ARIZONA ELK
Public and Private Land | Archery or Rifle
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Lodging
Basecamp or Lodge Depending on Hunt
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Season
Early September - Early December
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Species.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Arizona is world-renowned for producing giant elk, with legendary genetics and carefully managed herds that consistently deliver record-class bulls year after year. From the high country ponderosa pine forests to rugged canyon breaks, the state’s diverse terrain creates prime habitat and unforgettable hunting experiences. Archery hunters during September’s rut are treated to bugling madness, where bulls scream across drainages and charge into bow range in a display of raw intensity and unmatched excitement. Rifle and muzzleloader seasons provide additional chances to pursue these trophy bulls later in the year, with spot-and-stalk opportunities across some of the most scenic elk country in the entire West. When it comes to chasing the elk of a lifetime, Arizona unquestionably stands at the very top.
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Accommodations on these hunts vary widely depending on the unit and style of hunt.
In some cases, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges or cabins, often featuring multiple bedrooms, hot meals, and modern conveniences like WiFi. These setups provide a home-base feel, where hunters can relax after long days afield with all the essentials provided.
Other hunts may operate from more traditional base camps or even hotels near hunting areas. Base camps often include heated wall tents, cots, hearty camp meals, and a more rustic feel that places you closer to the action.
Because accommodations vary by location, hunters should be prepared for both ends of the spectrum unless they specifically request a preferred option when booking.
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Travel logistics also vary by unit. Most hunters fly into Phoenix. Drive times to camp or lodge are typically under two hours.
For added convenience, YOTE can handle all travel arrangements including flights and ground transportation, so you can focus on the hunt and leave the logistics to us.
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Archery elk hunts during the rut are one of the most thrilling and beautiful experiences in all of hunting. The art lies in calling bulls close, feeling the ground tremble with bugles, hearing antlers crash through timber, and watching a rut-crazed bull charge into bow range looking for a fight. Every encounter is a test of patience, woodsmanship, and composure, and few moments in the outdoors rival the beauty of drawing your bow with a screaming bull just yards away.
Rifle and muzzleloader seasons provide a different challenge, often built around long days of glassing, spotting elk in vast country, and carefully planning a stalk. The terrain ranges from dark timber and high ridges to open meadows, each offering unique opportunities to test both skill and endurance. Later hunts often focus on picking out mature bulls as they slip into post-rut patterns, rewarding those who can cover ground and glass effectively.
All hunts are fully guided, and once a bull is on the ground, the outfitter handles the pack-out.
Hunters can apply through Arizona’s draw system or even take advantage of their OTC (Over the counter) opportunities. YOTE can walk you through the tag process and help maximize your chances of securing a hunt.
Elk seasons run from early September through early December, offering archery hunters the heart-pounding action of the rut and rifle hunters excellent opportunities to pursue some of the biggest bulls in the country.
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Archery Elk Hunts:
Starting at $8,000 per hunter (excluding gratuities)
Rifle / Muzzleloader Hunts:
Starting at $7,500 (excluding gratuities)
Rates include:
Lodging (basecamp, lodge, or hotel), meals, guiding, pack-out, and licensing assistance.
