Umpqua

The Wyoming moose draw results just posted online this morning.

New Mexico has some REMARKABLE youth hunts, particularly when it comes to elk. Best opportunities in the West.

FYI Phil…I'm the single non-resident with 24 points, and there no non-residents that have more than that. I bought a point this year, so no competition from me. I'm holding off a year or two just because I want to hunt elk in September this year.

I believe 10 is correct. I started my kids at 10 I recall and I have one son that has 10 points already and is going to have a super archery elk hunt in a couple years.

I have not personally hunted this unit, but my understanding is that 44B North has both quality rams and easier access and terrain. You can't beat 22 for quality.

Muzzleloader would be a blast, but too late for when we can be there. It looks like archery is the way to go for me.

My wife and I plan to be in the Phoenix area from December 29-January 5 this year. I have always thought it would be fun to hunt javelina. What hunting could I do that time of year. Is there an archery season starting January 1? Any opportunity for muzzleloader hunting? Should I apply for a special tag this year? I am a TOTAL rookie when it comes to javelina.

Thanks DesertBull. I just found the spring regs on-line. Looks like the app due date is around Oct 8. I'll probably apply for one of the archery hunts starting Jan 1. I ought to buy a turkey point too.

I got a report from a friend who actively researches hunting in Arizona. His report to me was that the elk in Unit 1 had two years of age class shot out during the 2013 season. I think the report came from a biologist or a warden. I know some great bulls hit the dirt, even in the late rifle hunt. Does that fit what you guys are hearing or seeing? Should 2014 archery still be a quality hunt? I was seriously considering burning my points there this year.

No Hood River is Unit 42

Which river? I lived in Hood River and Vancouver, WA. The Umpqua, Coos and Chetco. Umpqua is my home river.

Flatlander, I am not sure if you do non-resident draw odds, but I have 24 points and am interested in 10, 9 and 5B. Thanks!

I've given 27 some serious thought, but my wife wants to join me and experience the elk rut. I need to find moderate terrain for it to be fun for her. She got into hunting 3 years ago and is a tag drawing machine. She already has three antelope, two mule deer (one with a muzzleloader), a very nice blacktail, a California bighorn from our home state (165 B&C) and a cow elk. I'm still trying to get a quality bull elk tag for her. She's an amazing shot with a rifle, and she's taking up archery.

Flatlander, forget the sunflower seeds come up for fall Chinook salmon fishing. I'll take you out for some hard fighting, super eating fish. Last fall (July-August) we put two 30+ pound fish in the boat, lost a 40+ at the boat and landed numerous 15 to 25 pound fish.

Forlorn Hope…that's a super website. That will be a good resource for the future. I really ppreciate it. It kinda depends on the time frame you look at. The past 60 days, the moisture looks very good. The past 30 days is not so good.

I have been applying for sheep in Arizona since the early 1980's. Along the way I have built up 24 antelope points. I checked the data on-line and I stand all by my lonesome as the only non-resident applicant with 24 or more antelope points. I pretty much have my pick of units. I've narrowed my choices to Unit 5B, 9 and 10, with 5B being my first pick. My question is to those who were on the ground in any of those units this summer of fall, from the antelope you saw, if you were me would you burn your points in 2014?

How has the moisture been so far this winter in Arizona? I've heard that winter and spring moisture is pretty critical for antelope to develop good tops and prongs. What do you guys think about the moisture so far?

If you go on GF WEB page you can look at 2014 recommendations, I believe the commission went over them at their Dec. 6-7 meeting. Very rarely do they not approve them. Good info! Here are the links: Elk: http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/documents/huntRecommend/2014/S-2%20Attachment%20CO4-EL%2011-22-2013.pdf Antelope: http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/documents/huntRecommend/2014/S-2%20Attachment%20CO3-PR%2011-22-2013.pdf

I am thinking of waiting, like you said a couple years. It's no problem continuing to buy a point since I apply for other stuff in AZ.

Seldon Drawn, I've taken over a dozen antelope and several in the mid 70s up to 80. My personal goal is to kill a net B&C buck on my own. I've eaten a couple top end Nevada tags chasing that goal.

Wow..that is a really awesome buck SwarovskiCoues. You've got a pretty cool dad!

Excellent answer WhtMtnHunter…..I think you nailed it. I'd like to identify some of those out of the way areas in Unit 1.

I have 15 points finally stashed away for AZ elk. My oldest son (23 years old) has 10 points, he is an accomplished archery hunter, several bucks on spot and stalk, but he has never had a quality elk hunt or killed a bull. He'd be crazy thrilled with a 320+ class bull. I would like to hunt for a 340+ class bull (I have three bulls 335-367). I'd like to get advice on what you would apply for. I think these are our best options: Unit 1 archery: My son and I would have an excellent chance of drawing in 2014 if we applied together. Unit 3B early muzzleloader: We would likely not draw if we put in together, but possibly would draw in 2015. I like the idea of an early firearm hunt. Unit 9 archery: As a non-resident I am at least 5 years from drawing on my own. Unit 10 archery: I could probably draw on my own, but not with my son. Unit 23 North or South: I could possibly draw on my own, but not if we applied together. Unit 1 Late Rifle: My wife, son and I could draw if we combined out points. It would be my wife's first good elk tag. Thanks in advance for your opinion.

Okay….another question…how do you all feel about Unit 1 archery for next year (2014), or would a couple more years of recovery from the burn be better? I've often thought 3 years after a major burn is prime time. In a month and a half it will be decision time. I've done a ton of research on a Wyoming unit and found one that both my son and I should both draw next year with max points and it should be an excellent hunt. Trying to decide on whether to go for the Unit 1 tag or the WY tag.

What year did you draw Wapitibob?