Arizona Archery Elk

Russ · Apr 4, 2005

I am going into the draw with 7 bonus points, does anybody have a clue what my odds would be to draw a good archery elk tag?? Good, bad or ugly?? I want to put in for N.M. also, but don't have enough time off to hunt 2 out of state hunts. If my odds are bad, I will put in for both. I keep thinking I have to draw one of these years.

huntazido · Apr 4, 2005

Depends on the unit you are applying for. If you are applying for 8,9,10,1, or 27 I would say apply in AZ but plan on going to NM. However, if you apply for one of the other hunts I would say you have a pretty decent chance of getting drawn. I have only one point so I would love to be in your situation. Not much hope for me this year.

This whole NonResident issue may throw a wrench into the process this year and we will just have to wait and see what happens. Many NR's have quite a few bonus points built up and they are probably going to get a much larger percentage of tags than in the past. Another thing that may change the odds are the fact that we all have to mail in our apps with a check or money order this year. No electronic applications. This may make a few people drop out.

Good luck to you.

If you use a guide service please use an Az guide service and not USO. You'll be much happier.

John

Russ · Apr 4, 2005

We have hunted Arizona before, and we never use a guide service. My dad had a muzzleloader tag on 3a-3c a couple of years ago, and we go down 2-3 days before the hunt, and scout and then hunt the entire hunt if it is a 5 day hunt. We have had real good success in N.M. and Arizona doing this for both deer and elk. I hope to draw before the prices get to the point where I cannot put in anymore.

bearlip · Apr 4, 2005

Russ,

How did your dad do on his muzzleloader hunt? I plan on applying for 3C (Archery) this year with 6 points and could use some help. Was his hunt before the fire in 2002 or after?

Many thanks

azbiggame · Apr 4, 2005

With 7 "B.P.",Id say You have a Good chance of drawing in 05.That is if Az,goes with the 1 "POT" draw as I've heard about.Also if your "B.P." have been earned/bought for 5 years in arow,You will be given another B.P. for the NEW "Loyalty" point.Az gave out around +/- 3200 Bull tags in 2004 for Archery.You and 2700,have 7 points,but 4601 have more "B.P." This coming Season will be the "Best" chance a Non-Res will ever have to draw a Bull Elk tag or a N.Rim deer tag.EVER,EVER,EVER---

Russ · Apr 5, 2005

Bear lip, I am thinking I will put 3c as my first choice archery this year, mostly because dad had that tag 2 years ago, and I know where to start looking. He did have the tag after the fire. We saw a ton of bulls, but could never find a huge one. He ended up killing a 340ish 7x7. A real pretty bull, but we were hoping for better. The problem with 3c and other places in Arizona, is you can not glass. We chased bugles all day long, but you just never knew what you were sneaking in on. I saw 2 bulls, I wanted dad to shoot, but we could never find them again when he was with me. I carried my swav spotting scope around the first day, and never got it out of the truck again. Not needed. I have no problem helping you if things work out for ya.

cbryant11 · Apr 5, 2005

i would say stay away from 3c horrible area this year
cbryant

bubbas · Apr 5, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Apr-06-05 AT 00:25AM (MST)[p]The real sleepers this year will be 4 and 5 units. They are always great units but the moisture is great there again and there were some dandy bulls in there last year.

PleaseDear · Apr 5, 2005

Nothing wrong with 7M.

782warbird · Apr 6, 2005

With the change this year that you have to pay up front for your tags I believe any person with 7 bonus points will have a good chance.
I believe Arizona will have less applicants this year because of the change.
But with reality with the price changes going into affect in 2006 you had better hope you draw a tag this year.
Unit 3 is good so is 7,8,9,10 any of these units will have 350+ bulls
warbird

sayala · Apr 8, 2005

I would agree with bubbah and say that both 4 & 5 are going to be some awesome units to draw this year. Hunted both units before and have seen some nice bulls in them.

Good Luck
Sayala

WARBIRDUM · Apr 9, 2005

Can someone answer this question? If you put in for two units it is my understanding that your second choice unit that you put on your application has just as good of chance at drawing a tag as your first choice on application is this true? And what do you think the odds of having 8 points for elk this year non-resident will be for units 8 and 9 archery elk? Wont draw, slim chance, or you will have to wait until prices jump so high that most applicants will have to drop out of the drawing game to get a half decent chance?

redrabbit · Apr 9, 2005

Warbirdum,
When your application is drawn, they look at your first two choices, in order. If neither hunt is still open, you go back into the pot for the second drawing where they look at choices 3-5. Only those hunts having a 100% draw odds listed will have permits still available in the second round, as the draw % listed is based on the first choice.

Doug~Red Rabbit

WARBIRDUM · Apr 9, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Apr-09-05 AT 10:57AM (MST)[p]Thanks for the information Red Rabbit. 2005 bonus point listing is 1 point-92426,2 points 29,955, 3 points 17,722, 4 points 10,723, 5 points 6,397 6 points 4,490, 7 points 2,761 8 points 1,558 9 points 872, 10 points 501, 11 points 319, 12 points 168 13 points 119, 14 points 58 and 15 points 6.
Is the 2005 bonus points listing above is the extra point included in the table for applicants who have been applying for 5 years or more in a row listed?Or will everyone bump up to the next level after applying for five years or more in a row?

fin little · Apr 9, 2005

Those numbers include the hunters safety point but not the loyalty point. WARBIRDIM I drew my second choice 10 years ago. It was a unit 9 rifle tag. I used to put down the longer odds hunt first choice and the better odds hunt second. Now I just use one choice. I have 10 points and I want the archery tag or nothing.

