Anyone ever hunt Arizona Elk unit 23 or 27 late?

[trophyelk6x6]

Talked with Huntin Fool and Epic and studied GoHunt.  Wondering if anyone on this board has any experience in these units during late tag?  Thanks

[boneaddict]

I've been there.  Haven't hunted it. Its gorgeous freakin' elk country.  Its pretty much connected to the Gila out of NM.  The genetics and rapid growth are amazing.  You'll see young bulls with wonderful tine length that score in the low 300s well before what you see in growth versus age here.     They had a couple pretty big fires there and I haven't seen it since that, so 'Im not sure of the landscape now.   It will probably be an impossible draw but probably where Id put in.  I liked the looks of the country better than the other "Big" units.  (9 and 10). and with the rez right there......

[Stein]

If I had 23 points, that is one of the places I would put in. 

[WAcoueshunter]

The Jay Scott podcast has had several episodes in the last couple weeks on the AZ elk and antelope draws.  Most of these episodes are interviews with outfitters, and getting their take on the different units and hunts.  You might check those out.  Invariably these units and the late hunts come up.  I'm sure HF and Epic probably gave you similar input.  Great units, lots of elk.  Unit 27 burned a few years ago and opened it up, making success on the late hunt (for better or worse) that much higher.  23 has fewer tags all around, generally considered the best unit in the State right now.  Lots of broken tines on these hunts, particularly last year with the drought conditions.  Rain thus far this year has been better. 

I'll have 20 points myself in this draw, debating what to do. 

[Stein]

The Jay Scott podcast has had several episodes in the last couple weeks on the AZ elk and antelope draws.  Most of these episodes are interviews with outfitters, and getting their take on the different units and hunts.  You might check those out.  Invariably these units and the late hunts come up.  I'm sure HF and Epic probably gave you similar input.  Great units, lots of elk.  Unit 27 burned a few years ago and opened it up, making success on the late hunt (for better or worse) that much higher.  23 has fewer tags all around, generally considered the best unit in the State right now.  Lots of broken tines on these hunts, particularly last year with the drought conditions.  Rain thus far this year has been better. 

I'll have 20 points myself in this draw, debating what to do.

Last year, you didn't have a 1% chance of drawing the early 23 tag until you hit 22 points.  The late tag you could draw 100% with 4, so I wouldn't want to be in your position, you are either burning 16 extra points or buying a lottery ticket.

[WAcoueshunter]

I'm not applying for 23, so won't be doing either. 

[trophyelk6x6]

Got 12 pts so I am looking at unit 23 or 27 Late rifle.  Those 4-7 pt late archery tags are low harvest percentage.  My 1st choice will be a Hail Mary attempt at an early season tag and then 2nd choice will be my realistic shot at late rifle. 

[trophyelk6x6]

i do see HF says 15 to pull it and Epic has 11 to pull the late 23 rifle tag. HMMM

[WAcoueshunter]

Yeah, GoHunt has 23 at 15 points too.  But think you're in the clear on all the other late rifles.  Another to consider would be the Unit 1 tag next door to 27, which also got opened up with the big fire.  Looks like Unit 1 will take 12 points.  Think all those units are way harder to draw because you can glass up bulls.  Really can't glass much in units 7-10, which makes it tough on the late rifle.

I've never hunted 1 or 27, but I've hunted the Gila next door a few times.  That country calls to me for some reason.

[elkspert]

we have drawn unit 10 late rifle 3 times.  Let me know if you would like any info on that hunt. I will say that the late hunts are not easy. You have a lot going against you. Biggest unknown is probably the weather.