Is AZ worth it?

E

eagle_eye

Guest
Never applied in AZ before, but am considering beginning this year. My goal is a great chance at a 300"+ bull with my bow sometime in the next 12 years. I've researched the stats, odds, data, on many states draw systems, but not AZ, and am hoping that those in the know can chime in and let me know whether my plan is doable and worth the nonrefundable license fee every year.

Thanks.

EE
 
Lots of guys talk about the lesser units being good for that size bull. You're way behind and getting further back each year. Every year a new crop of guys get dbl points because of the loyalty point and some get 3 with the Hunter Ed point added on top.
I have 5 and will end this year with 7 or 8 depending on when /if I get down for a Hunter Ed field day.
 
Az is a must apply for state. You will draw the type hunt you are looking for with much less than 12 points. If you decide to apply i could give you some areas to consider.
 
It is awful! Do not waiste your time or money. It is the best elk hunt out there to be honest. Good luck!
 
AZ produces a high number of quality bulls, and a 300+ inch bull can be found in just about any unit. Im not sure if you are a res or not, but it can be difficult for a non-res to draw. As some people stated, you can accumulate bonus points for non-draw years, but you also may be the one of the lucky ones who gets it the first time. If you have the funds and capacity ($$$) to do so, I would recommend it. I have found out that if you drop off your application on the last day it seems to help with draw odds. By the way, the final day to drop off your application is Feb 18th.........just kidding....its the 10th.....Good luck!
 
I think this is my 18th year of applying, although I only have 14 points because I used to put in sometimes without buying a hunting license, anyway Im a nonresident and maybe have bad luck, but be prepared
 
AZ is a great state and if you really do your research you will find there are hunts available with just a few points. you could potentially draw every 1-2 years in units with bulls upward of 380 on harder hunting seasons archery as well as rifle. you cans hunt 300-350 class bulls otc in other states in certian regions the key is doing research.
 
It used to be well worth it, but now G&F insist on crowding hunters nut to butt, so until that changes...........its gonna suck.

300+ bulls arent around every bush, contrary to popular belief. But you could get lucky.

Is that ethical?
 
Arizona is a state that you should apply for if you want a chance at a bull like you've described. There are quite a few units that you can have a good chance of drawing every five or six years, especially if you apply each year. I've hunted elk in Arizona elk five times, twice on my own tags and three times helping friends. Every hunt has been quite enjoyable and we've had a chance at a 300+ bull on each and ever hunt. Two of those were bow hunts, two were muzleloader and one was rifle. I've seen 340+ bulls on all but one of those hunts, and most of those were in units not considered as the better trophy producing units.

Go for it, you never know when you'll draw. Heck, I drew unit 9 archery elk on my very first try!
 
Thanks for the responses. Greatly appreciated. Looks like I'll add AZ to UT, CO, NM, WY, and OR to my list of out of state applications, to go along with a resident MT tag. The goal, like many of you, is to draw one premium tag per year, for one of the species, at a minimum. I'll pencil a realistic chance at AZ beginning in 2015, and sounds like I need to do the research to decide what unit that will be.

Good luck to all!
 
AZ is great but most bowhunts if you start now will take over 12 points. Everyone thinks since a hunt takes 9 points now it always will. AZ has something like 5-10 new NR apps each year for every tag, never mind everyone else already in line. You do the math. I was looking at 7m, now 11m, when I had 3 points it took 6, 5 years later it takes 9. With that creep when you have 9 it will take 13, when you have 13 it will take 15. You get the idea. And 11m is an easier draw then most bow tags, one of the easiest.

Just know it might take over 12 years. I have 7 points now and I very highly doubt I will draw a bow tag in then next 3 years, liekly 5-7, and I am way ahead.

That said time flies and I say go for it, just know the facts.
 
Well, I can only relay my personal experiences.....I've been drawn 3 times for archery bull since 1993.....and I'm a non-resident. Not a bad wait time if you ask me. However, my hunts took place in units that are not as popular or well known by hunters and magazines alike.....do your research and pick your units wisely. If a 300" bull is fine with you......ANY elk unit in the state will work. Good luck.

BOHNTR )))---------->
 

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