Utah or Arizona for 2016?

[mochosla]

Hi guys. So, this year I had to eat tag soup for my Colorado Elk hunt. Since it is my first Elk hunt, and I managed to get a buck, I'm cool with it. Now, I'm determined to keep on trying until I get one (hopefully in 2016). So, Colorado was a long drive and being that there are good Elk grounds in Utah and Arizona, I think I will try either one of those two states. I heard that Arizona is a draw only state? Is that accurate?

If Arizona is not a draw only state and I can buy over the counter tags, what are your thoughts? I saw that Flagstaff area holds some good Elk and at this point, I don't care if I get a bull or a cow.

Thank you!

Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

 

[dustin ray]

theres over the counter but there not that good do you have any points and are you hunting archery or gun

 

[Bubblehide]

... are you hunting archery or gun

^^^^^^^^^

 

[mochosla]

I can hunt either. Archery has more challenges but I'm a good shot at 30-50 yards. I saw a couple of areas south of Flagstaff that according to the AZ fish and game site, hold good elk. BTW, their website is probably the most informative site of the ones I've visited.

 

[baco]

For a decent chance for a bull you will need points in both states. For cow you can draw in both without points

 

[mochosla]

You can't buy a bull tag in these states like you can in Colorado?

 

[Bubblehide]

Being able to buy a tag means nothing if the odds are stacked against you in filling that tag. Az & Ut have been running quality game management programs that include good opportunities for tag holders to fill their tags given the hunter is experienced and has some knowledge of the area they will be hunting. Premium areas almost always hold a good number of animals, thus increasing a hunters chances of success. But, there is no replacement for knowing the are you plan on hunting. I prefer to hunt areas I plan on going back to and hunting for some time, rather than a one time draw every 10-15 years. Granted, some of those draws can be incredible hunts, with respectable animals. But you have your work cut out for you either way you plan to go. But Flagstaff area is close, and if you can swing it, it allows you the opportunity to do some quality scouting. If your happy with a cow, it also allows for some real opportunities while you can still build points. But if you want to eventually hunt some of those special draws, you must play the points game, and do it is as many states as you can.

 

[d10hunter]

Solid info from Bub☝ right there!

Sent from SGS5 using tapatalk

 

[dustin ray]

the odds for non res in AZ are low
Units like 9 and 10 archery 16 years to draw
units like 11m archery 3 to 4 years i know guys that have drawn with 0 points
most cow elk in trophy units run 2 to 4 years but it is possible to draw with 0 points it all depends on how many res apply
there is over the counter tags bull tags for Alamo lake the population is low and its vary remote and hard to hunt but if you have a lot of time it can be done
if you buy a over the counter tag you can still build points if you get a cow draw tag you can't get a point for that year

 

[CA Karen]

Utah tags are usually draw only for rifle, occasionally they may have left over tags but its first come first serve on whats left and can be sold out inside a few days of open sales. Archery will last a little longer but is always sold out before season begins. So it is best to apply for the draw for either to get your best chance at a tag. The procalmation for big game is available now so if you want to see what is offered go to http://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting-in-utah/guidebooks.html and check it out.

 

[rvrrat]

My recommendation would be to put in for cow tags in Utah and Nevada, relatively easy for a nonresident to draw and a great way to learn an area if you ever draw a bull tag. You can build points separately for bulls and cows in these States. Some areas may require one point for a guaranteed cow tag. As for AZ, put in for your dream bull tag and build points. In 2016 5% of the limit of non-resident tags will go into the random draw so there is a chance to draw a tag as opposed to years before when the 10% limit being snatched up by max point holders. In AZ bonus points aren't broken up by cow or bull so if you get a cow tag you'll lose all your elk points. I've found that Hunterstrailhead.com has the best info on draw odds, plus you can research the draw odds and harvest success rates at each states fish and game web sites.

 

[mochosla]

Great information from all of you. Thank you very much!

 

[mochosla]

Great information from all of you. Thank you very much!

 

[RoosterKiller]

Utah has options for every hunter they have the following hunts available.
1,General Bull-These are over the counter tags that are good in any of the general bull areas. These areas can be productive if and when you spend enough time in them.
2. General Spike- these are over the counter tags that are good in any of the general Spike hunts. They take place during the rut when the spikes are ejected out of the herd.
3. OTC Cow- For the first time in recent history Utah will have over the counter tags available for areas where they need to reduce herd numbers.
4. Limited entry Bull- This is a draw hunt and requires points.
5. Limited entry cow- This is a draw hunt ,however there are many areas where a non- resident does not need any points.
6. Control cow tags- For the last couple of years Utah has made available these tags to anyone that has a Bull or a Buck tag .They will sell you a cow tag for half price in certain areas that they are trying to reduce numbers.

These are a few of the hunts available. There are more once you look into archery ar muzzleloader hunts. Cow hunt info will be available in May. Bull and Buck info is available now.
Good Luck

 

[mochosla]

Thank you Roosterkiller!

 

[Wade-o-]

utah bull elk

I have been watching bull elk draws in Utah for a while. Big elk in limited draw areas are available but draw is tough I'm sitting on 15 points and it will be tough again but possible. September rifle tags are VERY limited later seasons (November )are a little better . Wish me luck !!

 

[Jessedlc2]

My recommendation would be to put in for cow tags in Utah and Nevada, relatively easy for a nonresident to draw and a great way to learn an area if you ever draw a bull tag. You can build points separately for bulls and cows in these States. Some areas may require one point for a guaranteed cow tag. As for AZ, put in for your dream bull tag and build points. In 2016 5% of the limit of non-resident tags will go into the random draw so there is a chance to draw a tag as opposed to years before when the 10% limit being snatched up by max point holders. In AZ bonus points aren't broken up by cow or bull so if you get a cow tag you'll lose all your elk points. I've found that Hunterstrailhead.com has the best info on draw odds, plus you can research the draw odds and harvest success rates at each states fish and game web sites.

I heard the same thing but I called az g&f today and spoke to kathy………said no such thing, the only change was no cap on javelina for non res. Where are you getting your information?????

 

[Jessedlc2]

I heard the same thing but I called az g&f today and spoke to kathy………said no such thing, the only change was no cap on javelina for non res. Where are you getting your information?????

you are correct, i got a call from azgf

 

[rvrrat]

you are correct, i got a call from azgf

Just saw your post. The AZ DFG finally posted the change on their web site under the "News" link. At least there's now a chance! My Dad drew early bull area 1 in 2014. I was with him when he squeezed the trigger on his muzzleloader and bagged a 350 bull, awesome experience.

 

[mochosla]

Been doing a lot of research and Utah may be a better option. Specially because I'm okay with harvesting a cow. Now, my friend's brother lives in AZ and is inviting me to hunt with him and his daughters (very nice of him). I thought that if he did a group hunt and added me to it I would have a better chance to draw a tag. To my surprise, this is not the case for bulls. If he adds me to his group, he automatically becomes an out of state requester. So, if he decides to hunt cows, I will be added to his group hunt as those tags are not affected by that policy.

As for Utah, seems like you can get those tags over the counter later in the year. An not only that, they are $285 and you can get more than one. I'm calling Utah F&G to get all the details.

I will also enter the CA elk draw. At least it will add a point to my list.

Good luck to you all.