Any guidance for archery hunt in AZ?

[lamrith]

Daaayyyum Bean!  That is a nice bull!!

Thanks for the guidance on selections as well..  course you are probably trying to keep me out of your special little unit 3b..  I see how it is.. 

[WAcoueshunter]

Just my preference but here is how I would rate those hunt choices

• 1/2a/2b
• 3A/3C
• 3B
• 27

But, opinions are like _ _ _ _ _.

Unfortunately in AZ it's not about the quality of a particular tag, but what you can draw as a NR.  Without 13 points, the Unit 1 tag is literally out of the question.  Good chance 3B is out of the question too without 8+ points, given the limited number of tags.  But given his circumstances, I'd probably put down 3B and 3A/3C as the two choices, then plan on hunting a different state for the next several years.

[lamrith]

Just my preference but here is how I would rate those hunt choices

• 1/2a/2b
• 3A/3C
• 3B
• 27

But, opinions are like _ _ _ _ _.

Unfortunately in AZ it's not about the quality of a particular tag, but what you can draw as a NR.  Without 13 points, the Unit 1 tag is literally out of the question.  Good chance 3B is out of the question too without 8+ points, given the limited number of tags.  But given his circumstances, I'd probably put down 3B and 3A/3C as the two choices, then plan on hunting a different state for the next several years.

Yeah I know this is probably going to be an invstement for a while to build up, just figure make the choices count while I try.  I am here in WA, so can always pull OTC deer and elk tags like last year and hope I actually drop something..

[3dvapor]

If i had family in arizona i would consider becoming a resident for a year and buy a lifetime lic. That way when u change residency back to washington u can apply with the resident draw.    im banking on 23n with 19points.

[ridgefire]

Good luck on drawing that tag 3d vapor. I hunted that unit a few years back on a late hunt and saw some monsters. The backside of christopher mountain and into hellsgate is where i was hunting. Would love to draw a rut tag but that's just a dream.

[WAcoueshunter]

If i had family in arizona i would consider becoming a resident for a year and buy a lifetime lic. That way when u change residency back to washington u can apply with the resident draw.    im banking on 23n with 19points.

It doesn't work like that. You save the cost of a NR license, but you're still a NR for the draw and have to draw and pay for a NR permit.

[hunterrcc]

Hey bean your mail is full!  Just had a question about AZ elk and whether my app choices are worth the time?

[lamrith]

The Regs had a little conflicting info on License fees, just an FYI License fees are NOT refunded if you are not draw, only the Tag fee minus $15 is refunded..  So to apply and not get drawn is $175 to "buy" your point for the year.. 

You can also just buy a point directly by obtaining a license and then applying for the bonus point hunt for the animal you want the point for (deer, elk, etc)  So you can front the $825 to take part in the draw for elk, not get drawn and get all but $175 back, or just pay $175 and gain a point.

I do not fully understand the draw process yet, but going on what has been posted by those that do, my tough decision now is that this hunt is to hunt with a family member living down there.  Given the info previously posted I am looking a min of 8yrs which is going to put him in his mid/upper 70's.  :-/

[Bean Counter]

Sorry dude. Cleared some room for you. Hit it again.

[Bean Counter]

The Regs had a little conflicting info on License fees, just an FYI License fees are NOT refunded if you are not draw, only the Tag fee minus $15 is refunded..  So to apply and not get drawn is $175 to "buy" your point for the year..  You can also just buy a point directly by obtaining a license and then applying for the bonus point hunt for the animal you want the point for (deer, elk, etc)

Correct. If I were a non resident and wanted access to the elk points and could afford it, you might as well buy deer, sheep, and maybe buffalo points as well, given the comparatively higher cost to get a license as per individual species points.. 

[lamrith]

The Regs had a little conflicting info on License fees, just an FYI License fees are NOT refunded if you are not draw, only the Tag fee minus $15 is refunded..  So to apply and not get drawn is $175 to "buy" your point for the year..  You can also just buy a point directly by obtaining a license and then applying for the bonus point hunt for the animal you want the point for (deer, elk, etc)

Correct. If I were a non resident and wanted access to the elk points and could afford it, you might as well buy deer, sheep, and maybe buffalo points as well, given the comparatively higher cost to get a license as per individual species points.. 

I am not following?  points I think are collected per genus, not combined?  Why would I want to buy Buffalo or sheep?

I may very well do a deer hunt with him instead of elk, as there are usually left over tags after 1st draw where he hunts, just have to wait for those regs to come out..

[Bean Counter]

Well if it were me, and I had to pay $135 just for a non resident license before I could buy a $13 point for elk, you might as well spend another $13 on a deer point and another $13 on a buffalo point. Just what I would do. 

By contrast in a state like Wyoming or Colorado, you can just buy your points ala carte. There's no steep initial investment cost. I only buy a deer point in CO.

[lamrith]

Well if it were me, and I had to pay $135 just for a non resident license before I could buy a $13 point for elk, you might as well spend another $13 on a deer point and another $13 on a buffalo point. Just what I would do. 

By contrast in a state like Wyoming or Colorado, you can just buy your points ala carte. There's no steep initial investment cost. I only buy a deer point in CO.

Ahh ok..  Yeah I may very well hunt modern deer with him down there, deadline for elk is Monday and we plan to make final decision then for elk.  I might just buy license and the elk point.  Prices went up too $160 for NR license, $15/ NR application fee.

[Bean Counter]

Oh yes, for the privilege of hunting AND fishing in the great state of Arizona

I think all the prices are a bit steep. Its $121 for me as a RESIDENTto get an elk tag--even cow elk

[AZcoueshunter78]

I was a resident of Az until september of this year and have guided there for the last 4 years for elk deer and javalina. Had a late bull tag in 22n this year and came home with a spike. Of all the hunts you mentioned they will all be a tough draw without at least 8-10 points. If i were you i would put in for 5bs . Monster bulls in this unit . Unit 1 has been hurting since the wallow fire but is rebounding good but still isnt what it was . 3a/3c is a great unit but everyone knows it same with unit 1. I lived there my whole life and could offer alot of insight into elk hunts down there. If interested please pm me.