MT to AZ, am i crazy?

[RockyDog]

I have a good job in southwestern montana but am considering a transfer to Lakeside, Arizona. Lakeside is south of Showlow and i dont know much about the area. i have loved visiting AZ and NM though.

Can any of you AZ folks tell me what you think of the Lakeside vicinity? I like to hunt elk and shed hunt.

thanks.

 

[muleybull]

Thats a good part of AZ.

www.muleybulloutfitters.com

 

[CouesFanatic]

No you are not crazy. I wish I lived in Lakeside.

 

[gleninaz]

Hard to make a living there but if you have a good job that is one of the best parts of the state to live in. A little snow in winter and cooler in the summer. Great hunting and decent fishing in your back yard. Beats 30 below and 70 mph winds IMO.

 

[AZStickman]

I'd trade Lakeside to get back to SW Montana in a heartbeat.I miss MT...... Terry

 

[maddglasser]

AWESOME place man! You can get the mountains in 1 min and the desert for the winter months in about 1.5 hrs. Lakeside area is beautiful!

 

[Buckhunter1]

Yes you are crazy! Kiss your over the counter Elk hunting goodbye, You might draw an AZ tag in 8 to 10 years. Montana as a resi tops my list as probably having the best big game opportunity's in the west. You will have some good dove hunting in AZ. BH1

 

[CouesFanatic]

You will draw elk every 8 to 10 years if you are putting in for unit 9 every time. For the same quality of hunt as Montana elk, you could draw every 2 to 3 years. I'd rather wait a couple years then shoot raghorns every year.

 

[RockyDog]

thanks for all the replies fellers. i had to decide yesterday, decided not to apply for the transfer. The location of lakeside sounded very good to me, it ended up being the job that wayed my decisions. your comments helped.

as far as hunting opportunity, my area of montana (Hamilton) is a little disgusting as far as quality of elk hunting these days. id take hunting every 2 or 3 years and some shed hunting for big bulls over chasing these highly pressured small bulls. ive lived in MT 37 yrs so maybe im spoiled by the good old days, but right now looks like the worst days for elk in MT to me.

 

[lvelk]

You made the right choice! I grew up in MT (Sidney Native), moved to NV when I was 25 and I've been trying to get back there for 15 years. You really need to appreciate what you have in your backyard, nothing in the SW has the outdoor activities that you take for granted (I know I did)

 

[Gator]

Glad you came to your senses. Wow you almost screwed yourself on hunting elk and deer in good area's.


"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".