ARIZONA ARCHERY ELK
The Arizona Elk Outfitters Team of professional Arizona elk guides feels that the absolute best time to focus on harvesting a giant Arizona bull elk is during the early season Arizona archery elk hunts in the rut. Arizona’s archery bull elk hunts in the rut take place during the middle two weeks of the month of September. These early season Arizona archery elk hunts are the classic screaming rut elk hunts that every single trophy elk hunter dreams about but very few get to actually experience. Arizona Elk Outfitters LLC can help you to personally experience these phenomenal Arizona elk hunts in the rut with us this year. Most of the Arizona bull elk are in either the pre rut stage or in the peak of the rut during these early season Arizona archery elk hunts and the breakage on the elk antlers generally is not that bad yet. A lot of the trophy bull elk in Arizona can also be very responsive to calling during this early archery rut season which can make for a lot of incredible action and heart stopping excitement while you are calling in giant bulls during your Arizona archery elk hunt. Many of the trophy bull elk in Arizona’s elk units are very visible and therefore much more vulnerable to hunting during this time of year due to them bugling, rutting, and fighting in more open rutting country while gathering and searching for their harems of cow elk that are in estrus. The early rut season is the very special time of the year when many of Arizona largest trophy bull elk will let their guard down slightly and offer elk hunters the best opportunity at getting close to them and harvesting a truly giant bull. Regardless of weapon or season, the Arizona Elk Outfitters LLC Team of professional Arizona elk guides feels that these early rut season Arizona archery elk hunts are the best Arizona elk hunts to focus your efforts on drawing if your goal is to harvest a giant Arizona bull elk this year.
2018 ARCHERY UNITS
UNIT 1,2A,2C
This is consistently one of the top archery hunts in the state. High Pines and low cedars along with a huge burn area give this unit many advantages. The entire southern border is the Mogollon rim and the White Mountain Apache Reservations. Elevation is from 6,800 – 10,800 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 370+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 40:100
- 42% harvest rate in 2017
- 300 total tags for 2018.
UNIT 3A/3C
Yellow pine timber with some open reseeds scattered throughout. Great unit adjacent to the Fort Apache Indian reservation. Some hunting pressure with lots of elk. Hunters never know what they are going to see coming off the reservation when the rut gets going! Great access. Elevation is from 5,600 – 7,200 feet. Expect to see 330 – 350” with a possibility of 360+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 31:100
- 46% harvest rate
- 135 total tags for 2018.
UNIT 3B
Hunt has a local population of elk bordering the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The Elk move back and forth during the rut and there is a chance at a very nice bull. The rut needs to be in full swing to take advantage as it is thick along the reservations fence. Expect to see 300-340″ with a possibility of 350+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 31:100
- 47% harvest rate in 2017
- 75 total tags for 2018.
UNIT 5B NORTH
Another solid unit for good size bulls. Hunting pressure can be high with tag allocation but good elk densities should make this hunt very exciting for those looking for a 330 type bull. Elevations are from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Expect to see 300-340″ class bulls with a chance at 350+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 37:100
- 31% harvest rate in 2017
- 144 total tags for 2018
UNIT 5B SOUTH
This is a very good hunt for medium sized bulls. Hunting pressure can be high with the tag allocations but equally high density of bulls. As with every unit there is always a chance at a lunker. Good public land access and lots of elk. Hunt the cedars or pine trees it doesn’t matter. Elevations are from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Expect to see 300 – 330” with a possibility of 350+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 37:100
- 41% harvest rate and in 2017
- 200 total tags for 2018
UNIT 7WEST
This is another great hunt with lots of elk. Moderate volcanic juniper hills and mountains. Always seem to rut good in this unit. As with most Arizona units great access. There is some trophy potential here as there have been many great bulls harvested in this unit the last 4 years or so. Elevation is from 5,500 – 9,300 feet. Expect to see 330 – 350” with a possibility of 360+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 54:100
- 43% harvest rate IN 2017
- 175 total tags for 2018.
