azelkhunter69

The way things have gone over the last few years, I hate to throw info out on the Internet but I also don't want to be the guy that doesn't give an update. The guys that said they would be in the usual spots were kind of half right. There was a rain/ice/snow storm the Wednesday before the hunt. We didn't see an elk until Saturday afternoon. Sunday was a nice day with highs in the mid 40's and elk were everywhere in the morning. My brother-in-law scored on a 3x2, his first big game animal. You would have thought he shot a world record, it was awesome. We dropped him and the meat off at my mom's on Wednesday and my wife and I went back for the last day and a half. She was finally able to get it done on a 4x3 the last morning. That was the biggest bull we saw the whole hunt. Other than two days, it was windy and cold. The last day topped out at 50, but started at 19. I have discovered in 20+ years of hunting elk, that they are pretty soft for such a big animal. I have witnessed a bad rain storm(with some hail) drive them into the canyons to hide. This hunt was no different. The storm(and the snow storm the week prior) drove the elk lower. The big bulls never came back. I am not a biologist, but it makes sense to me that after expending so much energy during the rut, once they went lower, the big bulls weren't going to expend energy to travel back and/or to fight the cold. Everyone we talked to said/saw the same things we did. No elk, then cows and spikes/rag horns. In the end, I am glad we were able to give my brother-in-law a good experience and that we filled the freezer again. We want to shoot big elk as much as the next guy/gal but the meat and the opportunity to get in the woods is the most important. Definitely learned some lessons, as I do every elk season. Happy Thanksgiving and good luck to those that still have tags. I don't know what's going on with the pictures. I know this is a common problem, but not one I have ever had before. But, you get the idea. I

We'll be comfy with the wood stove going. Nothing better then a good wood pile. Good luck.

It's only going to get harder to get drawn. There are 200 - 300 people moving to Phoenix every day. It used to be a dream for people back east to come hunt "out west". Only people that could afford to hire guides or the truly adventurous came out to hunt. Now, with Youtube, social media, hunting forums such as this, people can do research online and have a good idea where to go. They have to pay for the tag and the transportation. That's a lot cheaper than it used to be.

"Stole" somebody's....only 4 pts

My insanely lucky wife drew her 3rd bull tag in a row. Her brother decided he wanted to try hunting and I put him on her app. Only his 2nd year applying as a NR. Knowing her luck, he said "I better get ready to pay up." I tease her all the time. I tell her I think bells, whistles, sirens and flashing lights go off when her app hits G&F. Unfortunately, I also drew a late archery tag in 8. The hunts overlap. So, some lucky SOB is probably going to get a call, because I am probably going to turn it in so I can concentrate on their hunt.

Got super lucky and drew tag 5 of 10. Looking forward to it.

You might be right. I drew in 2019 with 18 and then again this year with 4. I almost feel guilty after hearing about all the guys with 25+.

This was one of my dad's favorites...may he RIP. He loved the .270 Win. and Sierras. Shot my one and only with his 7mm WSM 140 gr Ballistic Tip offhand at maybe 130 yards.

Not this year. Got hit for 3 elk tags and an antelope tag. Only had 5 pts for antelope. Definitely wasn't expecting that.

Ditto. 3 elk tags and an antelope tag with only 5 points. Correction...I mixed up my years. I only had 4 pts. I almost feel guilty about that knowing all the people that have 25 - 27.

6 days until Christmas morning. LOL

Still like Christmas, otherwise you wouldn't have 5 pages on this thread. My wife laughs at all of us "children" every draw.

Well, with all the people on FB (that wait until the last minute) pissing and moaning about getting error messages, I am sure it will get delayed at least a little bit. Morons don't get it and wait until the last two days to apply. And then want to act like it hasn't happened in the 10 - 20 draws before that. SMH

IF we get all the rain/snow they say we might....any of you antler growth experts think it will make a difference this year? Is it enough? Too late? I know some people think how the animals go into the winter plays a big part. The Summer, Fall and early winter were extremely dry. Curious on your thoughts.

A little update on this. I originally posted because the whole subject interests me, but also because I have a friend in NY that has been building points and is ready to make the trip when I give him the thumbs up. Arizona is always great relative to other states but, given the choice, I would rather he come out in an average to above average year. This monsoon season has been awesome. I think the feed should be great and the burns should green up for next year. I think the elk will go into the winter fat and healthy. If we get decent moisture in the winter, I think next season is shaping up to be great. I will probably have him apply and come out next year. Thanks for all the updates and comments.

Wow, I had no idea they had gone up that much. I stocked up with cases of 250 shells when Cabela's used to have them on sale for a little over $5/box. Glad I did.

NY would be my bet also. Grew up outside of Rochester. Deer everywhere.

SOLD

New in box, tag still attached, never fired. Cool camo pattern, Kuiu Verde. $1099.99 + tax = approx. $1175 at dealer. $950 Message me if interested.

My bonus points got updated today.

The least I have is 2 points every year....hunter ed and loyalty....just like most people here. I can't speak for everyone, but, I think when points are mentioned by people here it is "total points". I never break mine down when discussing points, it's all points added together. So yes, you have two points.

My wife's does not.

Last year cards got hit Feb 28....results posted March 5. BUT, I think troutman could be right. I'm not even convinced they are done hitting cards. We'll see. I take it back. Just looked at last year's CC Hit thread....over after 3 pages. This one seems to be over after 3 also. Still hoping though.

Wife got hit. It's a good thing. After all of this, I can't imagine how disappointed I would have been if we didn't get a tag.

I think they should have went old school and put names in a barrel. Would have been quicker.