I apologize for my question as it is pretty vague. Also, my previous research is minimal. I realize that this habit is a pet peeve of many, and honestly I do understand.
However, this year as the Arizona elk draw came to a close, my dad and I decided to apply for an elk tag. I fully realized that in Arizona, with zero bonus points, our chances of drawing a "good" tag were basically, not possible. So I looked over the draw stats to try and find a hunt where there might just be a chance for drawing. But even then, honestly, I felt that there would be no chance of drawing. Plus, I have been told by many others that, some of the later seasons in various units could provide a decent to good elk hunt, with much higher odds of drawing a tag. Personally, just like everyone else, a high quality elk hunt, is about the rut, and about vocal bulls. But also, as everyone knows, those tags are highly sought after and again, we may have to wait anywhere from 6 - 20 years before drawing, so that effected my decision. Plus the fact that, most, or at least, many areas can provide quality elk and an abundance of elk to boot, so I felt like there would be no really bad choices.
So with a brief amount of research, plus after looking over the drawing statistics, as well as the harvest success rates, I opted with three decent looking units. With my third choice being unit 22 north. The drawing success rate was 50 percent - but the way Arizona does it's numbers is confusing as it seems they lump both residents as well as nonresidents into the same drawing success pool, and therefore it is difficult at best to get a firm drawing success number. Anyway, I figured at best, the chance of drawing a tag was probably around 20 percent. But, as the draw information became available, I found that we drew that third choice.
It may sound strange, but after finding out we had drawn, I had mixed emotions - primarily due to the fact that I have been dealing with a huge issue with depression. But I did do a bit of research through the Arizona website as well as a google search.
It seems that this hunt used to be really good, up until about five years ago. Then apparently the state began issuing a large amount of tags. Im not certain if it was to take down the burgeoning population, or due to hunter desire for more opportunity. Regardless, it is what it is.
The northeast corner does seem to be home to quality genetics, so that is a plus. But also what I have found is that they hunters have put a significant dent in the population - which is not good.
I have read that it is a very optic intensive area, and that most hunters tend to stick to the road, going from point to point and glassing, then making a move. So, I was thinking that if my dad and I do some footwork and get away from easily accessible areas, we could possibly have a good hunt.
If I have questions with hunting units, I usually come here, or go to bowsite, so here I am. My dad is 63 and is in pretty good condition, but obviously neither one of us, know how many hunts we will have in the future, so I would love for my dad to have the opportunity at a good bull. Also, we aren't a bit afraid to work for it, we just need some good advice, some starting points, what to expect, etc.
I have found that there are some areas that are pretty difficult to access, and I figure those would be perfect starting points. The wilderness area seemed like a good place to investigate, however, on another note, it seems that the wilderness area is shared between 22N and 22S, and because most information I have found suggests that higher numbers of elk are in the northeast corner of the unit, I wondered if the wilderness area would even be worth investigating.
We cannot afford an outfitter, but I did wonder if there was the possibility of hiring an outfitter to take us in and drop us, like a drop camp, or if there was anywhere we could rent horses, or even llamas.
So as mentioned, any information would be greatly appreciated. Even things that aren't hunting specific, but may be helpful in our adventure, such as road conditions, roads to avoid, or where to rent a cabin, or even pitch camp, or anything that we may not expect, would be helpful.
Also, if you have pics of 22N bulls, that would be interesting to see.
Obviously if you would not mind sharing information, it may be best to send a PM, but I will leave that up to your discretion. I can also honestly say that any information you share will be safe with me, as I only relay information of areas I have found on my own. Plus I can say for certain this will be our only year to hunt there, simply due to other possible hunts as well as some of the relatively "poor" feedback I have gotten on the unit.
Anyway, any help will be greatly appreciated.
However, this year as the Arizona elk draw came to a close, my dad and I decided to apply for an elk tag. I fully realized that in Arizona, with zero bonus points, our chances of drawing a "good" tag were basically, not possible. So I looked over the draw stats to try and find a hunt where there might just be a chance for drawing. But even then, honestly, I felt that there would be no chance of drawing. Plus, I have been told by many others that, some of the later seasons in various units could provide a decent to good elk hunt, with much higher odds of drawing a tag. Personally, just like everyone else, a high quality elk hunt, is about the rut, and about vocal bulls. But also, as everyone knows, those tags are highly sought after and again, we may have to wait anywhere from 6 - 20 years before drawing, so that effected my decision. Plus the fact that, most, or at least, many areas can provide quality elk and an abundance of elk to boot, so I felt like there would be no really bad choices.
So with a brief amount of research, plus after looking over the drawing statistics, as well as the harvest success rates, I opted with three decent looking units. With my third choice being unit 22 north. The drawing success rate was 50 percent - but the way Arizona does it's numbers is confusing as it seems they lump both residents as well as nonresidents into the same drawing success pool, and therefore it is difficult at best to get a firm drawing success number. Anyway, I figured at best, the chance of drawing a tag was probably around 20 percent. But, as the draw information became available, I found that we drew that third choice.
It may sound strange, but after finding out we had drawn, I had mixed emotions - primarily due to the fact that I have been dealing with a huge issue with depression. But I did do a bit of research through the Arizona website as well as a google search.
It seems that this hunt used to be really good, up until about five years ago. Then apparently the state began issuing a large amount of tags. Im not certain if it was to take down the burgeoning population, or due to hunter desire for more opportunity. Regardless, it is what it is.
The northeast corner does seem to be home to quality genetics, so that is a plus. But also what I have found is that they hunters have put a significant dent in the population - which is not good.
I have read that it is a very optic intensive area, and that most hunters tend to stick to the road, going from point to point and glassing, then making a move. So, I was thinking that if my dad and I do some footwork and get away from easily accessible areas, we could possibly have a good hunt.
If I have questions with hunting units, I usually come here, or go to bowsite, so here I am. My dad is 63 and is in pretty good condition, but obviously neither one of us, know how many hunts we will have in the future, so I would love for my dad to have the opportunity at a good bull. Also, we aren't a bit afraid to work for it, we just need some good advice, some starting points, what to expect, etc.
I have found that there are some areas that are pretty difficult to access, and I figure those would be perfect starting points. The wilderness area seemed like a good place to investigate, however, on another note, it seems that the wilderness area is shared between 22N and 22S, and because most information I have found suggests that higher numbers of elk are in the northeast corner of the unit, I wondered if the wilderness area would even be worth investigating.
We cannot afford an outfitter, but I did wonder if there was the possibility of hiring an outfitter to take us in and drop us, like a drop camp, or if there was anywhere we could rent horses, or even llamas.
So as mentioned, any information would be greatly appreciated. Even things that aren't hunting specific, but may be helpful in our adventure, such as road conditions, roads to avoid, or where to rent a cabin, or even pitch camp, or anything that we may not expect, would be helpful.
Also, if you have pics of 22N bulls, that would be interesting to see.
Obviously if you would not mind sharing information, it may be best to send a PM, but I will leave that up to your discretion. I can also honestly say that any information you share will be safe with me, as I only relay information of areas I have found on my own. Plus I can say for certain this will be our only year to hunt there, simply due to other possible hunts as well as some of the relatively "poor" feedback I have gotten on the unit.
Anyway, any help will be greatly appreciated.
