Arizona elk hunting is to the avid elk hunter what an F1 GrandPrix race is to a racing mad motorist. It is considered one of the best big game hunting available. This happens for elk hunters when the fall season rolls around. It is during this time that they will go for Arizona elk hunting in the hopes of bagging a trophy bull. Even if they don't succeed, the pure challenge of hunting one of the animal kingdom's most elusive creatures is motivation enough.

The Rocky Mountain Elk is the most common kind of elk found on an Arizona elk hunting trip. This type of elk is also known as Wapiti. The male Rocky Mountain Elk weighs a massive 700 pounds or even more. Their hide is thick and their large internal organs are protected by a ribcage that consists of very tough cartilage. Because the elk is such a huge animal, you need the right ammunition in order to make a clean shot that is both efficient and ethical. Not only is the elk big, it is also as elusive as an eel. So it is really a challenge even for the experienced hunter.

Arizona elk hunting season begins during the fall months of mid-September all the way through October. This is the time that elk go into their mating season (or the rut). Elk males become aggressive, bugling loudly and looking to mate with other females. During this time, the use of elk calls is one of the most important aspects of the hunt. So it is important to be very familiar with these calls.

There are many types of calls that allow hunters to mimic bull or cow elks. But you need to know that it is important not only to entice the quarry with calls but to know how and when to use them. Too little or too much bugling will tip off the alert elk. They will become completely quiet or move out of the area altogether. Then you lose them.

The use of an outfitter (or experienced guide) is one of the best moves you can make while elk hunting in Arizona. Especially so if you are not well versed with the geographical location or inexperienced with the aspects of hunting this type of large game.

Even if you have experience in Arizona elk hunting, you still need the services of an outfitter, most of the time. A good outfitter guide will be able to offer his tips, tricks and advice for finding and bagging the ever elusive elk. These outfitters can also provide a helping hand in moving the massive creature once it is down. Can you imagine doing it yourself?