Crusader_22

Yeah, we got skunked too. After seeing a million people everywhere on opening day and Saturday in areas we successfully scouted prior to the hunt, we pulled up stakes and moved to the east side of 89. We did see 3 cows over there, my buddy climbed O'Leary peak for fun, and saw a bull WAY up there, fleetingly, and no chance of a shot...not that we could have gotten it out of where he was! Basically our entire plan went out the window. I seriously do not understand how G&F can justify 1200 tags for this hunt between 7E and 7W given what we saw there. I know water conditions, weather, moon phase, etc. hurt, but 1200 tags? How? Anyway, hiked a lot, saw some beautiful country, and spent quality time with good friends...good enough for me. Jeff

Awesome bull! I'm still out there...seeing cows, buddy jumped up one bull but no shot.

Oh, my goodness. What a zoo. Tons of people ignoring dispersed camping area rules, trucks and side by sides by the dozens, complete disregard of closed road rules, I did not expect this at this level. It's like Walmart on black Friday up here. Even hiking off the road, we run into people. And trucks. Is this normal? I need to reassess what hunts I put in for. This is ridiculous. Jeff

Yeah, I was just amazed at how many travel trailers and big camps are here! It's a big unit, we plon using it all if necessary. We are really stoked...no matter what the outcome, we are having a great time! Jeff

Wow, there are a lot of people up here...

Fact. I am going up Wed to 7E. For sure lots of hunters + little water equals a giant cluster&ck from opening day until the weather switch. If that affects anything. Well, I scouted hard as I could, fact is we as hunters will have to spread out and find the holdouts, or cluster up on the holes. I think the approaching weather on the weekend after opening day will put all plans in the blender. Just my opinion! Jeff

I've been watching the NWS discussion, yeah, good news. Not sure it will impact the animals much, but more fun, anyway. Jeff

Thanks! Jeff

Where is this info? I have searched all over AZGFD and can't find it. Jeff

We had a GREAT scout trip. Saw literally the entire unit in 3 full days of offroading almost every road that is open. We had the maps, and just tooled around the whole time, in every corner. Didn't spend a ton of time glassing, but during a 45 minute session I spotted a medium bull with 4 cows at about 1600 yards, and in various places saw lots of sign, tons of track and scat in certain areas. I feel we really got a good all around feel for the unit and where what is. Saw turkey, and pronghorn up close to boot. No deer, oddly, considering how hard we hit it. Very cool trip, can not wait for the hunt! Jeff

Thanks for the welcome, I'm sure we will have a memorable time no matter the outcome! Yes, cold... I'm actually very ready for winter. I live at 5,000 feet so we sort of get it here, but not like Flagstaff. I'll sure post back here regarding my scouting and hunt. Thanks for all the info I've gleaned from reading all you guys' old posts. Should be quite an experience! Jeff

Hi, my first post here, and my first elk hunt. I'm retired from the Army and Federal civilian service, and live 15 miles from the border in 35A. My friend, his dad and I got drawn (not exactly expecting to!) for the 1-7 December hunt. I'm going scouting tomorrow through Tuesday to see what we can see. I hope it isn't like my experience in 35A (where I live) a couple weeks back for Whitetail, there were ATV's and hunters everywhere. My friend and I hiked in a couple miles in to a ridge overlooking a water tank in the starlight one morning, got set up, and what do you know, just at sunrise an ATV with 3 people comes loudly bouncing in, talking loudly, revving the engine,and parked right on the waterhole, sit for a half hour below me on the ridgeline and 4 bangs later, they shot a little 2x2, and passed us with it on the ATV as we hiked back out to our truck (which they passed on the way in) *sigh*. So much for that morning and effort. Oh, well, nothing I can do about it, but hike farther off of trails..though I saw plenty of ATVs and side by sides NOT on trails, unfortunately. I sometimes think ATVs and side by sides are the scourge of the forests, so many people all over on them unlike the past. So that's the plan for Elk...as far in as I can stand to hike. Or as my knees can handle LOL! I know I'm in for a hard hunt, but I'm optimistic, and excited to give it a try. Wish me luck! Jeff