Drew an AZ 7W Bull tag for my son. Although I haven't hunted elk there in over 20 years since I did so with my father, I'm really looking forward to this hunt with my son, and it was my 1st choice on the application because of the memories associated with elk hunting there with my old man and because it's where I grew up.
Just got back from a 10 day scouting trip, and found some good looking areas. Hard to tell exactly what's going on there now, since the elk are up higher, but I seem to recall elk being pushed into this are during moderate snows and hunting pressure, so I'm banking on the same thing happening this year. I will be making at least another 3 or 4 scouting trips before the opener, and have already scheduled time off and will be spending the week before the season in the area hoping to scout out a couple decent 4x4 or so bulls to get in front of the kid hopefully.
1st, has anyone hunted this unit recently, and how did you fare?
2nd, can anyone recommend some good books or videos geared toward late season, post rut rifle hunts? I got a recommendation for one which I got, "Winter Bulls", but so far that's it. Due to military service, then divorce, and finally custody battles, I've not hunted elk in 20 years, so I really need to brush up. I applied with my son last year and this year hoping to begin building bonus points, but miraculously enough, we got a rifle bull tag. I was hoping he'd be a year or so older (he's 13 now), but it came to us now, and we certainly won't be turning it away! Now I plan on just busing my butt over the next few months to do my best to put him in front of a small to moderate bull elk.
Thanks for any advice!
Just got back from a 10 day scouting trip, and found some good looking areas. Hard to tell exactly what's going on there now, since the elk are up higher, but I seem to recall elk being pushed into this are during moderate snows and hunting pressure, so I'm banking on the same thing happening this year. I will be making at least another 3 or 4 scouting trips before the opener, and have already scheduled time off and will be spending the week before the season in the area hoping to scout out a couple decent 4x4 or so bulls to get in front of the kid hopefully.
1st, has anyone hunted this unit recently, and how did you fare?
2nd, can anyone recommend some good books or videos geared toward late season, post rut rifle hunts? I got a recommendation for one which I got, "Winter Bulls", but so far that's it. Due to military service, then divorce, and finally custody battles, I've not hunted elk in 20 years, so I really need to brush up. I applied with my son last year and this year hoping to begin building bonus points, but miraculously enough, we got a rifle bull tag. I was hoping he'd be a year or so older (he's 13 now), but it came to us now, and we certainly won't be turning it away! Now I plan on just busing my butt over the next few months to do my best to put him in front of a small to moderate bull elk.
Thanks for any advice!
