First time putting in for elk tag.

[Bitter24]

Hey guys/gals,

 

I'm still a newbie to AZ, and this will be my first year putting in for elk. From what I gather its basically buying a BP since it seems to take a while to draw a tag. Other then putting in for archery/muzzle tags and other ways to help increase my draw odds? Though I have fully realized it will be about 15 years till I can draw a tag in one of the better units for mature trophy bulls.

 

Thanks for any input.

 

-Bitter

[azslim]

what do you want, a head on the wall or meat in the freezer? Pretty easy to draw cow tags if you put them as your first 3 choices.

[Bitter24]

azslim,

 

I am looking to hunt bulls, for both the head on the wall and meat.

[GJMauro12]

Depending on the class of bull you want it shouldn't take you 15 years to pull a bull tag that will give you the opportunity at a "wall worthy" bull. I have a 300" bull on my wall and you can find that in most elk units.

[Bitter24]

GJMauro12,

 

Any units I should look at I'm looking for a 300" or bigger bull?

[cmbbulldog]

Any unit can produce a 300 class bull.

 

If you are a resident, anyone can draw any tag.

 

If you are a NR, there are plenty of good tags that you can have a chance for in the random draw.

[Flatlander]

Bitter - If you are looking to hunt bulls sooner than later look at the late hunts. There are some with very high success (see the regs after all the notes) and it really doesn't take long to draw most of them. The reality is this, if you want to hunt bulls in the rut with a rifle, thats a once in a lifetime deal. With a bow it can be done ever 4-8 years. Some folks will get lucky and beat those odds but most will not. Many November hunts can be drawn every 2 or 3 years. You can also look at the limited opportunity hunts for even better odds. Opportunity to hunt elk in AZ abounds, there is something for everybody. I really believe that whatever you want is here. We have a great system so don't get hung up on shooting a bugling bull with a rifle. If you hunt bulls in November ever couple of years you will get better and better at it until you are killing great bulls. And having a full freezer and great times along the way.

 

Good luck my friend and welcome to the oldest sport on Earth.

[WHALE]

You could be hunting bulls in November with archery. It is extremely do able if you do your home work.

[6ANut]

Late hunt bulls can be just as big as rut bulls, if you know the area. My hunting party has many 300 plus bulls on the walls, all from late hunts. Pm me if you have any questions about 6a.

[SunDevil]

if you believe the numbers the g&f publishes, some of the nov archery hunts have very high success rates.

[Bitter24]

Thanks guys for the info. I am a resident now for last two years, though this is my first time applying for elk in AZ. Actually first time applying for elk anywhere or hunting them. I came from the north were we had whitetail and bear for big game. Just trying to do my homework and figure this out as best as I can since I do just want to go hunting, kind of an addiction.

 

Do I think it would be awesome to hunt them during the bugle well duh yes. Though I am perfectly fine hunting mid to late. Thanks again for the info and I will be putting in for the November and late hunts. Just have to pick a unit now, though sounds like for a 300" or bigger bull any unit can hold a 300" er. Plus do like archery hunting so maybe that'll be the ticket for me. Wish I lived a little farther up north AZ to be around the elk more often. Though I am in great Coues country so I agree flatlander this state has a little to offer any one and not just for elk. Def a up grade for hunting chances here vs. Wisconsin.

 

6ANut Im going to check into some units if 6A comes up on my list I will def contact you via PM. Just gotta figure out what unit (s) I want to apply for.

 

-Bitter

[cmbbulldog]

Your first 2 choices will get looked at when they draw your number. So, you can apply for a trophy rut hunt first choice, and a much easier to draw tag second choice. As a resident, anybody can draw any tag. Your first 2 choices will get looked at when they draw your number.

 

Lots of different options. If you just want to go hunt, a late archery tag is a great option.

[KaibabHunter]

+1^

 

And maybe throw in some early cow hunts 3-5th choices to increase your odds to go elk hunting. Might not be antlers but meat and experience is worth alot.

[Flatlander]

Going to be tough to draw an early cow tag on 3rd choice. Maybe a limited opp. or the peaks. Those early cow hunts are pretty popular.

[Norteno]

If you haven't done so already, complete the AZ hunters safety course. Once you do you get one extra point for all species. A little late to complete it for this years elk draw since all the Jan classes are booked but will help in the future.

 

 

http://www.hunter-ed.com/arizona/?gclid=CMfhlPb17rsCFcQ9QgodzVMANA