Arizona Elk

bragabit

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809
We have talked alot about Utah lets switch to Arizona for while.

Will the added tags for more opportunity make a major impact on quality?
Will having to front the tag fee help the odds much? It will be $745 to put in for elk as a nonresident.
I have 12 points as a nonresident which unit should I apply for? I am looking at 1,3a/3c,8,9,10 archery. I would really like to hunt before the added tags take there toll on the quality.
 
No the tag fee up front will not make a noticeable difference on draw odds. This more opportunity thing wont affect quality for a few years, but it will eventually. Look at applying for other units besides the ones listed. Contrary to popular belief, those are not the holy grail of elk units in AZ.















It's Bush's fault!!!
 
I have 11 points and have wondered the same thing about odds improving with all money up front 745.00 could put the hurt on some but I would bet those that have been in this game as long as we have will apply no matter what so who knows about odds.
I dont like the idea of more tags if units in Arizona loses quality.When and if I draw it would be nice to know a guy at least has a chance at something real nice that is the reason I have applied for so long just to have the chance at hunting big bulls.bragabit you might draw unit 1 and unit 8 with 12 points but the other units you have listed will be tough to draw even with 12 points I think.
Good Luck drawing a tag this year.
 
Bragabit,

I also have 12 NR points for AZ elk and can tell you that, based on last years draw stats, we will not likely be in the max pool on 9 until 2009. I don't know about the other units.
 
I understand what you are saying. The good news is there are big bulls in most units. Take a look at the draw odds in the regulations and pick one with better odds as a second choice. I would look at a 1 or 3a/c first choice and then maybe a 7 west which has some big bulls. Also consider what your real goal is. If it is a high scoring bull or nothing go with what I just mentioned. If it is a fun hunt with action and a big bull is the cherry topping, look at the units like 5A, 4A,11M or 7E. Also, if you can scout, the general rifle hunts are usually in the teens to draw. They can be really tough but rewarding if you can find where they move to post rut. JMO, but good luck. Here's a 7 bull and I think there are some posts from the fall of a few giant 11M bulls:
4782a74f7f7ee5eb.jpg
 
Pruney,
Where did you get your information? I would love to study through all of the units to see if 12 points would be in the "max" pool on any units. I got hold of a lady at the Arizona DWR before last years draw and she told me what it took in 2006 to be in the max pool but didn't really have the time to tell me how many people were in each group.

Thanks for the reply!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-07-08 AT 06:39PM (MST)[p]It took awhile, but I finally found the thread. Check post number 22 of attached link. There are 15 permits in the max pool and 14 people one point ahead of us if everyone applies as they did in 2007. It is possible that some rifle apps will get tired of waiting and move to archery and vice versa if archery folks think they are getting close to a shot at rifle. You might sent Don Martin a note and ask his source, but I believe it is the $75 book that AZ puts out each year.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/cgi-b...read&om=10408&forum=DCForumID5&archive=yes#14
 
I'm betting there are 350 class bulls in many of the units. I've hunted three of the lesser units, all of which had these kind of bulls. Unit 27 had loads of 300 to 330 class bulls and my hunt was the hunt of a lifetime even though I did not punch my tag. So I would recommend any of the good units in the rut. Given your point total you should be able to draw almost any hunt this year. The top four or five might take another year or two.

If your anything like me and I'm guessing most archery hunters, you will have a hard time passing a 330-350 bull when its 20 yards out. If you have the time to do some serious scouting or your willing to hire a guide go for the top units. If you don't just get a tag in one of the above units and have a blast chasing bugling bulls.
 
I too am wondering about the quality decreasing, were there more tags issued this year? I only glanced at a couple units, same number of tags, is this going into effect this year or next year? I have 6 NR points, I have a long wait. Luckily I am considering muzzleloader and bow.

Any thoughts on 22S muzzleloader?
 

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