2021 AZ Elk/Antelope Regs Are Out

[BOHNTR]

Man those early archery dates suck!

https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/archive/2021-Pronghorn-and-Elk-Regulations.pdf

 

[easyelk13]

Wyomings are out to.....Another app year has started!!

 

[BGbasbhat]

Dammit the distractions!!! Don't these people know I have to work! Merry Christmas kids, now leave dad alone, he'll be on the G&F websites for a while.

 

[callsalot]

Yep I saw that also. I'll burn my 17 points this year on 27. I know it's a physical unit but I'm tired of waiting. May put in for 1 first choice and 27 second but with my amount of points it will probably be 27 for archery elk. Can't wait if I get it.

 

[mike111]

Hope we receive some moisture in Arizona soon, we need it!

 

[BOHNTR]

Yep I saw that also. I'll burn my 17 points this year on 27. I know it's a physical unit but I'm tired of waiting. May put in for 1 first choice and 27 second but with my amount of points it will probably be 27 for archery elk. Can't wait if I get it.

I would seriously consider next year when the archery dates are better. Just a thought

 

[excaliber]

Why are the dates Archery Dates later this year and why will they be better next year?

 

[BOHNTR]

In 2022 the archery season dates are scheduled to open September 16 through September 29th.....MUCH better dates for rut activity, IMO.

 

[excaliber]

Thanks for the info.

 

[oilcan]

Thanks for that Info Roy I was all set to use my 12 NR points on a “mid tier” unit this year I may have to rethink my plans.

 

[BOHNTR]

Thanks for that Info Roy I was all set to use my 12 NR points on a “mid tier” unit this year I may have to rethink my plans.

All props fo to WapitiBob who sent me the ‘formula’ on dates.....I’m not near as good at math as he is, so I went to my local regional office and asked? ?

 

[WapitiBob]

I wouldn't bet the farm on 27 with 17 points. It might be 50%.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

I'm sitting on 20 elk and 17 pronghorn points but am no longer able to hunt. So now I have to decide whether I still want to continue buying BPs or just quit altogether, thus losing the loyalty point for each.

 

[SlowElk]

I'm sitting on 20 elk and 17 pronghorn points but am no longer able to hunt. So now I have to decide whether I still want to continue buying BPs or just quit altogether, thus losing the loyalty point for each.

Can you try for a CHAMP tag?

 

[OutdoorWriter]

Even with a Champ tag, any altitude would make for a miserable hunt with my mush-for-lungs. I'm 79 now and have had a very fruitful harvest of game critters over the past 60 years. Although I really wanted to draw a rut elk hunt here, I won't be downtrodden if it never happens.

 

[oilcan]

Even with a Champ tag, any altitude would make for a miserable hunt with my mush-for-lungs. I'm 79 now and have had a very fruitful harvest of game critters over the past 60 years. Although I really wanted to draw a rut elk hunt here, I won't be downtrodden if it never happens.

It would be a shame to let that many points go to waste I wonder if there’s someway you can share your points with a youth or veteran to allow them to draw a good tag ?

 

[OutdoorWriter]

Actually with Point Guard here, I can draw and turn over the permit to a legit charity, thus retaining the points. But I'm out the full cost of the permit, draw and PG fees if I do that.

 

[oilcan]

OutdoorWriter I sent you a PM

 

[CouesFanatic]

Heres comes the bidding..

 

[Squaw]

I’m pretty sure he can only donate to a grandchild under 18, or son if under 18. Only way to donate not to a family member is thru a certified Arizona game/fish organization.

i would draw a solid tag, donate it and let a youth that has disabilities have a hunt of a lifetime.

 

[DanMan]

Wyomings are out to.....Another app year has started!!

Sad thing about that is having to apply next month with payment up front, then have to wait 5 months for the draw!.

 

[elkchaserreturns]

Hello OutdoorWriter,
What is the max elevation that your lungs can handle? I may have a recommendation if you can handle 5000 to 6000 ft and a 1/4 mile walk. I won't say where but, in 2018 & 2019, I was asked to help two different guys by calling in bulls in a unit I never seriously considered for big elk. Both hunters were successfull with multiple opportunities each. Let me know if you can handle that elevation.
Merry Christmas,

Elkchaser

 

[CouesFanatic]

I’m pretty sure he can only donate to a grandchild under 18, or son if under 18. Only way to donate not to a family member is thru a certified Arizona game/fish organization.

i would draw a solid tag, donate it and let a youth that has disabilities have a hunt of a lifetime.

Anyone can pay him to put in together on a group app. Points would be averaged though.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

I’m pretty sure he can only donate to a grandchild under 18, or son if under 18. Only way to donate not to a family member is thru a certified Arizona game/fish organization.

i would draw a solid tag, donate it and let a youth that has disabilities have a hunt of a lifetime.

