3A Any Elk Rifle August

huntergirl623 · Jul 6, 2022

ISO past experiences (success/hardships) with 3A Any Elk Rifle in August. I last drew in 2013 for a 3A/3C winter bull, and harvested in 3C on my first elk hunt. 8 bonus points later, I took a gamble for this coveted Any Elk hunt. I hope it wasn’t a waste of my bonus points (not being ungrateful), but a lot of preparation has gone into me being able to hunt the entire duration, such as mom-in-law flying across country to watch the baby, etc. (I live 4 hrs away from the unit). My father is unable to go with me, so I am asking if anyone has harvested during that time or hardships with this limited opportunity elk hunt. I am not seeking honey hole advice and know scouting is a must. I do hunt hard. Map recommendations welcome, Thank you!

Bluehair · Jul 6, 2022

Your hunt is 3a and 3c, correct?

huntergirl623 · Jul 6, 2022

Oddly enough no, just 3A.

Bluehair · Jul 6, 2022

Huh? Whats that hunt number? My quick scan of the hunts only shows 3a limited opportunity hunts, not the early rifle bull hunt.

I’m confused, which is normal. To your question, find water.

huntergirl623 · Jul 6, 2022

Bluehair said:
Huh? Whats that hunt number? My quick scan of the hunts only shows 3a limited opportunity hunts, not the early rifle bull hunt.

I’m confused, which is normal. To your question, find water.

3106 Any Elk

Bluehair · Jul 6, 2022

huntergirl623 said:
3106 Any Elk

Weird hunt. Must be limited opportunity because its so early.

Anyway, find water (there’s lots). Elk should be pretty easy to find. Good luck.

Largebull · Jul 6, 2022

Yes ,I beleive its limited op. hunt . I have the Early bullrifle hunt and it is Sept. 23 -29 .....................................BULL!

AZ8 · Jul 6, 2022

You had 8 points? Ouch. Yeah, that’s a limited opportunity hunt during the hot summer. There’s a reason they‘re called LO. It’s more of a elk control type hunt around the Dry Lake agriculture areas in 4B and 3A, but those elk cross back and forth across the highway. Also, there are 2 hunts before yours. Just hope the monsoons miss that area since water will be your best bet. I’d return the tag, but that’s just me. Hope you find success!

Flatlander · Jul 7, 2022

So far the monsoons have dumped a lot of water on the area with standing water in many places, not just tanks. There were about 100 elk in Dry Lake (4B and 3A sides) about 6 weeks ago, but AZGFD conducted several Population Management hunts that pretty well cleared them out. The elk are still around, but they arent going to be standing around in the open anymore after that.

I wouldn't expect a trophy but if you can come spend some time scouting you may be able to turn up a bull. At that time of year they might even be in velvet.

Largebull · Jul 8, 2022

Flatlander, I believe my hunt is looking good from the people I have talked too up there...................................BULL!

snowman22250 · Jul 9, 2022

huntergirl623 said:
ISO past experiences (success/hardships) with 3A Any Elk Rifle in August. I last drew in 2013 for a 3A/3C winter bull, and harvested in 3C on my first elk hunt. 8 bonus points later, I took a gamble for this coveted Any Elk hunt. I hope it wasn’t a waste of my bonus points (not being ungrateful), but a lot of preparation has gone into me being able to hunt the entire duration, such as mom-in-law flying across country to watch the baby, etc. (I live 4 hrs away from the unit). My father is unable to go with me, so I am asking if anyone has harvested during that time or hardships with this limited opportunity elk hunt. I am not seeking honey hole advice and know scouting is a must. I do hunt hard. Map recommendations welcome, Thank you!

I had a 3A any elk Aug tag last year. Tough hunt.
Snowman

Largebull · Jul 10, 2022

Nice Bull! with no cameras this year might even make some hunts harder and make guides work harder. .................BULL!

cmbbulldog · Jul 10, 2022

Great bull!

Bluehair · Jul 11, 2022

snowman22250 said:
I had a 3A any elk Aug tag last year. Tough hunt.
Snowman

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Nice bull. Interesting that you got pics of him up in the trees too.

huntazido · Jul 11, 2022

Bluehair said:
Nice bull. Interesting that you got pics of him up in the trees too.

It's always nice to have live pictures of an animal you end up taking. Bluehair, your comment was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw pictures. Very nice bull.

Bluehair · Jul 11, 2022

I had pics of the same bulls on the same water holes in the same night 5 miles away as the crow flies. Those dudes in there (3c) range a LONG ways at night. Must be even further in 3a?

snowman22250 · Jul 11, 2022

It was Aug 28th. Bull Down. The pic was taken by a buddy A3, 11 miles away. And it was the year before. I think he was actually smaller the year I harvested him. He traveled 11-12 miles looking for "ladies"..those ladies will be the death of us all !!! lol
Snowman

Flatlander · Jul 12, 2022

Snowman you did well.

Bob, your hunt should be fantastic. Who is helping you?

Largebull · Jul 12, 2022

A few buddies and me , another bud has the archery tag first and I can get his Report,................BULL!

Captain_coues · Jul 12, 2022

It looks like there’s only 5 permits there. You will do well. Plus, it’s an any elk permit. Make sure you bring at least 100 pounds of ice. 200 is better if you have the space. I grew up out there and continue to mess around in 3A. It was my favorite for Deer until they they turned a big chunk of it into a windmill operation and got rid of most junipers. It was actually better than 3C back in the 90s for big deer, not quantity. Elk were once plenty there, now the numbers are down but not so much you have a hard time finding them.