AZ sept bow 1 week what dates?

DonVathome · Jul 23, 2013

I drew a unit 27 September archery elk tag. I can go almost anytime. I also drew a G5 bow mnt goat tag in CO (yes it was a lucky year!). I am trying to debate the pros and cons of dates for each hunt.
Normally I would probably go early - biggest bulls not with cows. Rut is always fun for locating bulls and excitement but getting a good bull at this time is really tough.

My one other thought is glassing, I hear 27 is not to glassable, thus early with no bugles could be a poor choice. Maybe wait for end when they are bugling to help find bulls?

Also later for mnt goat is better (hair) and I will do both on same trip.

I also know a very successful elk hunter who recommends going a few days before bow season opens to scout. I never do this. I hate to waste time with no bow in hand. HOWEVER he made the point you cover more ground. With bow in hand you start hunting. With season not open yet you find elk then move on looking for more/better. He has found a good spot then kept looking and found a great spot many times. Looking back at my past experiences I have seen this happen to me a lot.

Lets here your thoughts on the dates and my other comments above.

Thanks!

DonV OH

cmbbulldog · Jul 23, 2013

I would go the last week of the season. Typically less hunters as the hunt wears on. Everyone goes the first week, and then people start heading home.

Judging the rut is more of a guess than anything, but going later is usually better, not always though.

sagebrush · Jul 24, 2013

Last year, Game & Fish moved the season one week later and continued with that date structure this year. Your hunt should be in the peak of the rut. I would go early and chase bugles to find the areas the cows are using. The smaller bulls will be with the cows before the season starts, although there may be a few big bulls around. About the third day of your hunt, the cows should be coming into peak estrus and the big boys will come out of the woodwork to run off the smaller bulls and takeover the cows. I think you really need to dedicate two weeks to this hunt to have the best chance at a big bull. That's my 2 cents.