AZ 6A archery

shootstaight · May 9, 2012

I was lucky enough to draw unit 6A in AZ this year--the archery rut hunt. I actually figured out I had an AZ tag from the stack of outfitter soliictations I received before I even saw the tag. Anyway, I am from Nevada and looking to do it myself. Never been to this part of AZ so I am working maps, the internet and AZ fish and game right now. My plan is to split time between chasing bugles and sitting water. I have a few questions and would welcome any input. I would be glad to help out anyone with Nevada info if I can (Full disclosure--I hunt northern NV a lot but I do not have a lot of knowledge about the south). My questions are . . .

I plan to fly down in August and pre-scout before I drive down for the hunt in Sept. Is it realistic to use a regular rental car for s scouting trip or do I need to think about a 4x4?

Is there a protocol for hunting water? I know nobody owns the tanks and my personal feeling is you should not be able to put your name on 5 water tanks and claim you are hunting them all season; that is just not realistic or fair but I would like to hear from someone who has been there.

I have used treestands for elk but the stand I have is not a "climber". Any thoughts on how difficult it may be to place a treestand?

It looks like there are a lot of tags and I would like to get away from the crowds. Any recommendations on a good jumping off point. I have killed elk with my bow in the wilderness so using my feet instead of a truck or a quad is right up my alley.

Thanksin advance for any thoughts or comments. As I mentioned, post or pm me if I can help anyone in NV.

Ed · May 9, 2012

I have drawn the same tag twice over the past 9 years and both times it was pretty much the same. There are a lot of elk and unlike the rifle hunts I rarely ran into anyone else while i was out hunting. I have not had issues with water but I only hunted water during the week/evenings and many hunters had already left. Only small bulls would come to water and it was right before the end of shooting light. Either way, the first day and a half of the hunt the elk were vocal and shut up completely after that until the last four days of the hunt then it was pretty good. Whether or not you need a 4wd for scouting really depends on the weather because summer rains can really make those roads slick so its up to you. I tagged out on a decent bull the first time I hunted and didnt see (couldn't get close enough to) anything I wanted to shoot the second time. PM your address to me and I can send you some tips.
Ed

sremim · May 9, 2012

This year will be interesting in 6A with the new FS travel plan. Be sure you request the new travel management map from coconino forest and don't just rely on the regular forest service map. I would highly recommend you order the travel management map first. The roads shown on it will be the only ones that are supposed to be open. If everyone follows the rules (highly unlikely) it will not be hard to get to where people don't want to go.

As far as water holes, it is first come first serve. Thats the bottom line. People don't always abide by it, and you'll even see some act like 4 year old little girls to get their way. Some parts of the unit can be scouted from a rental car, others need a 4wd.

akamissedagain · May 9, 2012

Sent you a pm

STEELSTUD · May 10, 2012

I drew the same 6A archery bull tag this year.Had the same tag four years ago & shot a 340 plus bull off of water about 45 min. before dark. Where I hunt, you can barely get a 4 whell drive truck but it keeps the majority of the poeple out. I will have a couple cameras out by the end of June so keep in touch & I'll let you know what I am seeing.

shootstaight · May 11, 2012

I sent a couple of PMs to guys looking at this thread but inbox makes it look like the msgs are still waiting to be sent. Can anyone confirm receipt for me so I know I am using the system correctly. Thx.

Arrow1 · May 12, 2012

I have the late muzzy hunt there this year. How you hunt really determines whether you need a 4x4 or not. 6A is replete with FS roads that will be open,and many are pretty decent under most conditions. I try to hunt away from folks and enjoy walking so I just park and walk. I'll be scouting using my car. 6A is an easy unit to hike in as with the exception of some of the rim canyons it is more rolling than anything else. As far as where to hunt, just pick a spot, though if you look at lots of pics on the web you will see a lot of the really big bulls tend to come from the PJ's or the transition zone to pines.

STEELSTUD · May 12, 2012

Dave, I got your P.M. Stay in touch.
Good Luck

shootstaight · Jul 10, 2012

Had a follow-up question, any recommendations for a meat storage/processor in or around Flagstaff? I may not be going straight back to Nevada when I am done so I am looking for some place to store an elk and/or have it processed. Thanks for the help.

Lv2hnt · Jul 10, 2012

LAST EDITED ON Jul-11-12 AT 01:15AM (MST)[p]Most people will point you to Casey's (east of Hiway 89 in north Flagstaff) phone: (928)526-8348 ...

Lv2hnt

"Every man dies --- not every man really lives."

azbiggame · Jul 11, 2012

have had the tag for myself and others many times ??? To many tags this year,I'd go South and get into the tougher country ... and further away from the person/persons that came into Our camp last year and sliced All 6 tires on the camper.Cooler temps in the N.,better quality in the South,but for sure tougher hunting.Good Luck,if Mother Nature helps,can be a very good archery tag, Bruce & SilverGrand

shootstaight · Jul 11, 2012

Thx for the tips.
Bruce, that really sucks about the camper tires. Hate to hear stuff like that. I always like to think hunters will watch out for their own and respect each other. We can always still hope.

shootstaight · Jul 26, 2012

I understand it has been raining quite a bit in and around this unit,has it had any effect on habitat or access? I am guessing maybe some localized flooding but I am hoping nothing major.
Also, any scouting reports? I will be down in a few weeks to take a look around and hopefully get some pics. I will post anything that is worthwhile.