Out of these units, which would you choose for an archery bull elk hunt?

[308Nut]

This is a hypothetical question. If you had enough points to put you in the max point pass for a few archery bull hunts (5BS, 6AS, 7E, 7W, 8), which would you pick as your first and only choice if these were your only options? The most important concideration is having a good fun hunt with multiple opprotunities at 300-330 class bulls with the possibility of at least seeing one or two 330-380 bulls.

 

I realize many of you would not concider any of these units for an early bow hunt but if these were your only options..............

 

I talked with a really good outfitter today and I think he has sold me on a guided hunt. He steered me towards a particular unit but he had other units in mind as well. I just want to make sure I am not missing anything. Either way, he recomended a few of the above which I have some knowledge of but would like some of your opinions and perceptions.

 

I realize that I need mental help. I am a long time elkaholic and I would love to hold out for a 'better" hunt. 'Better' is becoming a more subjective term all the time. Besides, I dont think I have that kind of patience and I know there is potential for a great overall hunt in all of the above units.

 

Regards!

 

M

[125coues]

Just so you know I voted for unit 8 . I have hunted it many years and know it's potential .

[AZLance]

none of the above...

[jnobleinaz]

Sounds like a dream hunt.

[azpredator@work]

1) 5bs

2) 6as

3) 8

4) 7w

5) 7e

 

Sounds like G&F may combine all 6 tags into one 6a pool for next year so you may not have to focus on just 6as. If they do that then I would change to 6a for my first choice. Good luck to you. All units stated above will produce the caliber of bulls you are looking for.

[308Nut]

none of the above...

 

 

I have never heard of that unit before. Must be a real gem!

[CRAZYBUCK]

none of the above...

 

 

+ 1

[Red Rabbit]

M,

I am assuming that you have about 9 BP as a NR and know it'll be years before you catch up to the pack for a unit 9 tag. Good luck.

 

Doug~RR

[308Nut]

none of the above...

 

 

+ 1

 

Never heard of that one either

 

[Browning'sCustomMeat]

5BS...just cause I know it better than the others....and given those choices that one I'd feel more comfortable with.

[Tines]

I'll give my .02 on this. I've hunted elk in all but 6aSouth. Successful in all of them too. All hold awesome potential. Let's face it, we're talking about hunting Arizona bulls. That said, it's obvious that some (including myself) have preference over another (or none) because of personal experience.

 

If you're talking to a reputable outfitter and have contacted his references, what more can you do? You just apply where he wants you to if you're gonna book anyway, right? Keep in mind that a reputable outfitter probably isn't going to have you "burn some points" on a unit just because he wants you to book. Chances are, if he's reputable, if you don't book someone else will. Money probably isn't his motivating factor either but knowing where and how to hunt the unit IS.

 

I will say this about 7E. When I first hunted 7E I wasn't impressed at all. But I also learned that it's no different than any other unit where sometimes they're quiet where you're hunting, and screaming their brains out only a couple of miles away. How many times do we all read posts that read "They're not talking in unit xx at all!!"? In the mean time, maybe we were just there and the places we were hunting the bulls wouldn't shut up! It happens, and that's hunting. 7E will kick your butt if you don't know what you're doing. But it rocks just like any other if you do! Like most places with a decent amount of critters, time spent in a unit will build confidence.

 

You asked this question based on the BP you have. Maybe your choices would have changed if you were going in with 15 or so. But there's no way around that.

 

Don't let some number (i.e. 5bs, 7e, 6a) dictate which unit you apply for. Trust your outfitter, call his or her references and go with it. Good luck!

 

[200"mulie]

none of the above!!! UNIT 1 OR 27

 

you can find big bulls anywhere. you just have to find them. but i would hunt 1 and 27 cause i know it the best and know how to stay away from hunters so i can get my big bull

[Chris]

Not much of challengers there...... Unit 8