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daverp
Guest
Drew a AZ 7W Bull tag, my first choice. I'll be transfering the tag over to my 13 year old as planned when it arrives. I can't believe how fortunate I was to draw this tag. I've wanted to take this exact hunt (7W Rifle Bull) with my boy since he was born. Same hunt my father took me on when I was growning up in Flag back in 83 or 84, and the best memories of my life, which is why I guess I"m so dead set on doing this same hunt with my son, and why he's getting the tag. We'll be hunting out of the same camp and sitting over the same fire ring I did with my old man and his friends over 20 years ago. Get chills just thinking about it.
Now, for scouting. I know the area I plan to hunt pretty well. I'm out of state now, but I grew up in the area, and hunted this unit pretty regular until I left for the Army, to never return as a resident unfortunately. The northern part of the state still has my heart, and I try to get out there to predator call or just do some camping and shooting every 2 months or so, and over the summer and Xmas with my son. But, never dreaming I'd draw a elk tag so quickly, I have not concentrated much on elk scouting the last few years.
Other than area familiarization, am I wasting my time locating elk now and trying to find their daytime bedding areas and morning and evening paths of travel? I realize the big bulls will be pressured into more remote locations come hunting season, but I'd still like to know where the cows and raghorns are spending their time. Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
I know some say scouting any further out than shortly before the hunt is useless, but I want to increase the odds of taking a bull by as much as I can, and plan on making at least 4 or 5 trips out over the next few months. I just so happened to be going out there Friday for a 10 day predator hunt with my son, but we'll now be concentrating on scouting elk instead.
Any tips appreciated. I'd love nothing more than to put a nice little to moderate 4x4 or 5x5 type bull in front of the kid, but will gladly settle for less after day 3 if we aren't seeing the bulls. Should be some hunt. He (living with mom in Ks when he's not visiting here during the summer and Xmas) will be flying out the day before Thanksgiving, hunting for the week, and flying back hopefully with some pics of a bull elk to show off! Hoping for the trip of a lifetime!!!
Sorry so long, but I'm a touch excited at the opportunity we've come upon here.
Thanks for any advice.
Now, for scouting. I know the area I plan to hunt pretty well. I'm out of state now, but I grew up in the area, and hunted this unit pretty regular until I left for the Army, to never return as a resident unfortunately. The northern part of the state still has my heart, and I try to get out there to predator call or just do some camping and shooting every 2 months or so, and over the summer and Xmas with my son. But, never dreaming I'd draw a elk tag so quickly, I have not concentrated much on elk scouting the last few years.
Other than area familiarization, am I wasting my time locating elk now and trying to find their daytime bedding areas and morning and evening paths of travel? I realize the big bulls will be pressured into more remote locations come hunting season, but I'd still like to know where the cows and raghorns are spending their time. Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
I know some say scouting any further out than shortly before the hunt is useless, but I want to increase the odds of taking a bull by as much as I can, and plan on making at least 4 or 5 trips out over the next few months. I just so happened to be going out there Friday for a 10 day predator hunt with my son, but we'll now be concentrating on scouting elk instead.
Any tips appreciated. I'd love nothing more than to put a nice little to moderate 4x4 or 5x5 type bull in front of the kid, but will gladly settle for less after day 3 if we aren't seeing the bulls. Should be some hunt. He (living with mom in Ks when he's not visiting here during the summer and Xmas) will be flying out the day before Thanksgiving, hunting for the week, and flying back hopefully with some pics of a bull elk to show off! Hoping for the trip of a lifetime!!!
Sorry so long, but I'm a touch excited at the opportunity we've come upon here.
Thanks for any advice.
