Recently moved to Flagstaff, AZ from Texas. Really wanting to be able to harvest an elk during my time here. I missed the draw and interested in the OTC tags, which fits my schedule better, hard to get out working in college athletics.

Does anyone on here have experience hunting this part of the country, or know someone that does? Would be great to be able to talk with someone that knows the ins and outs of this place. Appreciate the help!

Lift strong.

Shawheel on here is moving to AZ and has lived there before, so he may have some insight. 'Don't know how much he checks in here, but you might PM him. He's one of those super-fit ridge runners too.

On the open trails he sure is. I found one to slow him down.

The OTC elk tags are to reduce or eliminate the elk from areas G&F does not want them in. The populations are extremely low in those areas and extensive scouting is required to find any sign. But they are there, talk to the local game warden for tips. The boundaries of the hunting areas is not the same (same very restricted) as the regular hunt units so be careful where you are.
Getting draw for a elk regular tag is not impossible, I figure about every 3-5 years.

Mark

For this year, look into a spike only hunt in Utah. Tags are OTC ($393) and you can hunt the limited entry units, so you know there are elk there. The Any Bull units are just like the AZ OTC hunts, very few elk.

Don't miss the draw next year, I think resident draw success should get you a tag in a couple years. Otherwise get the ole checkbook out and make a call to the reservation or elsewhere to see if there are any tags available.

Yeah, that "trail" was ridiculous!

I'm in AZ now and I'm still learning the rules out here, but I'd be open to trying an OTC hunt, depending on the dates of the season.

I drew an az deer tag

Appreciate the help. I'm heading to one of the expos this weekend here in Flagstaff to get some more info. If nothing else, I can started on my slam with merriams and goulds here. Also looking to do an archery hunt for deer. Like I said in my previous post, working in college athletics my time frame is a little squirrely, so I'm looking to draw blood on just about anything I can.