When they started the late hunts, the number of bigger bulls started diminishing. Its not that they killed huge bulls during these hunts, but it is the increase in tags. If you stopped the early hunt or the late hunt, and only give those tags back, the biggest bulls would come back. Its a trade off, you either give less tags and have bigger bulls, or more tags for smaller bulls. My problem is, after seeing 380 bulls hit the ground, it is very difficult to get real excited over a 320 class bull. People who have never experience this, think we are nuts for not getting excited over 320 bulls. Its like killing a 200" buck one year then looking at 140" bucks the next. Its just not the same. Back when I was 16 a 300" bull was way exciting, but there is nothing like seeing a 380+ bull on the hoof. It is awesome. I hunted one of the best units in AZ a few years ago, and had an awesome hunt, and never fired an arrow. Could have killed 15 bulls, but wanted one over 350. Had some close calls but didn't happen. Could have shot a bull last day, but a 280 bull does nothing for me after seeing 380 bulls hit the ground. I guess I am ruined when it comes to hunting elk.
Also, people always talks about how AZ can give tons of tags on a late hunt and still kill big bulls. I will tell you the terrain in AZ makes this possible. Utah would never work that way. The snow and glassing would make this impossible in Utah. Totally different hunt.