Arizona Predator Hunt - Bow Only Half Day Adventure
Private Trip
Active hunting
Half-day guided predator hunting for coyotes, bobcats, foxes, badgersBowhunting methods used throughout Arizona's diverse landscapes year-roundExpert guides provide equipment and ensure safe hunting experience
Picture this: you're crouched behind desert scrub at first light, bow in hand, watching your guide glass the ridgeline for movement. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated predator hunt in Arizona's wild backcountry. Days In The Wild runs guided-only hunts targeting some of the Southwest's craftiest predators - coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, and if you're really lucky, mountain lions. This isn't your typical sit-and-wait hunt. You'll be covering ground, reading sign, and using calling techniques that have been perfected over decades of chasing these smart animals through Arizona's diverse terrain.
Your half-day hunt kicks off before sunrise when predators are most active and moving between their nighttime hunting grounds and daytime bedding areas. Our experienced guides know exactly where these animals travel, feed, and rest throughout different seasons. You'll be hunting with traditional archery equipment only - no firearms on this adventure. The challenge of getting within bow range of these wary predators makes every shot opportunity that much more rewarding. Expect to cover anywhere from 2-4 miles on foot depending on what we're tracking and where the animals are moving. The Arizona desert might look barren to some, but our guides will show you how to read the landscape like a book - from scratch marks on trees to well-worn game trails that lead to water sources.
Arizona's hunting terrain ranges from high desert mesas to rocky canyons and dense oak thickets. Each habitat type requires different approaches and calling strategies. In the open flats, we'll use electronic calls to bring predators across longer distances, while in thick cover, hand calls work better for close-range setups. Your guide provides all necessary calling equipment and knows which sounds work best for each species during different times of year. Shot opportunities typically happen between 15-40 yards, so practice your close-range accuracy before you arrive. We hunt from natural blinds and use the terrain to our advantage rather than setting up permanent stands. Weather plays a huge role in predator movement - overcast days often produce better action than bright, sunny conditions. Wind direction is critical since these animals rely heavily on their noses, and your guide will constantly adjust positioning based on air currents.
Coyotes are your most likely encounter on any Arizona hunt, and for good reason - they're everywhere and always opportunistic. These adaptable predators range from 25-45 pounds and respond well to distress calls, especially rabbit and fawn sounds during spring months. They're most active during dawn and dusk but can be called in throughout the day in cooler weather. What makes coyote hunting so addictive is their intelligence - they'll circle downwind, send scouts ahead, and test your setup before committing. When they do come in, it's often fast and within perfect bow range.
Bobcats are the prize that keeps hunters coming back. These stocky cats weigh 15-35 pounds and are masters of stealth, often appearing like ghosts from seemingly empty terrain. Unlike coyotes, bobcats prefer slower, more methodical approaches to investigate calls. Bird distress sounds and rodent squeaks work particularly well during winter months when their primary prey is most active. Bobcats love rocky areas and thick brush where they can use cover to their advantage. Spot one of these spotted beauties and you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate archery challenge.
Gray foxes might be the smallest predator you'll encounter at 7-15 pounds, but they're incredibly fun to hunt. These little guys are excellent climbers and often den in rocky outcrops or old trees. They respond aggressively to mouse squeaks and bird calls, sometimes coming in so close you could almost reach out and touch them. Gray foxes are most active during cooler parts of the day and are particularly responsive during their mating season in late winter and early spring.
Mountain lions represent the ultimate Arizona predator hunting experience, though encounters are rare and require specific conditions. These powerful cats can weigh 80-150 pounds and cover enormous territories. Lion activity peaks during winter months when deer movement increases. Your best shot at a mountain lion encounter comes from hunting areas with fresh deer sign and adequate cover for stalking. Even seeing tracks or getting a glimpse of one of these magnificent predators makes for a world-class hunting story you'll tell for years.
At $400 per hunter for a half-day guided hunt, this Arizona predator experience delivers serious value for bowhunters looking to test their skills against some of the Southwest's wiliest game animals. You're getting expert guidance, prime hunting locations, and the chance to pursue multiple species in a single outing. Our guides eat, sleep, and breathe predator hunting - they know where these animals live and how to get you within bow range. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for a new challenge or wanting to add predator hunting to your skillset, this hunt offers the perfect introduction to Arizona's incredible predator populations. Don't wait - predator hunting is productive year-round, but the best opportunities fill up fast with repeat customers who know what kind of action these hunts produce.
Bobcats are Arizona's sneaky specialists - compact at 15-30 pounds but built like little tanks with those signature tufted ears. They love rocky outcrops, dense mesquite thickets, and anywhere with good cover near rabbit runs. Early morning and late evening are prime time, especially during winter months when their coats are thick and beautiful. Hunters love bobcats because they're smart and challenging - you really have to earn each shot. They respond well to distress calls but they come in careful, often circling downwind first. Pro tip: set up with the wind in your face near thick cover about 100 yards from a wash - they'll use it as a travel corridor.
Coyotes are Arizona's most adaptable predators - ranging from 20-50 pounds depending on where they're living. These smart dogs thrive everywhere from desert flats to mountain meadows, but they love washes and areas where cover meets open ground. Year-round hunting works, though winter and spring are peak times when they're most vocal. Hunters enjoy coyotes because they're challenging and numerous - each one responds differently to calls. Some charge right in, others hang back and study the situation. The key is varying your calling sequence. Start with howls to locate them, then switch to distress calls once they respond. Always watch your downwind side - they'll circle to get your scent.
Gray foxes are Arizona's climbing specialists - smaller than their red cousins at 7-13 pounds, but they've got this cool ability to scale trees when pressured. You'll find them in oak-studded hills, rocky canyons, and anywhere with mixed brush and trees. They're most active at dawn and dusk year-round, but winter calling works best when they're more vocal. What hunters dig about gray foxes is their curiosity - they'll often come right in to investigate calls, making for exciting close encounters. Unlike other predators, they're not as spooky about scent. The trick is using mouse squeaks rather than rabbit calls - grays prefer smaller prey and will respond better to those high-pitched sounds.
Arizona's mountain lions are the ultimate prize - these big cats can weigh 80-160 pounds and demand serious respect. They stick to rocky canyon country and dense brush where deer trails intersect, usually around water sources. Winter through early spring gives you the best shot when they're more active during daylight hours. What makes lions special isn't just their size - it's the challenge of outsmarting Arizona's apex predator. They're incredibly smart and cautious, making every encounter earned. Your best bet is finding fresh tracks in sandy washes after rain, then working uphill toward the rocks where they like to bed down during the day.
Phoenix, AZ