creedhunting

Rifle or Archery?

MISSION Community Church

What's up CW Nation.. You might know me from Instagram @creed_hunting. My passion is giving bows away to youth who may not ever have the opportunity to shoot a bow or learn the outdoors. We just gave our 15th bow away to young man who lost everything in a house fire. I have a passion for giving back and seeing the next generation of hunters learn the great outdoors. DM me so I can follow you on instragram! Love watching and learning from AZ hunters. Anyway, enough about me..I have a late archery tag in UNIT 1. This is my 2nd late tag. Had one in 4A a few years back and it kicked the crap out of me. Rude introduction to elk hunting. Almost ruined me, so hard and cold...now when I see people post about their late hunts I feel bad for them, because unless you've experienced it, you have no idea what you are in for! So hard! However, this year I am committed to making it happen. I really believe harvesting any bull on the late hunt is a trophy that I could be proud of for a lifetime. I'm gonna make it happen! Okay, so the reason for my post is to continue my learning....I've read, watched just about everything, and talked to previous tag holders... but I'd love to hear from anyone who's had a late archery bull elk tag and experienced hunters who just know... I'd love for this thread to not be about responding, "its hard, good luck". No offese, we know that. But more focused on first hand experience..... How did you prepare before the hunt and what did you learn during the hunt? What would you say to a newer hunter who has this tag for the first time or 2nd time? Here's what I've learned: Get in shape both physically and mentally. Have the right gear for multiple weather conditions (could be cold and even warm), know your unit, good map, find multiple glassing spots, have a plan if it snows, use cams but not until mid oct (get passed some of the early hunts), recruit as many as possible to help glass (open invitation for my hunt, haha), scout as much as possible leading up to opening day to help locate bulls, glass south facing if its cold - north facing if its warm, find thick dark timber that has food/protection/water near by.... If you have the same tag, lets connect! Kevin

To be clear, you don't have to have the unit 1 hunt to contribute. I'd love anyone who has had a late archery tag in AZ to feel free to respond.

That's really good advice. Thanks for the pointer.

unit 1...heard a few.