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Arizona Elk

Unit 23S

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

Unit 23S is an Arizona elk unit managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Permits are allocated through AZGFD's weighted-random bonus-point draw, where bonus points function as additional chances in the random selection rather than as guaranteed preference. Hunters applying for this unit should consult AZGFD's Hunt Guidelines, current regulations, and historical draw results to build a realistic point-building plan.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 23S

Unit 23S is an Arizona elk unit managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Permits are allocated through AZGFD's weighted-random bonus-point draw, where bonus points function as additional chances in the random selection rather than as guaranteed preference. Hunters applying for this unit should consult AZGFD's Hunt Guidelines, current regulations, and historical draw results to build a realistic point-building plan.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23S

Elk distribute across public land within the unit boundary. Scout transition zones between meadow feeding and timbered bedding, active water sources, and glassing ridges that open at first and last light. AZGFD unit pages and USFS/BLM maps are the right starting point.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23S

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%
Archery18%
AZGFD publishes harvest and success-rate data by hunt code. Low-permit hunts can show high per-hunter success when conditions align. Use multi-year averages to set expectations for Unit 23S elk.

Elk Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Early Rifle154882.3% 0
Archery— Early Archery154311.9% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
Arizona's weighted-random bonus-point system rewards persistence without guaranteeing a tag. Low-permit hunts often show high required point totals — review AZGFD's published draw results for realistic ranges in Unit 23S.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Arizona Unit 23S elk tag?
Apply through AZGFD's online draw portal during the published application window. Arizona uses a weighted-random bonus-point system, so applying every year — even in years you don't expect to draw — keeps your point total growing.
Is Unit 23S worth burning points on?
Small-permit units tend to be point-intensive. Balance your point total, timeline, and goals against AZGFD's historical draw results for Unit 23S before committing.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. AZGFD Hunt Guidelines — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Hunt structure, Permit allocation framework · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Unit boundaries, Legal methods · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bonus-point draw mechanics, Historical draw results · accessed 2026-04-17