Early Archery Arizona 7W

[Wildcat]

Howdy all. I got lucky and drew an Arizona 7W early archery tag. I have spent a little time in 7W, but not in September. I have hunted elk in New Mexico with a rifle in October, OTC archery elk in Colorado in
September, and one late archery bull hunt in Arizona. I am not a new elk hunter, but I have never hunted elk in a unit of this quality where I expect decent rutting activity and relatively low numbers of
other hunters. I will have a caller with me for part of the hunt.

I have been devouring all the information I can, mostly podcasts that Steve Chappell has done.

Here’s what I have so far:

Find the best feed first. The localized monsoons create scattered areas of good feed that will attract cows which will attract bulls.

7W has more water than surrounding units. If it’s dry, more elk may come in from neighboring units, but don’t expect much bugling in dry years. Even in a good year, the bugling won’t be like units 9 and 10.

7W gets a lot of non-hunting recreationists, plan for areas where they may be pressuring the elk.

If hunting solo, take advantage of the low profile and get as close as possible to the bull before making any calls.

If a bull has a big group of cows, he may not care for your cow calls. If this is the case, get to 100 yards or less and let an aggressive bugle rip.

Consider cow calling and sitting still for 30-60 minutes. Some bulls will come in quietly to investigate like a silent turkey would.

Sit water if all else fails.

Do you think I’m missing any general principles?

 

[Beendare]

Feed? Those elk are going to be moving away from other hunters.....feed is the least of your worries.

Sit water if you can find a spot that not already called for.

 

[mavinwa2]

you will encounter a lot of ATV/UTV activity and other recreationalists out here in 7.
Close to Flagstaff area...along with other hunters or peeps scouting for other hunters. So find good cover in proximity to water, then feed areas. Water more important in September, depending on conditions and how the monsoon season progressed.

I, prefer not to sit water. Too much competition for on/next to water sits.
BUT prefer to post up on well used trails going toward/away from water source. Esp where 2, 3 or more trails come together. And using a mobile tree saddle system.

 

[TheTone]

I’m super interested to hear how your hunt goes. That’s one of the main units I have been considering for az

 

[Wildcat]

you will encounter a lot of ATV/UTV activity and other recreationalists out here in 7.
Close to Flagstaff area...along with other hunters or peeps scouting for other hunters. So find good cover in proximity to water, then feed areas. Water more important in September, depending on conditions and how the monsoon season progressed.

I, prefer not to sit water. Too much competition for on/next to water sits.
BUT prefer to post up on well used trails going toward/away from water source. Esp where 2, 3 or more trails come together. And using a mobile tree saddle system.

Thank you. I whitetail hunt out of a saddle and hadn’t thought about bringing it but now I will.

 

[Undomesticated]

Temper your expectations this year. It is incredibly hot and dry, and we have had a poor monsoon. We got a shot of moisture in early July, but it stopped until a few days ago. Very, very poor monsoon. I've been feeding my cows hay all summer. Ranchers and G and F are having to haul water to fill dirt tanks once again.

If you have a good number of bonus points, I would consider turning your tag in with our Point Guard system. If you don't have a lot of points, make the best of it.

Sitting near water may be your best bet. 7W is a busy unit. I would agree with the gentleman who said feed is the least of your worries. Managing hunter pressure is.

That said, if your other rut hunt experience is Colorado OTC, you might be happy with the amount of rut activity you see. If you have a bike or e-bike, I would bring it. 7W is tailor made for an e-bike. Quads are of course an option, but critters know what that noise means. Good luck, post if you have any more specific questions, and please follow up with your experience.