My opinion, I think there is entirely to many people in the field during every hunt. The unit this happened in is unit 8. This unit has more than doubled in permits over the last 5 years. This is the late rifle elk hunt. I remember this hunt having 220 permits, how can the AZ GAME & FISH justify 600+ permits for this hunt the elk population has dwindled to numbers well below the figures of when the permits were less. Also these units typically have the bulls concentrated in certain areas meaning hunters in the same areas causing accidents of this type. I believe this is going to continue to happen. I was in the area with my two boys 10 & 7 showing them this country, there was no pressure none of us had permits I wanted them to see how its done in the late season, patience and a lot of glassing. During the wknd. we were on a lot of traditional areas I hunt when I am fortunate to draw a tag. I was amazed by how many people were in the field, every glassing point I was able to see people everywhere. In the past I remember maybe seeing a hunter or two. I think the roads had more traffic then I-40.
I think this is a very unfortunate accident but with the high powered rifles and the amount of people in the field its gonna continue to happen. I hope the state or the AZ GAME & FISH is budgeting for the increase liability insurance. This one is gonna cost a pretty penny.