The 5 Top Rated Elk Hunts in Arizona

Our choices for the 5 Top Rated Elk Hunts in Arizona

Arizona Hunt Unit 10
Unit 10 is currently our top choice for the best elk unit in Arizona. Unit 10 has incredible genetics and always produces 400 class bull elk annually. Besides the incredible genetics found in Unit 10, two of the biggest factors for choosing this unit as our number one pick is how consistent and huntable this unit is. Even on the worst drought years Unit 10 always grows world class bull elk. Unit 10 also has a ton of terrain that is perfectly suited for glassing and spot and stalk style hunting. Even if it is a bad rut year and the elk are not being vocal you can always glass up elk in Unit 10. This unit is one of the best late elk hunts in the state.
Arizona Hunt Unit 9
Although Unit 9 is our second choice on our list, the trophy elk genetics that are found here are incredible. Unit 9 is surrounded by two Indian Reservations; a National Park; AND by Unit 10. There are no finer trophy elk genetics available ANYWHERE on public land. What made us place this unit as number 2 is that it can be inconsistent at times as well as very difficult to hunt. Most of unit 9 is extremely thick and flat which makes glassing absolutely impossible throughout most of the unit. This terrain makes for very difficult late season hunts. If you have drawn a rut tag for Unit 9 and the elk are not rutting hard you may be in for a long and very disappointing experience. If you happen to draw unit 9 on a good rut year though you will experience the finest public land elk hunting to be found on the face of the earth.
Arizona Hunt Unit 23
While Unit 23 may not always produce giant bulls in the numbers that Unit 9 and 10 do, hunters can’t go wrong by applying for an elk tag in unit 23. With great genetics it usually has great rutting activity which makes for a very fun and enjoyable hunt. The late season hunt in Unit 23 is also one of the best late elk hunts in Arizona.
Arizona Hunt Unit 8
Unit 8 has produced some of the highest scoring public land bull elk ever taken in the world. The current P&Y non typical bull elk hails from unit 8 at a whopping 444 P&Y net. The SCI world record non typical archery elk also was harvested in unit 8 scoring a mind blowing 460 plus SCI. The top 2 bull elk that our Arizona Outfitter has produced also come out of unit 8 and scored 424 B&C and 435 B&C. Unit 8 can be very tough to hunt though and the bulls here get pressured heavily due to most of this unit being a very popular recreation spot. Most of the bulls here are in the 300 to 340 range but it does produce some absolute monsters. The late season hunt in this unit can also be very good.
Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West
Although it’s at number 5 on our list, hunters can’t go wrong applying for a tag unit 7 West. Good genetics, good elk densities, and huntable terrain make it a solid choice. Unit 7 West held the P&Y world record typical bull elk for many years which scored 400 net P&Y inches.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it usually take to draw?
If you are a non-resident and want to draw a rut season tag for one of the units above, you are in for a long wait unless you have 10 plus bonus points. If you are a resident you might be able to draw on of these tags the very first time. Apply!
Are there any units that are easy to draw yet still offer a good opportunity at good bulls?
YES THERE ARE! There are several Arizona Elk hunts that offer hunters the chance to hunt good bulls and offer great draw odds for non residents. Would you like to hunt 320 to 340 class bulls nearly every year? If so, contact us right away and we will get you set up to apply for these easier to draw Arizona elk units.

We love to talk Arizona Elk hunting so contact us right away to discuss choices.