Arizona 2024 Elk Application Strategy
By Andrew Gillett
December is one of my favorite months of the year. Early in the month Arizona holds its late rifle bull elk hunts and by the end of the month we usually see the elk and antelope regulations for the next calendar year. This gives my analytical brain a feeding frenzy of data and imagined opportunities. This all culminates in January when Arizona will open the application period for 2024 elk and antelope hunts. This creates the perfect opportunity for information feasting during the holidays. If you want to get a jump on your Arizona strategy be sure the check out the upcoming MRS in EHJ. Below are a few notes to get your analysis started for the upcoming year.
To get your research started be sure to check out a few changes for Arizona’s elk hunts next year. Arizona begins most hunts on the same Friday each year; early archery hunts on the 37th Friday, early firearms hunts on the 38th Friday and late rifle hunts beginning on the 48th Friday of the year. This rotation can create nearly a week of variation in the opening dates depending on how the calendar falls. For 2024 most early archery hunts will begin on September 13th and run until September 26th. These dates are very favorable for rut period but they do present a full moon near the beginning of the hunt. The early firearms hunts start the day after archery ends, on September 27 with a nearly dark moon phase. It is hard to imagine more ideal conditions for a rifle rut hunt. The late rifle bull hunts will begin on November 29, the Friday after Thanksgiving which is its traditional timing.
When evaluating draw percentages for 2024 hunts, remember to look at the regulations for changes in the number of permits offered. The draw data provided by the department is based on historical information, so an increase in permits will usually lead to improved odds while a reduction in permit numbers will lead to point creep. Overall the department is recommending a net reduction of 550 tags, or roughly 2%. This means that odds hawks will have to choose their opportunities carefully because most hunts will have worse odds than in the past. For those who are willing to dig through the regulations there will be a few quality units with increases in permit numbers where a tag may be received at a bonus point discount. The other opportunity to look for are new hunts or added seasons, which typically attract less attention than traditional seasons.
As we wrap up the last of Arizona’s 2023 elk seasons, keep an eye on the photos being posted and what opportunities might exist as we plan for 2024. Taking some time at the end of the year to prepare for the next application season can yield big results next fall.
