AZ Unit 23 Late Rifle

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Looking to here feedback from anyone that has hunted this unit. I've got 12 points going into the draw and feel pretty good about pulling a tag. Will more than likely hunt with Mogollon Rim Outfitters but wanted to hear from those with experience. Thank you in advance!

 

[Darrin]

We went this past November for late archery. We sure we're wishing we had a rifle. Saw 18 bulls with a couple close to 350. We couldn't close the deal


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Let me rephrase my question...I would like to here from those who are familiar with unit 23 as far as terrain, open country for glassing, and/or number of other hunters one may run into. I'm seriously not after anyone's spot or honey-hole, that is why I'm hiring an outfitter after 11 years of applying. I realize I may hunt this unit once in my lifetime. Just lookin for some on the ground intel of what to expect. Thank you for any of your thoughts.

 

[Darrin]

It completely varies. The northern part are pines. The middles has some grass with thick bottoms that finger out to more open country. There are also a ton of area that is covered in manzanita, catclaw, etc. We kinda drove the whole unit and hiked a bunch. U go a few miles and the terrain changes. All the bulls we saw were in bachelor groups in very thick manzanita. If u can find water in extremely thick brush and hard to get to then you will have bulls. There were quite a few people glassing in the eastern part of the unit. There was a fire that went through there. There is also a big fire that went through the southeastern part of unit. Hope this helps.

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[Chris Roe]

Jay Scott Outdoors Western Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast >> Blog Archive >> 225: What Arizona Elk Units to Apply for the 2017 Season with Steve Chappell of Chappell Guide Service

This should have all the info you want on that topic. However, you might consider the latest discussion that touches on 23 Late (listen toward the end and the discussion between 23 and another unit - if I remember correctly)...

Jay Scott Outdoors Western Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast >> Blog Archive >> 227: Arizona Elk Hunting Breakdown in Units 3A/3C, 1, 4B with Daniel Franco of Burnt Timber Outfitters (Archery, Early Rifle, Late Archery and Late)

Hope that helps

 

[wapitibob]

Don't run out and buy a plane ticket.

 

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Roger that wapitibob! Thank you guys for your thoughts and help. Good luck to everyone this year in the draws

 

[wapitibob]

There was a lifetime license holder that drew with 10 that will skew the odds if they just ran a script against the NR draw pool. Unless something changes they will not get to your point pool in the Bonus Pass this year, but they will clean out everyone ahead of you.
Hopefully you get lucky.

 

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Copy that wapitibob, I did see that last year a guy needed 10 points in a magazine and that info has now been cleared up! I'll swing for the fences and hope I don't foul one off. Thanks again for clearing up the info sir