I don't have either but could donate to a charitable org.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

Hello OutdoorWriter,
What is the max elevation that your lungs can handle? I may have a recommendation if you can handle 5000 to 6000 ft and a 1/4 mile walk. I won't say where but, in 2018 & 2019, I was asked to help two different guys by calling in bulls in a unit I never seriously considered for big elk. Both hunters were successfull with multiple opportunities each. Let me know if you can handle that elevation.
Merry Christmas,

Elkchaser

I appreciate the offer but doubt I could handle it. I went to Prescott a couple years ago and even there my breathing sucked. I had to increase my portable O2 flow to double. Since then I've had more damage after a severe bout of pneumonia last March that had me in the hospital and rehab for more than a month.

And Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

Heres comes the bidding..

Bring it on.

 

[WapitiBob]

Bumping someone up from say 15 points to make an 18 point party app would bring $3,000 + fees easily, and you could do it again next year. If you couldn't hunt the next year, donate the tag.

 

[Bohunr]

Actually with Point Guard here, I can draw and turn over the permit to a legit charity, thus retaining the points. But I'm out the full cost of the permit, draw and PG fees if I do that.

Don't give up now you could really make someone's dreams come through by donating to OE4A (Outdoor Experience For All) or other charitable organization! What an impact you can make and retain your points!

 

[Joe2Kool]

In 2022 the archery season dates are scheduled to open September 16 through September 29th.....MUCH better dates for rut activity, IMO.

What drives the opening date? I'm looking at the calendar and it appears to be the second Friday after the first Wednesday. Thanks BH!

 

[BOHNTR]

Taken from the AZ G&F season structure formula:

“Early archery on Friday of week 37 or week 38 if an early general bull hunt starts on Friday of week 37”

In 2022 it will be week 38 based on the rule and according to G&F staff. The 38th Friday is September 16.

 

[Joe2Kool]

Taken from the AZ G&F season structure formula:

“Early archery on Friday of week 37 or week 38 if an early general bull hunt starts on Friday of week 37”

In 2022 it will be week 38 based on the rule and according to G&F staff. The 38th Friday is September 16.

That's simple enough!! Thanks BH!

 

[fin little]

"37th week or week 38 if early general bull hunt starts on week 37". The way I read that is the unit that has the early archery and early firearm hunt start date switched in 2022 will start on week 38. One early archery hunt ( unit 22 in 2021) will start a week later, week 38. IMO All but one early archery hunt will start on Sept 9 2022. ( 37th week) . 2023 will be the year the dates swing back and the early archery hunts will start on Sept 15 , the 37th week. Except one unit if they keep rotating a unit to switch a early firearms hunt start date with.

 

[huntazido]

I believe 7W is the archery unit to start on 38th week in 2022. The rest of the hunts start on 37th week.

 

[BOHNTR]

That’s a great point....and how I read it......when I went to confirm but the staff at the G&F told me differently.

Maybe Bob could chime in......I would trust how he interprets the rule.

 

[fin little]

Wapiti Bob is the Az draw expert for sure.

 

[Joe2Kool]

I'm just gonna apply, if I get drawn, I'll hunt when the season is in!

 

[WapitiBob]

Everything I've seen shows it will start on Sept 16 2022.

 

[fin little]

https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/archive/AZ-Hunt-Guidelines-2018-2023_7-26-2019.pdf

 

[WapitiBob]

Kathy Ford told me season normally starts on week 37. Looking back thru the years, these are the start dates and week.
2006, 9/22-10/5
2007, 9/14 37
2008, 9/12 37
2009, 9/11 37
2010, 9/10 36
2011, 9/09 36
2012, 9/14 37
2013, 9/13 37
2014, 9/12 37
2015, 9/11 37
2016, 9/09 36
2017, 9/15 37
2018, 9/14 37
2019, 9/13 37
2020, 9/11 37
2021, 9/10 36
2022, 9/16 is week 37

 

[callsalot]

Well that does it I'm waiting one more year getting my hunters ed point so I roll into 2022 with 19 and a season that start on the 16th. Guess I'll switch gears and look toward CO for 2021!

 

[tmbr_hntr]

Kathy Ford told me season normally starts on week 37. Looking back thru the years, these are the start dates and week.
2006, 9/22-10/5
2007, 9/14 37
2008, 9/12 37
2009, 9/11 37
2010, 9/10 36
2011, 9/09 36
2012, 9/14 37
2013, 9/13 37
2014, 9/12 37
2015, 9/11 37
2016, 9/09 36
2017, 9/15 37
2018, 9/14 37
2019, 9/13 37
2020, 9/11 37
2021, 9/10 36
2022, 9/16 is week 37

Week 37 9/14/2018 9/13/2019 9/11/2020 9/10/2021 9/9/2022

From Fin Little's linked doc.

