First Elk hunt 7E late rifle

[Crusader_22]

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

[Jazz]

Welcome to the site!

I have the same hunt- it's never too early to learn the unit. Find the glassing points.

 

Weather dictates a lot of this hunt.

[Roosevelt Mark]

I just got back from 35a, what a zoo. That was my first and last time in that unit. I have been hunting az since 1984 and never seen so many people before.

 

Your elk hunt won't bee that busy.

[Hoss50]

Scout the unit and learn the terrain. It is a good hunt, but can be a very cold hunt so check the weather and be prepared.

[Crusader_22]

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

[Crusader_22]

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

[Crusader_22]

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

[azruger]

Hunt where people won't go!!!! You will do fine.....

[oz31p]

If you hunt near the road you’ll see trucks and atvs. This applies to every unit.

[Crusader_22]

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

[oz31p]

If I were hunting the late bull hunt In 7e tormorrow I would be at 9k+ pre dawn