AZ Elk Draw Strategy?

Joe2Kool

Very Active Member
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2,725
What's the general thought process on first and second choices? I've heard some apply for a tough to draw as a first choice, and an easier to draw as a second? Or do you go with two easier to draw as 1st and 2nd?

I understand the AZ draw process, and that it is a small possibility for a low bonus point applicant to draw a high BP tag. I am more interested in hunting elk sooner rather than later. I only have 4 points, not playing the points game, and also understand my odds are low, just interested in how others apply.

Thanks.
 
For the draw, you are really just hoping for a low number so you get considered at all. The way it is split now, if you are really lucky, you could possibly draw one of the Golden Ticket areas, but if you just want to hunt elk with a good chance of success I would pick two late rifle hunts I know are good. With 250-500 tags total in each, there would be a few for NR's and you might luck out with your 4 points in the random draw......
 
You can use the 2017 stuff at Toprut for free. Use 3 points and look at your weapon/season options. Your best choices will be late hunts as Blank mentioned.
 
Thanks guys.

Am I correct in assuming the bugling is in the early seasons and usually done by the late rifle seasons?

Dang BluffGruff! Drawing a tag with zero points!! Everybody has that chance!!
 
Elk will bugle year round but outside the rut which peaks in last couple weeks of September you won't hear bulls bugle much. From late August to mid October is a much more likely time to hear some bugling. I did a late AZ rifle hunt a couple years ago and I was camped in the middle of bulls for a week and never heard any bugling. You still might hear a bugle or two in early December but don't count on it.
 
Thanks Brian. We want to hunt during the bugling!

A few years ago, we were camping and spring turkey hunting in my home state of east TN and had one bugle! Only once though.

Application done! Archery 1a/2c/2c and archery 8! Maybe I'll get lucky!
 
You should consider applying for two middle of road hunts. For instance: Late rifle bull elk Unit 9 (1st choice) and Unit 7W (2nd choice). You'll be surprised at how many times your second choice is drawn. Pick your own units but in my opinion stay away from the "glory" units (like Unit 10). Plenty of huge bulls in the other units and you'll have better draw odds.
 

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