Chase AZ elk archery tag vs burning points for a late season rifle or muzzy hunt?

[TN VOL]

I think I’ve woke up every morning for the last 2 weeks debating if I should burn my 8 points on a late season elk tag in AZ or if I should stay the course and go for the mid tier archery units?? Most of the archery hunts will take another 6 years plus if point creep doesn’t change that. I’m 41 and I’m in good shape and would love the archery experience but I’m not just an archery guy..decisions..decisions
What do you all think???

 

[NoWiser]

I’m 42 with 15 points and I’m in the same boat. Good late season tag vs lower tier archery.

 

[TN VOL]

I’m 42 with 15 points and I’m in the same boat. Good late season tag vs lower tier archery.

It’s tough because I’ve seen several late season mid tier units point creeped again this past year..

 

[338win]

If I wasn’t trying to get a az hunt with my dad I would be trying to get one of the rut archery hunts. Plenty of “good” lower point hunts in other states to do in the interim years.

 

[Bullshot]

I should have probably been more open to a tough late season AZ hunt in a good unit at 41. I question my abilities more now, with even just 10 years on ya. If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate to grab a late tag in the best unit you can draw, then work like hell for one of those big bulls hiding in a canyon.

Also by the way... archery can have its downsides with additional birthdays (just as does the impending 2 feet of snow shoveling I will have to do tomorrow on that same sore arm). So hunting has, it seems, become a game of damned if you do, dammed if you don't! Hunt early hunt often. Good luck in the draws.

 

[TN VOL]

I should have probably been more open to a tough late season AZ hunt in a good unit at 41. I question my abilities more now, with even just 10 years on ya. If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate to grab a late tag in the best unit you can draw, then work like hell for one of those big bulls hiding in a canyon.

Also by the way... archery can have its downsides with additional birthdays (just as does the impending 2 feet of snow shoveling I will have to do tomorrow on that same sore arm). So hunting has, it seems, become a game of damned if you do, dammed if you don't! Hunt early hunt often. Good luck in the draws.

So true..really good observations!

 

[Lmartin5]

Following...

 

[WapitiBob]

Every unit I was watching was creeping away from me so I drew the last year I figured it was 100%. I haven't looked at a unit that has remained stationary at a given point level, and I wouldn't expect any to remain there over a several year period.

 

[Steve O]

Depends on the experience you want. I’ve hunted one unit in AZ three times; twice early archery and once late rifle. I’d give an appendage to hunt it in September again. You couldn’t pay me to hunt it again in November. I wouldn’t send my worst enemy there on a late season hunt. Other units are different but I have no desire whatsoever to hunt elk anywhere outside of September.

 

[elk1990]

I am a few years younger and sitting at 8 as well. Hoping for any archery tag and that I don't regret burning my points earlier.

 

[DEhunter]

In the same boat as you and considered the late season hunts as well. However, the more I looked at them, the more I lost interest due to the high number of tags and low success rates. I decided to prioritize a quality hunt, so going to stick with my plan and shoot for a September hunt during the rut. I’m applying in other western states so will have opportunities to hunt until then.

 

[Addicting]

I’ve had 3 tags there and killed 3 elk in the last 8 years, all fun hunts. You all need to just apply and go in whatever season you can draw.