archery elk help?

Utah400Elk · Nov 25, 2010

I am a NR with 13 points for elk. I have spent several weeks combined in unit 1 and 27. I have a lifetime goal of a 350 class bull archery. According to the draw odds on MM I am a few years from unit 9 (with point creep I would guess three to four). I have a shot at unit 10 and think I am near a 23 south tag. I also think I can draw unit 1. I am DIY and would be going on several scouting trips if I draw. For the AZ residents, what unit would be the best experience and still offer a good chance at a 350 bull. The hunting experience is most important but I also want to be in a unit where a 350+ is a realistic goal. I know most AZ units have 350 class bulls. I have hunted in Utah, New Mexico (on the AZ border by 1 and 27), Wyoming and Colorado. My best bull to date is 344. Any help would be great.

oilcan · Nov 25, 2010

1 or 27 should be a sure draw with 13 points. I think they are increasing the unit 1 archery tags by 95 next year.

Buckhunter1 · Nov 25, 2010

Remember the precip levels as well when choosing your AZ elk unit. With lots of moisture at the right times most AZ units can produce a 350 bull, but be careful burning that many points on a dry year. It can be tough with the earlier draw dates. Good luck. BH1

YukonDall · Nov 27, 2010

UTAH400.....VERY INTERESTING ABOUT THE POINT CREEP....I AM NOT SEEING A LOT OF CREEP IN THE CURRENT NUMBERS COUNTING 2010 NUMBERS AS WELL. I AM SITTING ON 14 POINTS AS A NR BULL ELK HUNTER.......AND HOPE TO DRAW THE TAGS REAL SOON (BY 20012) I HOPE. GOOD LUCK IN THE DRAW.........YD.

Utah400Elk · Nov 27, 2010

Yukon:

I always seem to be a day late and a dollar short so I am guessing there will be point creep. I have always wanted to archery hunt unit 1 but I am now wondering if 9 would live up to the hype? I have looked into 10 and wonder why the success is so much lower than 1 and 9. Unit 23 is an unknown to me but I have heard good things. Do any residents know why the success for archery is so much lower in 10?

AzIdUtelknut · Nov 28, 2010

Unit 10 is HUGE and the elk are much more spread out, it is also pretty rugged. On dry hot years the rut can be very marginal.

I would say that unit 1 is a good bet, the rut is usually very reliable there and a 350 bull is very reasonable with some preseason scouting and enough time to hunt. I honestly haven't ever heard of anyone having a bad hunt in Unit 1.

Is the archery hunt in 23 still only the south portion? That hunt can be good but is also fairly rugged. I haven't hunted 23 but I know that when we have hunted 22 early the rut can be impacted by heat.

Utah400Elk · Nov 28, 2010

Thanks:

I am thinking I will go with unit 1 the year after next year but I am also thinking of holding out for unit 9. My son will turn 3 this Decmeber and if I go in two years he will be 4 about to turn five. I would like him toi go and hear the elk enjoy the camp. In two years I will have 15 and I think I would be close to 9.