Unit 23 Late Rifle

Elkguy16 · Mar 3, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Mar-03-19 AT 12:44PM (MST)[p]Please ignore my previous post, I said Unit 13, I meant 23.

My card got hit with something, but I'm not sure what hunt it is. After looking at my application, it's probably the late rifle in Unit 23. I'll be honest, I messed up and put the late rather than the early.

If this is the case, should I turn it in or keep it. I just want to make sure it's worth the trip if I were to keep it. I would be traveling from Florida.

Thanks

Gator · Mar 3, 2019

I like the late hunt, But you will see some bulls broken up.
Late hunt has snow sometimes or cold rain so be prepared for it.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

Bob92057 · Mar 3, 2019

If you purchased the $5.00 Pointguard you can turn your tag back and retain your points. But you eat the cost of the tag.

Cactusbuck · Mar 3, 2019

How many points did you have? Because of the higher than normal rain it's shaping up for above average antler growth.

Elkguy16 · Mar 3, 2019

That I did not know. Looks like a costly mistake! Guess I should pay closer attention what I click.
Thanks for the info!

Elkguy16 · Mar 3, 2019

Cactus,

I had 5 points.

goldhunter · Mar 3, 2019

count yourself lucky and go hunt

blazin_saddles_lv · Mar 3, 2019

I agree, go hunt it. One of the best units in the state on a year with a ton of moisture. You?d be crazy to turn that tag in, even if it is the late tag.

msolocam · Mar 3, 2019

Arguably the best late hunt in the state. 23 late takes close to 15pts as a NR to draw. Going to be a fantastic year for antler growth, I'd highly recommend keeping the tag!

Shout with any questions.

Bob Dykeman
Shadow Valley Outfitters
928.925.3437

Cactusbuck · Mar 3, 2019

Yes it's a keeper!!

Joe2Kool · Mar 3, 2019

Hey Elks, sounds like your lottery ticket paid off! Hope you kill a big'un!

Sierra · Mar 3, 2019

5 pts! Damn, keep that tag.

DanMan · Mar 3, 2019

I have been considering applying for 23 late rifle next year with 15 points so sounds like you hit the jackpot for sure if you drew it with 5 !!
Just wondering , what was your other choice that it could have possibly been?

Elkguy16 · Mar 4, 2019

Danman,

You just took the wind from my sails. I went back and looked at which units I applied for, it looks like I put in for late archery (100% draw odds) rather than rifle, damn!!!!!!! I guess this stupid $650 mistake will teach me to pay more attention when submitting my application.

You live and your learn, I learned a lot for this, damn damn damn!

SDBugler · Mar 4, 2019

Did you pay the extra $5 for point guard? if so you can turn the tag back. If you don't want it.

I made a mistake a couple years ago and mistakenly put in for 17B deer instead of 13B with 14 points. Luckily I was able to turn the tag back in and keep my points.

Elkguy16 · Mar 4, 2019

Luckily, I did pay the $5. Defiantly turning it in.

DanMan · Mar 4, 2019

Well Elkguy sorry that the bubble of excitement has busted with realization of probably not a rifle tag but breath a sigh of relief that you got the point guard.
Unless of course you are a hardcore archery guy - in that case you might want to go for it. Still one of the top units in the state, just a tuff, tuff hunt.

sigfour · Mar 5, 2019

If you turn your tag back in you will still be paying for the tag. So your out the $650 + $5 but keep your points and gain one for this draw. Just saying
-Sig
Find 'em. Learn 'em. Shoot 'em. Eat 'em.

SDBugler · Mar 5, 2019

If you drew with only 5 points, I would recommend going on the hunt. Next year you will be starting over with 1 point as you will have gained the loyalty point which you keep going into next year.

DonMartin · Mar 8, 2019

Those late rifle hunts can be great, but you will see a lot of broken up racks on the larger bulls.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2019/39767randyhoppantlers23n2011.jpg

You'll have your work cut out on the archery hunt, but at least you're hunting and many of us who didn't draw a tag are wishing we could go.

You have PointGuard, so you can take advantage of that.

Good luck!

Don Martin
Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Gator · Mar 11, 2019

I would hunt with that tag, even if I have never shot a bow.
Those bulls like the sunny area's in that cold weather and you will see Bulls. You got 6 months to get ready with a bow.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

Elkguy16 · Mar 11, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Mar-11-19 AT 01:55PM (MST)[p]Gator,

I actual prefer bow over rifle, but wanted the early rifle to de-conflict with a moose hunt I have in September.

It seems as if this late archery is a tough tough hunt and don't think it would be worth my time and money since I don't live out West anymore. In addition, I have to take off work for 2 weeks in September for the moose hunt. At this point I think I will unfortunately eat the $650 and keep my points.

I noticed that with 0 points there is a 50% change of drawing this tag and 4 points 99%, think I'll turn it in.

I do appreciate the advice! If I'm missing something, please let me know.

PCPython · Mar 11, 2019

Rather than just turning the tag back to Game and Fish you should consider donating it to one of the organizations that take wounded warriors or sick children on hunts. Someone will be very appreciative of the tag and get to go on a hunt.

My father donated a 23 late rifle bull tag last year and a lady vet took a bull on her first ever big game hunt.

Elkguy16 · Mar 12, 2019

Good call, I was not aware you could do that. Being a veteran myself and going on a fully furnished veteran turkey hunt next week, that's the least I can do.

Thanks guys!

Gator · Mar 13, 2019

Hats off to you Sir.
Well done.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

goinhuntn · Mar 14, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Mar-14-19 AT 07:27PM (MST)[p]Elkguy,
The late archery can be a fun hunt & not crowded.

goinhuntn · Mar 14, 2019

>Good call, I was not aware
>you could do that. Being
>a veteran myself and going
>on a fully furnished veteran
>turkey hunt next week, that's
>the least I can do.
>
>
>Thanks guys!

Donate your tag to Hunts for Heroes!! I sent you a pm if you want the contact number to Tom Wagner. He will walk you thru the whole process & turn all your paperwork into fish & game to get your points back!! I had a late rifle hunt last year & could?nt go so I donated my tag to Hunts for Heroes. They are an awesome organization!!

Elkguy16 · May 9, 2019

Goinhuntn,

After speaking with the gentleman that I was going to donate it to, we decided that it would be easier to find a local
Organization in Arizona that has knowledge of the area and local contacts.

Please re-send the pm, for some reason I'm not seeing it.
Thanks

Lv2hnt · May 14, 2019

My name is Tom Wagner (I lead the Arizona Elk Society's Heroes Rising Outdoors / Hunts for Heroes program). As has already been posted in this tread, our program provides hunts to disabled Arizona veterans, at no cost to the vet, using donated tags from people who decide they can't do their hunt that year. Your decision will have a very positive impact on a veteran's life!

Please call me and let's chat: (480)760-3868.

--- Tom

Lv2hnt

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

HorseCreek · May 20, 2019

Arguably the best elk unit in the state! Its rough and steep but a rifle hunters dream unit. I'd hire a guide for sure if you don't know the unit. A3 would be my top choice in guides for the unit.

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