WARBIRDUM · Apr 9, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Apr-09-05 AT 11:47AM (MST)[p]fin little thanks for the information and good luck on drawing your dream tag this year sounds like you should have a pretty good chance.

30_378shtr · Apr 9, 2005

I wouldn't even bother putting in for elk in Arizona. I live here and have hunted here for years. It's going to be an awful season. If I were you non-resident hunters, I would save my money or go to utah or something. This year will really suck.

huntazido · Apr 9, 2005

I'd have to agree. This is definatley not a good year to draw AZ. Just money down the drain.

huntazido · Apr 9, 2005

Warbirdum, Where did you get your info about the bonus points and how many people had what? Thanks

PleaseDear · Apr 9, 2005

The Bonus Point numbers info by Bonus Point pool is on the back of the letter that Az. sent out regarding the 2005 application and draw info. You could buy your hunting license then and order your 2005 Az. hunting and Trapping Regulations book too.

caelkhnter · Apr 10, 2005

I'd have to agree with those who say Az. should be passed this year. As I under it the sate has got sooooo much water that they expect the antler growth to be weak. In fact the antlers may be falling off the animals before any seasons start. I think everyone should not even waste the effort of putting in this year. Wait for a dryer year!!!

WARBIRDUM · Apr 10, 2005

PleaseDear is correct it is on the back of the letter that was sent from the game and fish dept. I think it will be a lousy year also in Arizona the racks will be to large and a pain to pack out dont put in this year it could hurt your back.

huntazido · Apr 10, 2005

Warbirdum, I sent you a private message. thanks

sremim · Apr 11, 2005

Don't expect to get a tag with that many points. The points don't work worth a damn. I have 9 points and I still can't get a tag while several of my freinds who have had 2 or less points have gotten several tags each, all in the prime units (8,9,10). The AZ bonus point system does not do anything for you.

WARBIRDUM · Apr 11, 2005

I guess that is why they call it the luck of the draw. I know where you are coming from it seems like alot of people get lucky with low points.Makes me wonder if the points even help I have seen this subject posted alot.

huntazido · Apr 11, 2005

I'll take those "no good" points if you don't want them.

WapitiBob · Apr 11, 2005

I have 2 points or less, guess I better start packin.

AZbowhntr · Apr 12, 2005

OK, my question is, say you put in with someone that has 13 or 14 bonus points (can't remember which) and they are part of the 20% with the most bonus points. Does everyone that puts in on the same application draw the tag also? I know that they average out the points (total number of points of all applicants divided by the number of applicants). But they raised the % that goes to the max points holders from 10 to 20 this year. If they are part of the 20% it wouldn't even matter what numbers you drew would it? I hope this makes some kind of sense. I am having a real hard time writing what I want to say as you can probably tell. I have a friend that asked me if I wanted to put in with him the other day. And he does have 13 or 14 points. I think I talked him into putting in by himself but it sure was tempting to take advantage of the points.

BOHNTR · Apr 13, 2005

Arizona has elk?????

BOHNTR )))---------->

fin little · Apr 13, 2005

If you apply with your friend they will average the bp's. Example, If he has 14 and you have 7 you will both end up with 11. Az rounds up. If 11 is enough to put you in the max pool , both of you will be in it. If 11 isnt enough neither one of you will be in it. Azbowhntr, thats the way I understand it.

huntazido · Apr 13, 2005

You need to be very nice to your friend until at least the middle of June. WOW! Wish I had a friend like that.

Now that I am down to one point again my hunting friends avoid me like the plague. Can't even get them to talk about applying.

This is the first year I ever applied out of state. Mostly because I think this is going to be a terrible year to get drawn and also a horrendous year for horn growth. Bad year to apply in AZ for sure. If I wasn't a resident I wouldn't even consider applying here.

AZbowhntr · Apr 13, 2005

It has been so long since he has hunted that he has about given up. He did not know anything about the G&F increasing the max bonus points getting 20% of the tags though. He has asked the last couple years and I just haven't pushed it.

AZtrophyhunter · Apr 14, 2005

Huntaz, we should put in together cause I only have one bonus point now too! Wait, I have two......since I've been putting in for 5 years straight or whatever rule they added this year. What unit did you get drawn in last year? I had a 4A tag & killed a 300 bull. There aren't many big bulls in there form some reason. I'm sure some in here would disagree but it's true, the unit is lacking in high calibur bulls. You're right though, this is a HORRIBLE year to have an AZ elk tag all around. Man I'm glad I got my tag last year. It's hard to believe that so much rain can actually stunt the horn growth. Crazy.

PAL · Apr 19, 2005

Talk about un-lucky, how'd you like to be one of the 5 guys who had 15 points and still hasn't drawn.

Too bad those guys couldn't "spend" like half their points towards this years draw and save half for a future year...