Arizona Elk
Earlymorningpoker
5/3/06 12:01pm
I was wondering what the good areas of Arizona for Bull Elk are. I am putting in for the Arizona Draw and would like to know where A) I can expect decent success rates B) Can do it self guided. Any info will be appreciated.
6,000
You need to keep in mind, there are good bulls (up to 360") in ALL elk zones...including the less hyped-up ones. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) It's all about draw odds and what type of bull you'll settle for. Once you know how the game is played (odds) you'll draw more often.
Don't over-look the low density hunts either (excluding unit 12). I've seen some TOADS in these units as well. A little scouting goes a LONG way.
I'll only add that if you're after a 400" caliber bull (which beyond popular belief is NOT common), then you'll probably be applying for the popular zones (9 & 10) and may never draw...even with archery. However, if a 320-360" bull will suit you, EVERY unit in Arizona can produce that, IMO. Hope it helps
As BOHNTR said most of the units can and will produce bulls in the 320s-360s". The Units I would avoid are 6ANorth, 6Asouth and 6Awest. These units have had the most pressure in them. These units have always offered a lot of tags so your new hunter that does not know any better puts in for these tags. Because of this, these guys have drawn it and have really educated the elk. It can be hard to call bulls.
But as you posted your not really looking for size then pretty much any unit. If you go to the Arizona Game and Fish website(azgfd.com) they have just put out the 2006/2007 regs. Download them and at the end they have last years draw success and harvest success stats.
But if your looking for a good chance at a bull of a lifetime then then you would want to stay with units 1, 3A/3C, 9 and 10. The draw odds a very low though, the 3-5% range.
Hope this helps.
Manny