Unit 5B-South. Map by Arizona Game and Fish.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time chasing elk in Arizona’s 5B-South, so I thought I would start there for our weekly unit spotlights.
I have traditionally hunted 5B-South during the rifle cow season. This year, I’ve decided to apply for a bull tag. After doing some research, I’m guessing 5B South may not be the unit for me. Let’s look at the data.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish, the elk herd is more dense in 5B South than in 5B North, but there is a higher bull to cow ratio in 5B North. This unit is also approximately half as large as 5B North but the elk population is estimated to be almost double that of 5B North. There is no part of the unit that is not elk habitat and as such elk can be found just about everywhere. 5B South consists primarily of national forest land but there are a few residential areas in the unit. Hunters should be aware of the locations of these developed areas and be cautious not to trespass on private property and not to shoot within ¼ mile of any structure.”
The survey results for the last five years show that density of cows in 5B-South is high compared to bulls.
Here’s how the odds and success breakdown for the general season.
Early bull
2009 9/25 – 10/01 | Permits 25 | Drawing odds 1.2% | Harvest success 92%
Bull
2006 11/24 – 11/30 | Permits 255 | Drawing odds 10.4% | Harvest success 55%
2007 11/23 – 11/29 | Permits 350 | Drawing odds 12.5% | Harvest success 56%
2008 11/28 – 12/04 | Permits 350 | Drawing odds 16.8% | Harvest success 52%
2009 11/27 – 12/03 | Permits 275 | Drawing odds 16.6% | Harvest success 40%
Cow
2006 12/01 – 12/07 | Permits 520 | Drawing odds 33.1% | Harvest success 47%
2006 10/20 – 10/26 | Permits 430 | Drawing odds 27.2% | Harvest success 67%
2006 10/20 – 10/26 | Permits 190 | Drawing odds 47.1% | Harvest success 2%
2007 10/19 – 10/25 | Permits 625 | Drawing odds 21.3% | Harvest success 57%
2007 11/30 – 12/06 | Permits 550 | Drawing odds 47.4% | Harvest success 33%
2008 10/17 – 10/23 | Permits 625 | Drawing odds 25.2% | Harvest success 52%
2008 12/12 – 12/18 | Permits 420 | Drawing odds 60.3% | Harvest success 48%
2009 10/16 – 10/22 | Permits 625 | Drawing odds 27.2% | Harvest success 60%
2009 12/04 – 12/10 | Permits 500 | Drawing odds 43.4% | Harvest success 38%
2010 10/15 – 10/21 | Permits 625 | Drawing odds 24.0% | Harvest success 30%
For the 2012 hunt there are 757 5B bull tags and 450 5B South cow tags.
It’s clear from the numbers that I may want to look for other units for my bull hunt. While it’s entirely possible to take a bull in this unit, the density of bulls may not be where I want it.
What do you think? Hunted bulls in unit 5B South?
