AZ unit 5B north help

chasendeer · Jul 20, 2004

I drew a unit 5B north tag for late November. Any help on this would greatful.
Thank you,
Jay Hinton

Psychozar · Jul 20, 2004

Jay,

5B North consists of pine forests in the south half of the unit to predominantly juniper in the north. The pine forests hold higher elk populations as well as hunters. The lower elevation juniper forests hold good populations of elk, but they can be hard to see due to the density of the trees. Temperatures range from mild to cold in the day to cold at night. I got plenty more info if you need it.

Good Luck,

Mark

chasendeer · Jul 21, 2004

Mark
Thank you for the info. What would be a good area to start in. Are you able to do much glassing or is the country too flat?
Thanks again,
Jay

Psychozar · Jul 21, 2004

Jay,

I like the junipers in the northern part of the unit. Glassing is a definite option. Where are you from?

Mark

chasendeer · Jul 22, 2004

I"m from California. What size of a bull do you think I'll have a good chance at?
Thanks again.
Jay

Psychozar · Jul 22, 2004

I think that depends on preparation and luck. Preparation as in scouting, and luck on your side never hurts. There are big bulls to be found. This hunt is hard. The elk have already been chased for several hunts, such as archery, cow, etc. The elk will be spooky, and for the most part, deep in thickets. Be prepared for the long hall. My family has success still hunting in thickets with good elk sign. The biggest bull that I have personally seen from this unit was a 376 point 6x6. This bull was harvested several years by a family friend. Dad has a few 300 point bulls from the area as well. He usually shoots the first thing with antlers that he encounters.

Mark

chasendeer · Aug 3, 2004

thanks for the help
Jay

BOWUNTR · Aug 3, 2004

Chasendeer keep in touch, I drew 5BN archery bull and will be up there the whole season. Not that they will be in the same areas but I will give you all of the details. Good luck. Ed F

LUCKYBUCK1 · Aug 4, 2004

Bowuntr, I drew 5B north archery as well. Im excited but never Elk hunted in Arizona. Not to impose on your areas, but what would u suggest?

azelkmaniac · Aug 4, 2004

Jay, I have guided in that unit on that particular hunt for the last 4 or 5 years. It as a decent unit with some good bulls. The biggest bull I have seen in there which is still running around was in the mid 350's. Find vantage points and sit with a good set of glasses. With some good scouting you should not have a problem. Chris

BOWUNTR · Aug 4, 2004

Lucky, You can find elk almost anywhere in the unit, which is kind of small. Are you planning a scouting trip? Read Bohntr's post in the elk season forcast post. He looked at some areas for me. Lots of rain, tall grass and big bulls. Get excited about your tag because you may not see it again for a long time. I'll be up there a couple more times this month and I will let you know. Good luck. Ed F