Arizona Elk

[FGB]

I was lucky enough to draw an early archery tag with zero points (unit that gives the most tags, not going put the number and make it searchable). I had a few general questions, as ill be coming from Virginia and have only been on two OTC CO elk hunts (shot a cow this last year). Overall I'd still call myself a relatively experienced hunter, have been shooting public land whitetail for over a decade from mountains to coastal swamps. While I'm a new guy here, id really appreciate some input on some general questions. For context, i'll likely be going solo (and was solo on my OTC hunts):

1. Hunt dates: With season from the 12th-25th, I was planning to head out on the evening of the 11th, be hunting by the 14th, be starting the drive back by the 24th/25th. If you were to take two weeks off plus a day would these be the dates you chose? Theorectially i could leave the week prior, scout 4 days, and hunt the 7/8 days up to the 18th, but being around for the potential rut activity at the end of the season is very inticing.
2. Access/Roads: I've read that roads can be rough here. I'll be coming out in an 06 tacoma with a 2 inch lift and 33 inch AT tires, should i be fine on at least the main roads (don't have an ATV)? I also have a compressor so can air down as needed to try to prevent punctures.
3. Bike/ebike: Would bringing an ebike or normal mountain bike be useful? Seems like it might be helpful for night/pre light bugling or making it down the last bit of rough road before i get to an area where ill hunt. I used an ebike in CO last year and it was nice to save a few miles on the legs where i could. I'm almost leaning toward mountain bike since it should be ok to take down non-motorized trails?
4. How selective should i be? Having not killed a bull before, I'd be shooting the first legal one i saw if hunting in CO, but a part of me would be a bit disappointed to go out and shoot a rag on the first day or two of this season, given how long it should have taken to pull this tag and the fact that i think i could kill a bull in the place i've been hunting in CO. If I'm hunting hard and away from roads should I have a decent chance of an opportunity at a somewhat mature bull? Just don't want to cut my experience short! But of course if i run into an opportunity at a mature bull in my first few days I'm shooting no doubt.

If you have any other advice im all years! I'm incredibly lucky to have this tag and plan to put a ton of effort into prep and e-scouting to give myself the best chance i can. I likely won't be able to hunt this unit again for a very long time, so i'll be happy to report back on my experience and share some knowledge after the hunt in PMs.

 

[Steve O]

1. Stay as late as possible. Both September tags I’ve had things started to really heat up 9/20. I’d rather have the last 5 days than the first 10 if I had the choice.

2. You have a great truck you will be fine.

3. Certainly wouldn’t hurt to have options.

4. You are not going to be seeing 400” bulls every day in any AZ unit..especially not one that gives out the most tags. Don’t be too picky.