The Guide to Arizona Elk Hunting

With an enviable land management program, elite genetics, and varied yet accessible terrain, Arizona is a premium elk-hunting destination with a reputation for producing trophy bulls time and time again. 

This guide looks at:

• Where to Find Elk in Arizona
• Regulations and Licensing
• Prepping for a Hunt
• Tips for How to Hunt Elk

Keep reading to get ready for your Arizona elk hunt!

Where to Find Elk in Arizona

The Arizona elk population is around 35,000. Finding trophy bulls will take careful planning around your intended hunting unit, perseverance, and deep scouting. After all, big trophy bulls don't get to that size by being careless!

Elk in Arizona can be found in various habitats throughout the state, from the dense high pine forests of the Mogollon Rim to the open plateaus, grassy meadows, and juniper woodlands. During the warmer months, they can be found at higher elevations, between 7,000 and 10,000 feet in mixed environments, before making their way down to lower elevations in the milder weather. This habitat variation is excellent as it allows you to factor in your physical capabilities, camp requirements, and cardiovascular health.

Focus on a unit offering elevated hunting opportunities for a challenging hunt, or choose a flatter hunting zone for something more manageable. 

Where Are the Premier Elk Hunting Spots?

Units 1, 9, 10, 23, and 27 are generally renowned for large bulls, high elk bull numbers, and very forgiving terrain for scouting and packing out. Additionally, units 3A/3C and 5B offer good opportunities for rifle and archery hunters.

Remember that drawing a tag in these "premier" units can sometimes be challenging (but well worth it). 

Regulations and Licensing

Arizona utilizes a draw lottery system to allocate elk hunting tags with each draw stage, known as a "pass."

• The first pass is assigned to bonus point holders as bonus points permit, with applicants with the most points awarded a tag (20% of tags are allocated for this draw).
• The second pass is the random draw, where 80% of tags are assigned. It's important to note that bonus points are also considered during this stage, so it is a numbers game that rewards repeat applicants.

However, you can still win a tag with no bonus points. 

When Should You Apply for an Arizona Elk Tag?

Application entry is usually around early February, so mark that timeframe in your calendar for the upcoming season. 

To apply for a hunting tag, you'll first need an Arizona hunting license, the price of which will vary depending on your age and resident status. Nonresidents have limited tag allocation, so competition is stiff.

When Is Elk Hunting Season in Arizona?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages elk populations and hunting through multiple seasons and hunt types, based on unit and weapon type.

• The general rifle season typically runs from late October to late November/December.
• The general youth will start mid-October, with the muzzleloader around a similar time in October/November.
• The Archery-Only season will run in late September and mid/late November.

How to Prep for an Arizona Elk Hunt

You have a tag and the dates for your hunt. Here's what to do to get ready!

Start Scouting Early

Start early with some e-scouting to target high-potential zones where elk may congregate during the early season. You can do this even if you're traveling to Arizona from another area for your hunt.

The HuntWise mapping features allow you to explore dense vegetation zones such as the Ponderosa pine forests and the Coconino National Forest. Pinpoint locations that offer water access, natural meadows, and bedding areas that are in thick vegetation where elk are likely to lie low.

Then, consider boots-on-the-ground scouting with binoculars or spotting scopes (the higher quality, the better). Get to your hunting destination a few days early or plan a pre-hunt scouting trip to get into the area. The elk may become less active as the weather cools, making scouting an essential step in this early season.

Get Physically Fit

Arizona terrain can be challenging in some units, and the high elevation and rugged environments can pose challenges to hunters who are ill-prepared for the physical demands. Cardiovascular training, combined with some weighted hikes and long-distance endurance workouts, may prove the difference for those chasing record bulls in a newly discovered secret spot. 

Practice Elk Calls and Gather Gear

During your pre-season prep, you can also brush up on your elk calls, especially bugles, cow calls, and calf calls, and examine past rut behaviors and travel corridors.

Gear-wise, you'll need:

• Quality optics are essential, especially in the early stages, when you'll scout and get a feel for the terrain.
• The weather and patterning can shift, so bring layered clothing that will keep you dry and thermoregulate your body temperature.
• A must-have pair of sturdy hiking boots is also essential. 

Practice Your Shot

Whether a rifle or archery hunter, spending time at the range and dialing in your shot placement is essential as part of your preparation, especially when hunting big game such as elk. The Arizona elk tag is hard to get, and you want to make sure your shooting is in top form.

How to Hunt Elk in Arizona: Tips for Success

Once you've crossed over into your hunting unit and geared up, it's time to approach the hunt.

During September, when bulls are most active, you'll want to use bugles and cow calls to locate and call in bulls, as they're highly vocal during the rut. Set up downwind as bulls circle to scent check calls and call in 10-20 minute intervals, then take short breaks. 

As the seasons continue and the rut ends, bulls tend to be harder to spot and less out in the open. However, they will bed sooner and may be easier to pattern by focusing on feeding and watering areas at dawn and dusk. If elk are traveling on fairly established routes or it's a dry year, you may want to consider tree stands or ground blinds, especially during periods of peak elk activity. 

You can also consider applying for a cow tag to build experience, access some tasty game, and even plan a few hikes to get a feel for the terrain and environment in anticipation of your tag. 

Make Your Arizona Elk Hunting Experience a Success With HuntWise

Whether you've got points banked up or are just starting to think about your Arizona elk hunting adventure, it's never too early to start planning and exploring the opportunities ahead. Patience, persistence, and preparation are critical to Arizona elk success. 

Ready to start scouting? Explore the Arizona elk units with elite mapping, access critical hunting guides and pro insights to help prepare for your hunt, and explore gear offers with the HuntWise app. It's the ultimate hunting toolset for elk hunters!

Download HuntWise and explore the app (free) for your first week.