January 15, 2025

Well, we got past the shortest day of the year about three weeks ago. The longer

daylight hours are wonderful. Now we are looking to get past what is the normally

coldest day. Historically that is about January 20 th . Looks like a ten-degree night

coming up where I live.

Last January we had a minus fifteen-degree night and it did not do my peach crop a bit

of good. Hopefully we get by that and the days get warmer.

It is time to come out of hibernation and plan some hunts. This year I will again list the

application dates and info as a reminder. Most of the information is based on the ones

that appeal to me and the experience I have had.

Big Game Draws

The first draws a Wyoming elk due January 31, then Arizona Elk and antelope due

February 4 th .

Good hunting both states, both are managed well, but differently. I look at Wyoming as

opportunity, Arizona for trophies.

Both have a point system, and both are a sure thing (if you live long enough to have

more points than anybody else). The difference is the random draw. The random draw

in Wyoming may or may not be available in an area and points don’t matter. Most

units in Arizona have at least a tag available and the points increase your chances.

Wyoming requires you to front the money. Arizona requires a $160.00 license, but only

requires a $15.00 application fee to enter the draw.

I prefer the areas down South around Rock Springs. No wolves, fairly easy terrain. I

have shot a six-point bull in two different areas there. Nothing to brag about, but fun

hunts.

Any of the early elk areas in Arizona is a dream. In the two areas I have hunted in the

early hunts, it was just a matter of how big of a six-point bull (or better) you would

settle for. This year I am going for 3A/3/C just because I have not been there. No hope

of drawing again, but it is possible.

Arizona does not have a lot of antelope, like Wyoming or Montana, but definitely has

some really good ones. This year, I will put in for 5B. Big goats there. I hunted elk

there, but not antelope. Roads are a bit rough, and as I remember, there were antelope

in the timber where I was looking for elk.

Good luck and stay tuned

Jerry Barron