![]() Typical temperatures range from below freezing to highs in the 60s. The majority of bulls will have migrated back to summer habitat or to winter habitat, highly dependent on weather and available forage. Hunts begin in early November and run for two weeks. Glassing, followed by spot-and-stalk hunting, works well on this hunt. Typically, elk are still rutting with bulls bugling and maintaining a harem. ![]() Legal-take methods for these hunts are either muzzleloader or centerfire rifle - some units alternate legal-take methods annually. However, a few hunts occur in mid-September, with the archery hunts following - the Arizona Game and Fish Department alternate hunt dates by region. Most “trophy” hunts begin the day after the early archery hunt, near October, and run for one week. Most units have an antlerless and bull hunt that coincides. Temperatures range from freezing in the morning to near 90s in the afternoon in lower elevation elk units. Drought years raise the challenge level of this hunt, and calling tactics are less likely to bring in a rut-sickened bull. In typical years, calling tactics work relatively well. Hunts begin in mid-September and run for two weeks, typically during the rut. To optimize your draw chances, look for suitable game management units that match your hunt type. There are several factors to consider before applying for an Arizona elk tag. The author harvested this bull during the early archery season. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish issues approximately 25,000 elk tags annually. In general, Arizona elk hunting is top-notch! The Grand Canyon state is host to a variety of elk hunts that offer dedicated hunters the chance at harvesting a bull-of-a-lifetime on most hunts. Currently, the state’s elk population hovers around 35,000 animals. However, that number proved to be over the carrying capacity of the elk’s range within the state, and the herd was trimmed. During the 90s, the elk population grew to an estimated 50,000-60,000 animals, putting Arizona elk hunting on the map. In the mid-80s, the state’s elk population exploded, growing exponentially. In 1913, 80+ elk were transplanted from the park to Cabin Draw near Chevlon Creek in what today is unit 4A. From 1912 to 1967, almost 14,000 elk were transplanted from Yellowstone to other regions in the West, Arizona included. Arizona’s current elk population is courtesy of Yellowstone National Park. ![]() Cattle grazing and overhunting the sub-species led to its demise in the early part of the 20th century. ![]() The state was once the home of the Merriam’s elk, a smaller-bodied ungulate with massive antlers. Arizona elk hunting is arguably the best there is. ![]()
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