if I hear something. I sure would like to shoot some prairie dogs there this year.

 

[Kurz]

I don't think it's hijacking at all if the information contributes to the answer. Not getting a response can be problematic, especially if you want to use their land. As I stated, I haven't had any contact with them since they changed the rules. I shoot in New Mexico now on private ranches.

Regards.

 

[benchracer]

I'm not trying to hijack your tread but I reached out to them twice over the last 2 months about the same and have not received any response. I'll try to let you know if I hear something. I sure would like to shoot some prairie dogs there this year.

What do you mean when you state you "reached out to them"? The rules and dates for prairie dog hunting are clearly stated on their website. All you have to do is go online and purchase a permit for the days you wish to hunt. You can download a map of the ranch from their website, too.

I hunted prairie dogs there in August of last year. Had a very good time doing it. Had zero contact with anyone from the ranch, which surprised me a bit. From what I could tell, there had been very little prairie dog hunting done there. If you go, I don't think you will see much competition from other varmint hunters.

I wrote and posted a trip report here:

http://www.longrangehunting.com/thr...-and-after-action-review.175021/#post-1227232

Hunting access can be had on more than just the Big Bo. Here is some information on other ranches in AZ, where access can be had:

https://www.azgfd.com/landowner-compact/

 

[centershot]

Benchracer, that is good information. Thanks.

 

[STRSRLVR]

Benchracer, I left a v/m and sent an email in hopes of speaking with someone for more information but no response. I just prefer to speak with people as opposed to reading what they feel like having posted on the internet. Maybe one day I will just have to go check it out.

 

[benchracer]

Benchracer, I left a v/m and sent an email in hopes of speaking with someone for more information but no response. I just prefer to speak with people as opposed to reading what they feel like having posted on the internet. Maybe one day I will just have to go check it out.

Given that the Big Bo is a working ranch, I wouldn't expect to hear much from them. Taking time to answer inquiries could easily end up being a full time job by itself. I had expected that someone would be out to check my permit once I started shooting, but never even saw a ranch hand while I was there.

 

[benchracer]

Benchracer, that is good information. Thanks.

Glad to help!