Arizona Units 3A/3C

[cjack]

I've hunted the area around Eager in Unit 1 for cow elk many times with my bow but after the last trip there when I didn't see one elk in 5 days of hunting I decided to switch things up. I saw a lot of herds at the higher elevations around Pinetop but this was in August. This year I drew a general hunt in units 3A and 3C. Does anyone have any experiences with that area? I will be there in the middle of October and was wondering if weather becomes a factor or can I still expect t see herds at the higher elevations? I plan on heading out there a week or so in advance to do some scouting but was hoping I could get some input from you guys prior to my scouting trip....................Thanks, Chuck.

 

[sagebrush]

Not a lot of difference in elevation throughout the unit. Most of the elk I have seen have been between Hwy 260 and the Mogollon Rim. The area is easily accessed off the 300 Rd. South of the rim is the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation and there is no valid reason for crossing the line in the view of law enforcement, so just keep that in mind. Weather should be pleasant as the monsoon season will be pretty much over and the winter storms normally don't get fired up until the middle of November. There are pockets of elk throughout the unit and they can be found in the PJ north of 260 as well. The bulls will still be herding cows and you may be able to locate them from bugles early and late. Water will be the main attraction and they like the larger stock tanks rather than small natural sources of water. The elk will usually move a long way from the feeding to bedding areas and hit water somewhere in between right at first light. The are a ton of elk in the 51 RD (Buckskin Rd) area out of Overgaard. You should see plenty.

 

[cjack]

Thank you sagebrush, you've given me plenty to think about and to research. I plan on scouting a couple of weeks prior to the hunt.

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