Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting 2022 AZ Elk Success

A few weeks later my two daughters had cow tags and so did my nephew Elliot. Elliot and Jenna had the youth hunt and the bulls were still bugling a lot. So much fun. Jenna and I saw a tank of a bull and he kept his cows clustered and stood in front of them the whole time and we didn't get a shot at the cows. Tate and Elliot closed in on the bugles too and were able to get Elliot on a cow. Turns out the loose herd was about 30 elk, 20 of which were bulls, 5 of them were good ones. Two of them kept fighting after they made their way to open country away from us after Elliot shot his cow. Just a great experience to see the elk rut and fight, and Elliot kill his first elk:


We got Elliot's cow situated and Jenna and we went out trying to get Jenna a cow. We had the crew glassing for us on the hill but they weren't seeing anything so Jenna and I decided to chase some bugles. As we approached the bull that was screaming most often we jumped some cows and calves, I was able to stop them and the two young calves were the ones that stopped in the clearing. She made a good shot, 80-100 yards ish with the 7mm-08:



This was Jenna's first elk, so happy for her. The highlight of the year for me was, maybe an hour before she shot this calf, we were out in the junipers listening to bugles and she said "Dad, hunting is fun. This has been awesome." I about melted. I think she is hooked.

Back at home we celebrated with elk heart and liver:


And deviled kidneys:


The next week it was Jill's turn. Jill has been unlucky in the draw, this was her first elk hunt as well. We didn't see much the first day until right before dark, Tate and my dad were on the hill glassing and picked up a herd. They were able to guide us in and Jill made a great shot on a cow at 190 yards. 120gr TTSX blew right through and she went about 50 yards and piled up. My phone died after 3 pictures because I'm an amateur but we got a pretty good one. So proud of this kid, this is her first elk:


All in all I've had an amazing 30 days. A lot of hunting, a lot of work, a lot of love. Very proud of my kids.

Jenna messing around in camp:


Calf steaks and roasts:


I get to tag along on some late rifle bull tags so hopefully more coming after Thanksgiving:)