AZ Archer

Awesome story and good job Drake. I don't have any experience predator hunting but my lab is pretty good for elk. She's been along for a successful junior tag and archery rut tag. Search out member Red Rabbit, he had cool stories and pics of him and his dog on different hunts that were on this site back in the day.

I had never set foot in 27 until I found out I drew an archery bull tag so I can't compare to previous years. I've also never been on a rifle hunt so I have no experience as far as crowding, pressure, harvest, etc is during those hunts. I've drawn bull tags in 5BS, 5BN, 6A, 8, and now 27. I'd take the 27 tag over all but 5BS, but that's due to sentimental reasons mainly. I had a great hunt in 27. I was into elk everyday of the hunt. I didn't see a lot of big bulls, biggest probably 330-40 class, but I did see a lot of elk. I didn't see many hunters in the woods either. I spent the majority of my hunt in the burn areas. The elk are there, but near impossible to get to. You're right about the aspen jungles, left me wishing for a machete at times. Although I didn't tag out, I had plenty of opportunities, and got to see some awesome country. That's all I hope for in a hunt. I would definitely put in for 27 again, and plan to be back for archery deer. I saw 2 real nice coues bucks in an area I wouldn't have expected, and saw more mule deer there then any hunt I've been on. It was a fun hunt for me.

I came across a big group of rams while scouting for my elk hunt and was surprised how they weren't concerned with us at all. Walked up to within 50 yards snapping pics and they bedded right in front of us.

Agreed Az Sawbuck, good group of hunters here. Getting excited for the 16th. Thanks Becker and Grayghost and everyone else for the info. Good luck to all.

Bluewater Grill on 51 & Camelback has a fish counter that sells them. I picked up some walleye from there a bit ago.

Thanks GJ. It's my first time hunting unit 27 also, usually elk hunt 5BS. Put in 27 this year due to the later archery dates. Yeah it's a little different from what I'm used to. Lots of country but it's beautiful, some areas not sure if I would arrow a bull due to fear of getting it out in a timely manner. Good luck to you.

Thanks everyone for your help, huntlines good luck to you and your brother in law. One more question, is there an archery shop closer than the one in Show Low? Thanks again and shoot straight.

First time posting and I'm looking for spots to elk hunt in unit 27......just joking, I've actually been scouting quite a bit. I do have a few questions though. I'll be up the entire hunt and was wondering if there is a campground or somewhere to get a shower in? I have a solar shower but nothing beats the real thing. Are there any packers anyone would recommend? I'll be solo the majority of the hunt and was just curious in case I get in a pickle. Last time I went past Hannagan Meadow during the spring archery turkey hunt everything was closed. I assume it was just closed for the winter, correct? My scouting lately has been mostly north of there and I haven't driven down to confirm. Thanks for any help you can offer. I'll be up one last time this weekend, then leaving Thursday the 15th for the entire hunt. Good luck to all, even the rifle hunters who start before me : )