The 2013 application deadline for an Arizona archery elk tag was rapidly approaching and I found myself in a dilemma. I had stopped applying in Arizona in 2008, and I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do….luckily I applied again.
My original plan was to chase a top Arizona unit to the end.
For some reason I had all but given up. With 7 points and pushing 45 years, I began to rethink my goals. It seemed the “giant” bull wasn’t nearly as important. What became important was being able to speak first-hand to my guys that were considering an Arizona elk hunt. I’m a hunting consultant with Outdoors International and I felt it was very important to be able to share my experience. I was ready for a new adventure and the thought of a wolf-free area also made it an easy decision. My hunting partner, Ken, was on-board. After a short conversation we began the process of narrowing down the units we felt we could draw with the points we’d acquired.
Ken and I have chased critters with our bows together for several years.
We’ve shared some amazing hunts. We soon agreed a high-mountain elk hunt was what we wanted. Having cut our teeth chasing elk in the mountains of Idaho and Wyoming we figured the high peaks, spruce, and aspen would be a familiar sight. I contacted one of our Arizona outfitters, and it didn’t take long to decide on a unit. He was very helpful and before long, maps were in hand and we’d logged several hours on a game plan, with the help of Google Earth.
Like so many elk hunts, opening morning was on us in a blink-of-an-eye. Of course we were a bit late, having pulled the toy hauler from Idaho, up a road truly suited for a four-wheeler. It didn’t look that bad on Google Earth! After three hours of sleep we were greeted at the trailhead by other hunters. Plan B was now in effect with a 1,200 ft ascend. We were on bugling bulls in no time, and the climb didn’t seem bad at all.
Day one was amazing.
Within a couple hours Ken let the air out of an aspen tree that happened to have a beautiful 6×8 bull on the other side of it. We licked our wounds and hunted on. The bugles continued throughout the day and the chase never let up, with another close call. As the sun was going down we made a hard push into a basin that was holding a couple screamers. We were lucky enough to get in front of the herd bull and his cows. At first glance there wasn’t a question whether I was going to pass on this bull. After running off a competitor, he was in hot pursuit of his ladies, and they were getting close. With a couple aggressive cow calls he stopped, slightly quartering away. My pin held strong and I squeezed it off. We watched the bull travel about 100 yards and bed down before expiring. We were pretty amazed walking up on this bull. I was blessed for sure! They grow ‘em pretty big in Arizona.
Needless to say, I was very happy I made the choice to apply for elk in Arizona.
Arizona is truly an amazing state offering some awesome hunting. I want to try an archery Coues deer hunt next. It was beautiful country and the people we met were great. I think everyone needs to experience Arizona at least once. Along with great elk, there are many other big game animals to hunt, as well as some great bird hunting. It seems most folks get turned off by the application process, feeling like they’ve missed the boat, or don’t want to wait years to draw. The truth is there are many great hunts that could actually be drawn year one or two, not to mention some over-the-counter tags.
If you’re contemplating on next year’s hunt or want to get after big critters in the future, put Arizona on the list. We work with great outfitters throughout the state and would enjoy helping you with your hunt. You can contact me direct, and I’ll do my best to help narrow down the right unit and hunt.
Much Success,
Russ Meyer
THE OI DRAW
Apply to win a trip with one of our fully vetted outfitters.
Each drawing is capped making your odds better, and fully transparent. Apply as many times as you want, in essence creating your own odds.
Step 1
Browse the active draws below and apply for any trip(s) that interest you, and purchase as many chances as you want to increase your odds.
There are a limited number of tickets available for each drawing.
Step 2
Share with your friends!
This seems counter-intuitive, but we only draw a winner once all of the tickets for that drawing have been purchased.
Step 3
When all tickets have been purchased for a drawing, we'll announce the winner live on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you get notifications.
You should also follow our Instagram page @theoidraw so you can stay in the loop.
OI DRAW WINNERS
I am so grateful for the opportunity
"Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PHs and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa to see them again 100%."
-Brye Mangum | 2023 Winner
Thank you Outdoors International
"Very excited for the trip! I’ll be bringing my dad along with me. If you haven’t put in for the OI draws you should these guys are legit!"
-Tyler Kirk | 2018 Winner
It was the trip of a lifetime!
"I won an OI Draw and it turned out to be one of my most memorable and rewarding hunts. I always dreamed about Africa, but never thought it'd be a reality for me."
-Dason Lasater | 2018 Winner
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon
Pingback: Did you draw and Arizona elk tag?
Pretty awesome bull Russ…. what a beautifully huge five point!
Pingback: Arizona Unit 22 Information | Outdoors International