WesternSky
Active Member
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This year I applied my 10-year-old son in Arizona this year to start gaining points for him. He has never hunted big game before. I had no desire for him to draw so I chose rifle tags with terrible odds. While waiting for results, he daydreamed about drawing/hunting more than I expected. When my card was hit, he was sure it was him and it only elevated his excitement even though I told him it was probably my 2nd choice given the odds. Fast forward to the results being posted and I confirmed I drew a late 5b elk tag. He was disappointed. I was too. I can't remember a time in my life where I was disappointed to have drawn a tag. I sure was this time since I hoped he drew. I've been considering transferring my tag to him. Before I do, have questions I hope you all can help me with.
I know what I'm doing and have killed a lot of mature bulls in various states. I haven't hunted 5B before but I did have a late rifle tag in a neighboring unit so I know what to expect on the late rifle hunts. he is physically and mentally strong but he is still a 10 y/o kid. He has baseball tournament in PHX in a couple weeks, so I plan on detouring on the way back to drive a couple roads in the unit.
On transfers;
-Is there a deadline to transfer the tag to him? or just done before the season?
-How long does the transfer take?
-Does he lose the point he earned this year? I would assume no since my points won't be restored.
-anything I'm overlooking on the transfer process?
On the Unit itself;
-The elevation seems mild comparing it to other places I've hunted. Even the drop-off of Anderson mesa to the north. Am I underestimating elevation gain/losses?
-I'd like to limit him to 350 yards shooting. Are we going to be at a severe disadvantage not being able to shoot farther?
-There is a lot of tags but is like my other hunt where there was a lot of road hunting and hiking can get you away from most hunters?
-Do a lot of people clear out after opening weekend?
- Weather is always a wildcard, but does this hunt consistently get cold (sub 20 deg)
-Are there any red flags where you would tell me not to take him on this hunt?
Thanks for any input on my questions, sorry about the novel.
I know what I'm doing and have killed a lot of mature bulls in various states. I haven't hunted 5B before but I did have a late rifle tag in a neighboring unit so I know what to expect on the late rifle hunts. he is physically and mentally strong but he is still a 10 y/o kid. He has baseball tournament in PHX in a couple weeks, so I plan on detouring on the way back to drive a couple roads in the unit.
On transfers;
-Is there a deadline to transfer the tag to him? or just done before the season?
-How long does the transfer take?
-Does he lose the point he earned this year? I would assume no since my points won't be restored.
-anything I'm overlooking on the transfer process?
On the Unit itself;
-The elevation seems mild comparing it to other places I've hunted. Even the drop-off of Anderson mesa to the north. Am I underestimating elevation gain/losses?
-I'd like to limit him to 350 yards shooting. Are we going to be at a severe disadvantage not being able to shoot farther?
-There is a lot of tags but is like my other hunt where there was a lot of road hunting and hiking can get you away from most hunters?
-Do a lot of people clear out after opening weekend?
- Weather is always a wildcard, but does this hunt consistently get cold (sub 20 deg)
-Are there any red flags where you would tell me not to take him on this hunt?
Thanks for any input on my questions, sorry about the novel.