arizona archery hunt ??

[blackmamba]

Hey guys ,

I am just looking for some info on some of the better units to hunt in AZ for archery elk. I am from Alberta and looking to do a quality hunt with a chance at 350+ bull . I have searched the net and all the outfitters look good but just looking for some first hand experiences .
Also what can I expect for draw waits ??
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in adavance

Jeff

 

[oilcan]

Depends how many points you have?

 

[jodog]

4, 5, 6 years of buying points to archery hunt a unit with alot of tags and a chance at a nice bull. 10 to 18 years to build up enough points to draw a top elk unit in AZ as a nonres. In AZ you have to buy a hunting lic. every year ($151)to be able to buy a elk point, the point will cost you another $7.50 and if you miss buying a point two years in a row you lose all the points you have acumulated and will have to start all over.

 

[CouesFanatic]

thats without any point creep.

 

[PleaseDear]

Plus Az. went to an on-line appl this year so that will bring a few more into the game.

I think you should apply each year and not do a point code.

Az. is a bonus point state with a 20% to max point holders.

The 20% to max can fill the 10% non-ressy tags in most all your hyped units but if you only do the point code you will never be in the draw.

Always do a 2nd choice too!

Robb

 

[BuzzH]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-20-12 AT 09:23AM (MST)[p]Theres a couple ways to look at Arizona.

When I first started applying, I was chasing early rut rifle tags. Once the bonus points essentially became preference points, I changed my strategy as those tags became undrawable to anyone but the max point holders (NR's anyway).

I also took the AZ hunters safety course, which gives you one point for all species for life.

In 2008 I decided to change my strategy, basically apply for the general hunts. My thought was that I could probably find a good bull in 3-4 hunt on the general, have a darn good time doing it, and actually be hunting instead of hoping to draw.

Paid off...I drew a general tag in 2008 and shot this bull:

Then in 2011, with loyalty point, hunters ed point, and 2 other points, I drew another general tag and shot this bull:

I think with some research, its possible to draw one of the general units every 3-5 years. They arent early rifle rut hunts, the bulls arent as easy to find, but for the aggressive hunter there are some great elk hunts to be had.

I'd rather be hunting elk than hoping to draw...just my opinion.

If you have to go archery, I'd look at some of the not-so-well known units...roll the dice and see what happens.

Another thing to consider is the late archery tags...much more difficult but again, having a tag in hand and actually hunting trumps sitting at home buying points.

 

[oilcan]

That's some great advice Buzz and a couple really good Bulls.

 

[TOPGUN]

Sounds like a plan, but for somebody that keeps saying he isn't into elk hunting much you sure are the man, LOL!!! Two real nice bulls!

 

[PleaseDear]

Hey BuzzH...

SaaWeeeeet Az. bull down! ha

Toss me a PM with your email addy..(if ya do not mind)

I am more of a bowhunter-----most all the appl.'s..

But I would like ta toss ya a photo or two my late date Az. 8x6 bull from 2011.

Robb

 

[BuzzH]

Robb,

PM sent...

 

[vmcfadden]

Guys quit telling everyone to put in the late hunts. We all know the big ones are dead by then. HEY I'M TRYING TO GET A TAG THIS YEAR!

 

[Buckhunter1]

Nice I would do the same thing, but I want bulls scremin in my face in late September!! YES a guy can draw some amazing bow hunts with minimum points as well..BH1

 

[PleaseDear]

HaHa---sorry vm....

Finding them and getting close enough is the big issue on the late date hunts and those right before rifle cow hunts really scatters the bulls.

Robb