First Elk Hunt, Unit 27 Arizona advice

[repedersen5]

I am looking for advice/help for my first elk hunt. I am very new to hunting and trying to learn as much as i can on my own. I got drawn for Unit 27, Cow elk, rifle hunt towards the end of October. I live 5 hrs from the unit and wont be able to get up there to scout until mid September. I bought a Unit map and have been looking at that as well as google maps for areas to scout when i get up there. I am feeling very overwhelmed and need advice on scouting/determining where to scout and potentially hunt. I have heard Middle mountain and hannigan meadow are good areas. I am also looking at Bear Wallow Wilderness. I found a watering hole (near Bear Wallow wilderness) on the map i have and on google maps; would that be a good place to scout out or avoid it since its marked on the map and will potentially have a lot of hunters? Also, is it best to find a spot and sit and watch, or walk around? any advice you all could share about scouting, gear or elk hunting in general will be greatly appreciated.

thank you!

 

[HuntMT16]

My disclaimer: It's been a long time since I have hunted unit 27 so I may be completely off with my attempt to help. I would stay away from Hannagan Meadow area. It does hold a lot of elk, however it also will have a lot of hunters. Just south of Alpine is the Blue River Rd, FS 281 (i think). Once you start getting past the houses going south, the terrain gets fairly steep and rugged and not many people hunt in there. Find the things elk need that time of year (seclusion, shelter, food, water etc) and you'll find elk. The area just west of Alpine, I believe the FS 249 Road is the divider between 1 and 27, also holds a lot of elk. It has lots of roads though which means lots of road hunters. Find a pocket that has the food, water, shelter etc that is surrounded by roads and you'll find elk.

Also, the bear wallow fire ripped through that area several years ago and may provide some good glassed opportunities if you have quality optics. Elk will frequent water holes since there is not an abundant amount of creeks and rivers like in other areas. Some water holes get hit by several herds, others go untouched. If you see fresh sign around a secluded water hole, it may be worth keeping an eye on.

Hope that helps