X12 or x9a?

[hunter5504]

Curious on everyone's opinion since they where both 5 point minimum to draw last year bc of the decrease tags for x12.iv never hunted x9a but iv heard people say it's better than x12. I have hunted x12 3 times before with just ok success but really want to know others opinions. Thanks

 

[Smithb9841]

I have never hunted those 2 zones but from what I’ve learned go where is closer and you can spend
more time scouting and hunting.. I drew an X zone that was about 8 hours away a couple years ago I loved the country but I didn’t get to scout and Time was limited and it isn’t easy to learn a new zone on the fly when all you’ve done is seen maps online. If distance is the same I’d say pick one and learn it that way yourready every few years

i know that doesn’t answer your question specifically but I hope it steers you in the right direction.. BTW how did you do
in X12 the times you hunted?

 

[hunter5504]

Gotten one 3x2 in the 3 tries one of the time was archery. A few years back tho everyone talked so highly of x9a but it was like 5 points to draw compared to x12 being 3-4 so now they are the same just wanted opinions thanks.

 

[baco]

My opinion stick to what you know both are great zones but you have to learn them

 

[dustin ray]

Its hard to compare draw odds when concerding the cut in tag allocations in 2010 x12 had 760 rifle and 170 archery tag. now its 340 and 40 x9 had 650 rifle and 140 archery now its 269 and 30. Im not sure of the real reason for the cut but ill bet in just a few years the quality of deer will be better i have hunted 9 many times im just waiting a few more years before i put in for the tag

 

[Plain ol' Steve]

I suppose it all depends on why you hunt. If filling the tag is the priority, go where you know, but maybe its nice to explore new country and challenge yourself on a new game board?

 

[Huntin Dave]

From my experience, 9a has more non hunters running around due to the touristy stuff in the unit. X12 is more remote. Deer quality is pretty much the same IMHO.

 

[ChrisAMX]

I applied 9A with 5 points and did not draw

 

[Bigolwiggler]

I would have to agree with Dustin. I know someone who hunted 9a last year. In one single day he saw 11 spikes. He settled for a small 3x3 , did not see much else and he is what I would consider a good hunter based upon his track record though he is getting older. In a couple more seasons things should look really well there. I am not sure if its the same in x12....
All in all, hunt where you know if it holds bucks. The key is scouting.
BOW

Its hard to compare draw odds when concerding the cut in tag allocations in 2010 x12 had 760 rifle and 170 archery tag. now its 340 and 40 x9 had 650 rifle and 140 archery now its 269 and 30. Im not sure of the real reason for the cut but ill bet in just a few years the quality of deer will be better i have hunted 9 many times im just waiting a few more years before i put in for the tag

 

[JohnCo]

I haven't hunted x9a, just x12 a few times. I'd vote for going with a zone you've already built a base of knowledge up. X12 has such a nice variety of terrain and lots of backcountry you could hike into and probably be alone. You could try some new areas, then always fall back into some spots you've hunted before.
Not that x12 is any better, but you already probably know where most the hunters tend to congregate. Places to avoid. Places to hike in from. Places that attract the young bucks but nothing bigger. Maybe where the deer tend to move to after opening weekend pressure. Knowing where the deer AREN'T sometimes is half the battle haha.

Anymore it seems like I apply for areas that I enjoy the scenery and terrain. You could find a nice buck in either zone. Of course if you personally know someone that's hunted x9a very recently that would share some very specific information(not posted for all the public to see), that could tip the scales towards a new zone.

 

[hunter5504]

Thanks all. We applied for x12 with 5 points, 2 of us hopefully we get it

 

[dunderee]

I think luck has a lot to with it. I been in areas that I've seen nice deer in and sometimes they are there sometimes they are not. Whichever zone you choose learn it and go back and you'll just get better at it. Even the d-zones produce nice big bucks if you know where they are. Good luck.

 

[hoover]

Anybody going to x-12 for the opener next week . Seeing lots of does during scouting this this last week , not many bucks ?

 

[spectr17]

I like x12 for the less crowded with tourists part. I hunted with a kid maybe 10 years ago and we found a really nice buck the day before the opener near bodie. We should have just camped near there but I had to meet a friend and we camped over by 395. As we were hiking in opening morning we heard a shot. Ugh it was our buck I hoped the kid would take. It was the big 4x4 from potato peak that year. I put in for X9a this year just because i know it better. Like several have mentioned, pick a zone or area and learn it well.

 

[jaymz]

Snapped this guy over the weekend in X9A. Hopefully he’s still around and I can get a tag next year.