UNIT 7EAST
This is an interesting hunt. lots of elk, borders unit 9 on the north. Not as high quality as 9 but great access and plenty of elk to hunt. Wilderness areas provide hunters a chance to get away from the crowds. Elevations are from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Expect to see 300 – 330” with a possibility of 340+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 53:100
- 18% harvest rate in 2017
- 120 total tags for 2018
UNIT 8
Many elk, great access and fun hunt. The top 2 all time SCI bulls were killed in unit 8. A 464″ monster in 2004 and 455″ in 2003. Also the number 3 all time muzzleloader 435″ was taken here by your preferred outfitter Arizona Elk Outfitter LLC. Elevation is from 6,800 – 10,800 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 370+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 34:100
- 33% harvest rate in 2017
- 250 total tags for 2018
UNIT 9
There is not much more that can be said about unit 9. It is Indian reservations on each side and the Grand Canyon National Park on the north. It is flat and thick which lends itself to chasing screaming bulls. It has been managed for the last 40 years for quality and it shows with the sheer number of big bulls killed here. Elevation is from 5,800 – 7,500 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 380+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 50:100
- 58% harvest rate and in 2017
- 100 total tags for 2018
UNIT 10
This hunt can be exhilarating and frustrating. Big Boquillas Ranch has some rules affecting waterholes & trail . The permits were reduced this year which will help with the hunting pressure. Still one of the best hunts in the west and there are always a handful of enormous bulls killed here. Elevation is from 2,000 – 7,500 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 380+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 23:100
- 32% harvest rate in 2017
- 100 total tags for 2018
UNIT 15A/15B/18A
This hunt can be very tough. There are some huge bulls here and every year a few bruisers get killed. There are some access issues with private property but can be worked around with the right outfitter. The X Bar One ranch is located in the middle of the unit, the Fort Rock on the south west side. The Hualapai reservation on the north. Can be great with the right information before applying. Elevations are from 3,500 to 5,500 feet. Expect to see 300 – 330” with a possibility of 350+ .
- 39% harvest rate in 2017
- 25 total tags for 2018.
UNIT 17A/17B/18B/19B
Another limited opportunity hunt. There are a ton a places to hunt but the elk are scattered. There are annually some huge bulls here but again access issues must be dealt with. The famous ORO ranch is in the middle of the area and always has some great bulls. Can be good but again know the risks when applying. Elevations are from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Expect to see 300 – 330” with a possibility of 350+ .
- Bull to cow ratio is 11:100
- 41% harvest rate in 2017
- 35 total tags for 2018
UNIT 22
With only 50 tags this is a fun hunt with almost no pressure. The quality is a bit low hunting mainly 320 to 330 bulls but a great time none the less. This unit holds quite a few elk and an occasional 350+ bull. Elevation is from 5,000 – 7,500 feet. Expect to see 300 – 320” with a possibility of 340+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 23:100
- 32% harvest rate in 2017
- 50 total tags for 2018
UNIT 23 NORTH
This is another can’t go wrong hunt. Managed strictly for quality this is a hunt of a lifetime. The elk are often vocal on this hunt and easily pursued with a variation of terrain. Very few tags only adds to the quality of the experience. For serious trophy hunters. Elevation is from 5,800 – 7,500 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 380+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 36:100
- 87% harvest rate in 2017
- 15 total tags for 2018
UNIT 23 SOUTH
Increasing population of elk. Good numbers of elk but less than 23N. Higher elevations are thick pine and oak canyons. This is a little more demanding physically but another great hunt with great potential. Elevation is from 2,200 – 7,200 feet. Expect to see 340 – 360” with a possibility of 380+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 36:100
- 40% harvest rate in 2017
- 15 total tags for 2018
UNIT 27
This traditionally is a quality hunt in Arizona. Large burnt area that borders the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Lots of elk and good access with some large road less areas for the more serious hunters. Elevation is from 5,800 – 7,500 feet. Expect to see 320 – 350” with a possibility of 360+.
