Well It Happened. Drew an AZ Elk Tag.
- Thread starter Jackalope
- Start date
Spencie
Senior Member
Congrats! Just a quick tidbit from my experience last fall: get a couple different cow calls and don’t worry so much about trying to bugle one in. It’s a great backup plan but the cow calling is the better option.
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Thanks. I know shit all about Elk so it'll be a 6 month cram session. Lol. There will be three of us with tags in camp, then three buddies that either live out there or it's not their first rodeo will be going also. One guy my age (38) and the rest are all about 20 years older. I plan to be in the shape of my life and hit it hard the full 2 weeks. My FIL has a garmin GPS that can send location info so I plan to grab one also in the event I want to go where my companions can't or won't.
As soon as I know which unit I'll grab maps and look at roads. From all my reading it's just like anywhere else, the further from a road the better.
As soon as I know which unit I'll grab maps and look at roads. From all my reading it's just like anywhere else, the further from a road the better.
cspot
Member
Are you planning on going out earlier for any scouting? I know that probably isn't practical. Good thing with 2 weeks is you can do some scouting on the fly.
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First day falls on a Thursday so we'll be out there a couple days before that to set camp and scout a little. The father in laws brother lives there close so he'll be doing a lot of scouting for us also.
Congratulations, thats going to b an awesome hunt, plus alot of great meat if it works out rite. Look forward to following this adventure. Thats great your buddies drew tags also, sounds like the makings of a very memorial hunt. Well all experience an elk hunt through you. Congrats again
Spencie
Senior Member
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Depends on the unit and where the scouting leads us. Both units are around 1,400 sq mi and mostly public land. 6a is 2,400 to 8,200. 4a is 4,800 to 7,800.
Spencie
Senior Member
Big_Holla
Senior Member
Thunderflight
Dignitary Member
CONGRATS! You will have a great time!
If you don't mind I can offer some advise.
1. Six hunters is a BIG group. If you can break it down to groups of two or three you'll probably be more successful. A group of six is a lot of scent and noise.
2. Get in shape! Believe it or not, but you don't have to climb a bunch of hills (although it does help). Take long hikes over moderate terrain with a weighted pack. Start with 25 and work up to at least 50. I say 50 because elk meat is HEAVY!!!! If you have to pack it out you'll be glad you trained for it. I also do a lot of leg and core strengthening exercises too.
3. Be able to shoot 60 yards from varying positions.
4. See your doctor and get a prescription for Diamox. It supposed to help with adjusting to altitude. Altitude sickness sucks and it can ruin your trip (happened to me in CO a few years back).
If you don't mind I can offer some advise.
1. Six hunters is a BIG group. If you can break it down to groups of two or three you'll probably be more successful. A group of six is a lot of scent and noise.
2. Get in shape! Believe it or not, but you don't have to climb a bunch of hills (although it does help). Take long hikes over moderate terrain with a weighted pack. Start with 25 and work up to at least 50. I say 50 because elk meat is HEAVY!!!! If you have to pack it out you'll be glad you trained for it. I also do a lot of leg and core strengthening exercises too.
3. Be able to shoot 60 yards from varying positions.
4. See your doctor and get a prescription for Diamox. It supposed to help with adjusting to altitude. Altitude sickness sucks and it can ruin your trip (happened to me in CO a few years back).
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Thanks for the tips bud There will be 6 in camp but only three with tags. Probably pair up in doubles as shooter/caller and head to different areas. Thanks for the tips on the meds and exercises also.
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You won’t need meds at those elevations. You won’t even notice you’ve left home aside from being thirsty all the time. And you will be thirsty. 
Congrats Joe. You are going to have a blast. Hunting and harvest are bonuses. Take the time to soak in the adventure sights and sounds. Elk hunting can get your blood flowing quick lol. From hearing the bulls to the cow calls (still funny to me to hear that high pitch call for such a big animal) to running over the ridge to cut them off lol.
Thunderflight
Dignitary Member
You won’t need meds at those elevations. You won’t even notice you’ve left home aside from being thirsty all the time. And you will be thirsty.
That isn't necessarily true. In 2016 I was in CO hunting between 7500 and 8500. I got a mild case and it pretty much ruined the whole trip. It really depends on the individual.
However, I'll admit some of it may have been self inflicted. 1. I wasn't in the shape I needed to be in. 2. We did some moderate drinking an couple nights.....
Oh, that's another word of advise. Take it easy on the booze. LOL
One more thing. My preference for boots are light weight water proof hiking boots. You don't need a fancy and expensive pair of mountain boots.
This thread needs pics!
How hard could it be to shed hunt elk?
How hard could it be to shed hunt elk?
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Probably pretty difficult with a knee boot full of water.
