Arizona Unit 23 Late Archery Elk

[bs1865]

Drew the late archery cow elk hunt for this year. I’ve read a fair bit about what the larger bulls are doing in November, but not seen much about the rest of the herd. Anyone more familiar with what to expect for cows specifically?

Glad to be of entertainment value @Gr8bawana. I've hunted elk all over Colorado. First trip to Arizona. One of the best bull elk units in Arizona, and maybe the US, and I'm asking about cow elk. Ha.

 

[kc prim]

Drew the late archery cow elk hunt for this year. I’ve read a fair bit about what the larger bulls are doing in November, but not seen much about the rest of the herd. Anyone more familiar with what to expect for cows specifically?

They are everywhere. Id say get off the road a couple hundred yards early mornings and walk and you'll bump into them. Also focus tops of hills. Cows love hanging out up high if no snow is present. As far as where to hunt them. Anywhere in the unit is good for cows. Maybe not the real south part but Its hard not to see cows.

 

[bs1865]

They are everywhere. Id say get off the road a couple hundred yards early mornings and walk and you'll bump into them. Also focus tops of hills. Cows love hanging out up high if no snow is present. As far as where to hunt them. Anywhere in the unit is good for cows. Maybe not the real south part but Its hard not to see cows.

Thanks for the feedback KC. Wasn’t sure what the density was like there. Good to know that with some proper effort and covering of ground, a solid opportunity to find them is available. Excited to explore this new area to me.

 

[timberline53]

I live here in Arizona have been scouting the last couple months. Not that it really matters as the rut stirs everything up. However I know some canyons they are for sure to hold up in and seen them last year in during my itc deer hunt. I have a good idea on where to hunt I have a lot of e scouting done as well once I'm able to message I have some coordinates for you. This hunt will definitely consist of sitting water if your hunting the northern part of the unit as it's so thick. I have a lot of water holes that are in remote canyons that hold elk post rut. Don't get me wrong the northern part of the unit has glassing areas like up on parts of the rim looking down however spot and stalk is hard with the thick Forrest one moment you see them and next they are gone.

Goodmorning kc, gwhunter, and all hunters
Thank you for all the posts concerning 23 N Late archery hunt. Two of my sons have drawn the 23 N late archery bull tags for Nov 2026 and we are trying to decide if we want to turn the tags back due to the super dry winter and spring. Looks like near record rains there lately, so should be nice and green now but too late for good antler growth for this year. I haven't posted enough times on HUNT TALK to PM any of you, but I would appreciate hearing about your hunts and some ideas where we could make a base camp with the 5th wheel and then pack in 2-5 miles for a more remote camp. If any of you would be willing to email me for a more private conversation, my email is [email protected] If my boys and I decide to hunt this year, I will head down a week before season to scout, but would be thankful to get your input on how the dry winter and spring, and them the heavy monsoons and wet fall could affect the hunt. Might be best to apply again in 2027 as the recent moisture could really be beneficial for a successful hunt. Thank you kindly!

 

[kc prim]

Goodmorning kc, gwhunter, and all hunters
Thank you for all the posts concerning 23 N Late archery hunt. Two of my sons have drawn the 23 N late archery bull tags for Nov 2026 and we are trying to decide if we want to turn the tags back due to the super dry winter and spring. Looks like near record rains there lately, so should be nice and green now but too late for good antler growth for this year. I haven't posted enough times on HUNT TALK to PM any of you, but I would appreciate hearing about your hunts and some ideas where we could make a base camp with the 5th wheel and then pack in 2-5 miles for a more remote camp. If any of you would be willing to email me for a more private conversation, my email is [email protected] If my boys and I decide to hunt this year, I will head down a week before season to scout, but would be thankful to get your input on how the dry winter and spring, and them the heavy monsoons and wet fall could affect the hunt. Might be best to apply again in 2027 as the recent moisture could really be beneficial for a successful hunt. Thank you kindly!

Emailed you.