Prickly Pear Guide Service

Prickly Pear Guide Service operates guided hunting trips through central Arizona's most productive big game territory, focusing on the Central Arizona Project Aqueduct hunting areas. Guests meet at the Waddell staging location (Waddell, AZ 85355) and hunt under the direction of Guide Thomas Smock, who brings extensive knowledge of Arizona's diverse terrain and wildlife behavior.

The service offers guided pursuits for:

• •Elk ($2,500) — Hunt Arizona's best elk zones for trophy bulls
• •Mule Deer ($2,000) — High desert plateaus and mountain slopes
• •Coues Deer ($2,000) — Small, elusive desert deer requiring precision shooting
• •Mountain Lion ($7,500) — Predator hunts with trained hounds
• •Bear ($2,000) — Black bears in rugged canyon and forest habitat
• •Pronghorn Antelope ($4,500) — Speed and strategy hunts in open terrain
• •Bighorn Sheep ($4,500) — Rare, demanding climbs in steep desert mountains
• •Javelina ($1,500) — Desert stalks through mesquite and rocky terrain
• •Turkey ($1,500) — Merriam's and Gould's turkeys using expert calling
• •Buffalo/Bison — Large game pursuits across remote areas

Trips are customizable based on your experience level and goals. For mountain lion hunts, you'll follow trained hounds through remote canyons as they track and tree lions. For deer hunts—whether mule deer, Coues, or elk—you'll use spot-and-stalk tactics, glassing vast landscapes and closing distance on trophy animals. Pronghorn hunts emphasize speed and strategy across open plains. Bear hunts navigate steep terrain where black bears roam thick forest and canyon bottoms.

Rifle and muzzleloader hunters may bring their own firearms or use provided equipment. Bow hunters must bring archery gear (rentals available at $100–$150). All hunters must carry a valid Arizona hunting license and appropriate tags for their target species.

• •100% satisfaction guarantee — If a hunt doesn't meet expectations, the service works to reschedule or adjust. All-inclusive trips mean no surprises about lodging or food costs once you're in the field. Central Arizona focus keeps hunts accessible while maintaining productive wildlife habitat. Multiple species options let you target whatever challenge suits your skill level—from $1,500 javelina stalks to $7,500 mountain lion pursuits with hounds.

Book directly through the website or call for custom trip planning. Cancellations require at least 30 days' notice, but rescheduling is available if circumstances change. Trip lengths vary—some hunts can be completed in 1-2 days, while others run a week or longer depending on the species and your preferences.

Hunters are responsible for obtaining a valid Arizona hunting license and any required tags before the trip. The service guides you through the application process. Purchase licenses through the Arizona Game & Fish Department website (license.azgfd.com).