- Bull to cow ratio is 35:100
- 28% harvest rate in 2017
- 225 total tags for 2018
HUNTS IN THE RUT
The Arizona Elk Outfitters Team of professional Arizona elk guides feels that the absolute best time to focus on harvesting a giant Arizona bull elk is during the early season Arizona archery elk hunts in the rut. Arizona’s archery bull elk hunts in the rut take place during the middle two weeks of the month of September. These early season Arizona archery elk hunts are the classic screaming rut elk hunts that every single trophy elk hunter dreams about but very few get to actually experience. Arizona Elk Outfitters LLC can help you to personally experience these phenomenal Arizona elk hunts in the rut with us this year. Most of the Arizona bull elk are in either the pre rut stage or in the peak of the rut during these early season Arizona archery elk hunts and the breakage on the elk antlers generally is not that bad yet. A lot of the trophy bull elk in Arizona can also be very responsive to calling during this early archery rut season which can make for a lot of incredible action and heart stopping excitement while you are calling in giant bulls during your Arizona archery elk hunt. Many of the trophy bull elk in Arizona’s elk units are very visible and therefore much more vulnerable to hunting during this time of year due to them bugling, rutting, and fighting in more open rutting country while gathering and searching for their harems of cow elk that are in estrus. The early rut season is the very special time of the year when many of Arizona largest trophy bull elk will let their guard down slightly and offer elk hunters the best opportunity at getting close to them and harvesting a truly giant bull.
WORLD RECORD POTENTIAL
Arizona consistently produces both Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young record book bull elk for serious trophy elk hunters every year and holds the Pope & Young World Records for both typical and non-typical Rocky Mountain Elk. A quick look through any of the trophy elk pages that are found in the Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young record books leaves anyone very little doubt about the world class quality of the incredible trophy elk hunts that are found in the state of Arizona. We are extremely proud to be the professional Arizona elk outfitters that produced the current Pope and Young Typical World record elk for our client Shawn Patterson (picture shown above) in 2005 while being guided by Levi McClendon of the Arizona Elk Outfitters LLC Team. Arizona also proudly holds the current Boone & Crockett World Record for typical Rocky Mountain Elk. A combination of the best trophy elk genetics in the world, good local feed and minerals, coupled with strict trophy elk management by the state of Arizona, has created a trophy elk herd that is without equal.
LATE SEASON ARCHERY HUNTS
Archers can now apply for the late season Archery bull elk hunts that Arizona has implemented that take place in mid November. These late season archery elk hunts in Arizona take place right before the late rifle season elk hunts begin and after the mid season Arizona rifle bull elk hunts are over. These Arizona late season archery elk hunts can be extremely difficult elk hunts but, there are some very attractive features about these late season Arizona archery elk hunts that may make you want to consider applying for them if you would like to hunt elk in Arizona’s top trophy elk units much sooner rather than later. First, these late season Arizona archery elk tags are relatively easy to draw and can even be drawn every year by non resident archery elk hunters that do not have any bonus points for Arizona elk. You don’t need a lot of bonus points to draw these late season archery Arizona elk tags and you can be chasing Arizona bulls pretty regularly, even every year, by putting in for these late season Arizona archery elk hunts. Second, the tag numbers are very low on most these late season archery Arizona elk hunts and hunting pressure from other elk hunters is virtually non existent. Third, these late season Arizona archery elk hunts take place in all the best trophy elk units in the state of Arizona. It is a late season winter hunt, there will be some antler breakage, and bulls can be difficult to locate but, those giant Arizona bull elk are still there anytime that you are hunting in the premium Arizona elk units. If you want to hunt Arizona elk more often, are physically fit, and an experienced archer ready for some very challenging but very rewarding Arizona elk hunting, you might want to give these unique late season Arizona archery elk hunts a try this year.