Well, today I decide to go to my favorite unit, which is 9, and see if I could find some elk antlers.
I started the morning out driving thru some country trying to find an area that the quads hadn’t run yet, which hard to do with the easy terrain.
As I drove, I glassed meadows just in case there was an antler others had missed. In one meadow I spotted 2 hawks on the ground, which is kind of unusual to see. I continued to watch until one flew and then I saw it had a gopher in it’s talons.
One of my favorite spots in this unit is sometimes overlooked so, when I got there, I parked the truck, grabbed my binos and went for a little walk. I was not seeing anything when I caught the silhouette of a mule deer bedded in the shade of a pine tree. I glassed and saw it was a doe, then I spotted another doe. After a couple minutes, they decided it was time to leave.
I didnt find any antlers but saw alot of tracks. After getting back to the truck, I drove to another area and saw that quads had beat me to it, so decide to make a day of it and head home.
In all, I saw the deer and hawks, plus some cow elk, antelope, and a couple of rabbits.
Altough it was a short day, it was rewarding to see animals in their environment. i included a picture of an antelope buck, but it is a little grainy.

Well, the Arizona draw is over for elk and antelope. If you applied, I hope you got a tag.
Arizona’s draw system does not have preference points, only bonus points.
Bonus points are like lottery tickets, the more you have the better the odds, but there is no guarantee you will draw a tag.
With saying this, I am thoroughly depressed. I now have 11 bonus points for elk. I actually have cursed myself, because I only apply for unit 9 archery, as this is the premier elk unit in the world. The draw odds are low, but I thought with so many points, I would surely get my tag this year.
On the positive side, I did draw a tag and kill an antelope with my bow last year, which was the funnest antelope hunt I have ever been on.
And, the anticipation for drawing an elk tag next year will soon relieve me of my depression. Plus, I will get to go on an elk hunt with a client or two.

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