AZ antler growth. First time in 20+ years with back to back 100+ inches of snowfall.

[Rooster46]

Most Yearly Snow in Flagstaff History

www.extremeweatherwatch.com

I know Flagstaff snowfall doesn't speak for the entirety of the state, but what’s your thoughts on back to back years with great moisture? This has not happened in two plus decades. I can’t wait to see what this does for antler growth!

 

[Elkoholic87]

Lots of big raghorns and spikes this year.

 

[Rooster46]

Haha booner spikes! I’d think having two years back to back with good moisture coming into spring/summer will be good for em all around.

 

[Coueser]

Will be interesting to see. Most of the winter moisture came late this year in February/March. April has been pretty good.

May and June can be brutally dry. If a couple of opportune storms come through in the next couple of months it could be fantastic antler growth. Monsoon moisture is pretty much always too late for elk antlers.

 

[flyfishaz]

I don't buy all the way into that moisture horn growth stuff. Even the driest years on record, the outfitters still manage to kill 400" bulls here in AZ, and I see giant bulls in unit 23 during droughts.

 

[Rooster46]

I don't buy all the way into that moisture horn growth stuff. Even the driest years on record, the outfitters still manage to kill 400" bulls here in AZ, and I see giant bulls in unit 23 during droughts.

I mean I think there would be 400 inch bulls every year no matter what in AZ. But I would have to also think there would be more 400 inch or high quality bulls with consistent feed on the ground resulting from great moisture 2 years consecutively.

 

[Rooster46]

Anyone have updates on bulls? Anyone have any pictures to get the blood pumping yet? 2 months out from the start of the season!

 

[Couescrazy33]

The raffle bull was just killed. 438"

 

[Rooster46]

wow. Can’t wait to see that!

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I’ve done two scouting trips up in 3B. Have 3-4 more trips planned before the hunt. I normally try to show up 3-4 days before an elk hunt and spike in with the herds but I’m hunting whitetail in Minnesota the week before. Hopping on a plane in Minnesota, driving home, and then packing up to go elk hunt.

I’ve glassed up mostly cows and calves. Several rag horns and spikes but no big bulls yet. Usually start glassing them up in September but I’ll be in Alaska hunting moose for two weeks in September. Hopefully October scouting goes well.

Let me know how your hunt goes OP! Good luck!

 

[Rooster46]

I’ve done two scouting trips up in 3B. Have 3-4 more trips planned before the hunt. I normally try to show up 3-4 days before an elk hunt and spike in with the herds but I’m hunting whitetail in Minnesota the week before. Hopping on a plane in Minnesota, driving home, and then packing up to go elk hunt.

I’ve glassed up mostly cows and calves. Several rag horns and spikes but no big bulls yet. Usually start glassing them up in September but I’ll be in Alaska hunting moose for two weeks in September. Hopefully October scouting goes well.

Let me know how your hunt goes OP! Good luck!

Will do! Keep us updated on your trips! That’s a full season there.

 

[Rooster46]

Bulls should start rubbing next week!

 

[Beendare]

It makes a difference according to the GW.

About 6 years ago N AZ was in drought with elk dying. I was helping a guide buddy and the GW rolled into camp and said that drought probably cost some of the big bulls 30”-40”

 

[Muley Tag]

The big bulls are already rubbing off their velvet.

 

[Rooster46]

It makes a difference according to the GW.

About 6 years ago N AZ was in drought with elk dying. I was helping a guide buddy and the GW rolled into camp and said that drought probably cost some of the big bulls 30”-40”

I had spoke to a biologist last year about it. He had said the same thing, but on the other side of the fence with the good snowpack and monsoon.

 

[Rooster46]

The big bulls are already rubbing off their velvet.

6 more weeks!