 

[WapitiBob]

I have that dept document. Every weekly calendar I've looked at shows friday of week 37 in 2022 as 9/16 except that AZG&F calendar.

edit, I did find one calendar that showed 53 weeks in year 2022 and week 37 with 9/9/2022.

 

[tmbr_hntr]

I have no clue and really does not impact me, but seems if that is what is in their doc. that is what they will use?

 

[fin little]

If you google week 37 of 2022 Sept 16 is Friday of the 37th week. We will know next year at this time I guess. Happy New Year Az elk hunters !

 

[WapitiBob]

I have no clue and really does not impact me, but seems if that is what is in their doc. that is what they will use?

Not sure but I sent an email. She'll get clarification from the Game Branch. The confusion is coming from the guideline calendar which shows 12/31/2021 as the first week of 2022 rather than week 52 of 2021.

 

[oilcan]

I was just listening to Jay Scott’s podcast with Steve Chappell he said dates won’t rotate till 2023 for what it’s worth.

 

[BOHNTR]

Man, it sure would be easier if G&F just listed the dates for their 5 year plan?

 

[oilcan]

Man, it sure would be easier if G&F just listed the dates for their 5 year plan?

Yep just like Colorado that would be nice.

 

[Bwht4x4]

I was just listening to Jay Scott’s podcast with Steve Chappell he said dates won’t rotate till 2023 for what it’s worth.

I wonder how many high point holders will hold off until 2023 to burn their points for the better season dates? If I was at 20+ points I would likely consider that myself, but going into the 2021 draw with 13 pts I'll take whatever quality elk tag I can get!

 

[coues79]

Sure hope we get some moisture or the bulls will be struggling next season; won't matter what hunt a guy has. Havent seen it this dry ever. Pray for moisture.

 

[AZtrophyhunter]

I wouldn't be scared about the dates. I drew in 2011 & it started on the 9th & we had a great hunt.

 

[Bwht4x4]

I wouldn't be scared about the dates. I drew in 2011 & it started on the 9th & we had a great hunt.

I drew unit 9 archery in 2009 and it started on Sept 11 (IIRC). It was a tough hunt with very few bugles.

 

[AZ8]

I drew unit 9 archery in 2009 and it started on Sept 11 (IIRC). It was a tough hunt with very few bugles.

Yup. I had the same hunt, but in 4A. It was the 11th. I didn’t fill my tag as it was very quiet. A few weeks after the hunt I was helping a friend and his son on a youth cow hunt in the same unit. I heard more bugles in Oct than I did on my early bull!

IMO, and I’m no expert and at least here in AZ, the later we get into September, the better the hunt is.

 

[WapitiBob]

"Good morning Bob;
I finally received the information regarding the week count. AZGFD counts week 1 that has January 1st in it.
I hope this helps, at least a little.
Have a great day!"

 

[Bwht4x4]

"Good morning Bob;
I finally received the information regarding the week count. AZGFD counts week 1 that has January 1st in it.
I hope this helps, at least a little.
Have a great day!"

What is their definition of a week?

Saturday to Friday?
Sunday to Saturday?

So does that mean the season dates are:

- 9/10/2021
- 9/9/2022
- 9/15/2023
- 9/13/2024

 

[bobberdown]

Can you apply yet? Thanks and good luck to everyone

 

[WapitiBob]

What is their definition of a week?

Saturday to Friday?
Sunday to Saturday?

So does that mean the season dates are:

- 9/10/2021
- 9/9/2022
- 9/15/2023
- 9/13/2024

It would appear so.

 

[fin little]

BWHT4X4 , You were wondering about high point holders waiting for 2023. I have 17 and will wait unless lightning strikes and I draw 9 random tag. My 9 tag in 05 started on 9/16 And a bothers 9 hunt in 98 started 9/18 and both were amazing bugle fest hunts. Other brothers 2011 9 hunt started 9/09 I think, it was early. Completely different hunt.Not even close on rut action. My next Az hunt probably won't be 9 but it will be the later start day.

 

[Bwht4x4]

BWHT4X4 , You were wondering about high point holders waiting for 2023. I have 17 and will wait unless lightning strikes and I draw 9 random tag. My 9 tag in 05 started on 9/16 And a bothers 9 hunt in 98 started 9/18 and both were amazing bugle fest hunts. Other brothers 2011 9 hunt started 9/09 I think, it was early. Completely different hunt.Not even close on rut action. My next Az hunt probably won't be 9 but it will be the later start day.

Fin,

Thanks for the info. For some reason I think we spoke in 2009 when I had my archery tag in 9 in 2009.

I'm sitting here reading Epic Outdoors and thinking what units would be good to apply in for a random tag. Since it's a random tag I might as well go big!!! Good luck to you in the draws.