Arizona Elk unit info

[Buckman]

Anybody got some good insight into the better units for 2017 such as nice bulls and huntability with archery gear

[Indian Summer]

A better question might be where can I possibly stand a chance of actually getting an elk hunting license in Arizona? Answer: Wyoming.

[2MANY]

PM sent to Indian.

[Game Planner Maps]

Apply for the hunt you want first choice and an hunt you'd be happy with for your second choice.
Units more drawable for NR with less than max BPs are 6a, 7e, 5a, 5bn, 4a, 4b, 3b, and 6b.
4b and 3b would be at the bottom end of the list.
Any of the rest would make a good 2nd choice if you applying for a premier unit 1st choice.
I'd be thrilled with a tag in units 4a, 5a, 5bn, 6a, or 7e.

[Buckman]

Thanks game planner i think we are leaning towards 5a because we've been there but will certainly include 4a in the picks will keep you posted and will contact you with our mapping needs.

[Wapitibob]

How many points you have is the deciding factor. Going for the gusto with a 1st choice is a wasted choice on many hunt codes. Because nr are stacked at the upper point pools for certain hunt you have no real statistical chance even in the 1-2 pass (random).

[Old school]

I had similar thoughts and questions regarding Arizona.

In Arizona, I'm just getting started and had a similar question - with bonus points instead of preference points and their method of drawing, I see a lot of early September hunts that have a 1% chance of drawing. I'm not that familiar with Arizona, but have looked over Google Earth and also the Arizona G&F elkregs pdf. Those of you with knowledge of Arizona, what units would give you a good hunt with a reasonable chance at a "good" bull (270+)? And realistically how many bonus points do you need to draw it? Maybe too vague of a question, I don't know.

I've read the regs and hear that the premium units require over 20 years of "bonus points". I want to start building points there for a hunt in the future...probably not 20 years worth though.

--Mitch

[Buckman]

We currently have 7 points applying this year will be 8 we always try 1st pick in unit 9 then 5a then 5b southmy partner drawed 5a 8 years ago with 8 points and shot a real nice bull there first day was nice archery terrian could stalk close and do some calling so we are hoping this is the year but you never know.

[Wapitibob]

If you have 7 points, you'll have 7 points for the draw. It took 9 points for a nr to be in the max pools for the 5's and early archery.

[Wapitibob]

I had similar thoughts and questions regarding Arizona.

In Arizona, I'm just getting started and had a similar question - with bonus points instead of preference points and their method of drawing, I see a lot of early September hunts that have a 1% chance of drawing. I'm not that familiar with Arizona, but have looked over Google Earth and also the Arizona G&F elkregs pdf. Those of you with knowledge of Arizona, what units would give you a good hunt with a reasonable chance at a "good" bull (270+)? And realistically how many bonus points do you need to draw it? Maybe too vague of a question, I don't know.

I've read the regs and hear that the premium units require over 20 years of "bonus points". I want to start building points there for a hunt in the future...probably not 20 years worth though.

--Mitch

The problem going forward for a nr is that the new rule allows only half the nr tags to be drawn in the Bonus Pass, so it's going to mean point creep and a backlog of nr at the top point pool levels for many hunts. I would apply for lesser units and if serious, would spend the money and travel to AZ for the one day hunter ed class. On your 5th year of continuous application, you'll get the loyalty point and you'll then have 7 points after the 5th year. That will get you close to a late rifle hunt. A few more years and you should get a bow hunt.

[Game Planner Maps]

I had similar thoughts and questions regarding Arizona.

In Arizona, I'm just getting started and had a similar question - with bonus points instead of preference points and their method of drawing, I see a lot of early September hunts that have a 1% chance of drawing. I'm not that familiar with Arizona, but have looked over Google Earth and also the Arizona G&F elkregs pdf. Those of you with knowledge of Arizona, what units would give you a good hunt with a reasonable chance at a "good" bull (270+)? And realistically how many bonus points do you need to draw it? Maybe too vague of a question, I don't know.

I've read the regs and hear that the premium units require over 20 years of "bonus points". I want to start building points there for a hunt in the future...probably not 20 years worth though.

--Mitch

Look at units 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5bn, 5bs, 6a, 6b, and 7e. Right now you need between 7 and 11 points to put you in the bonus pass for these units. I have NR clients every year that draw with only a handful of points, but you have to apply for tags, not just BP's. With the change in the NR tag distribution, you could draw a premium unit with less than max points. If you want to hunt, a good strategy is to apply for your dream hunt 1st choice and one of the units listed above 2nd choice. Your fighting the odds either way, but you always have a chance of drawing.

[Old school]

Thanks for the advice - I've talked with Game and Fish in a couple different areas as well. One day I hope to hunt Arizona, just may take a while for it to finally happen.

--Mitch