Chapter 1: An Unexpected Message

The day started like any other, but little did I know it would mark the beginning of a fantastic journey. It was a text from my buddy Jordan Christesen, founder of The Draw, that set everything in motion. "Long story short" Flint's drawn an Arizona bull elk tag!" his message read. As I looked at the text, a mix of disbelief and excitement washed over me. This was the kind of news every hunting enthusiast dreams of, and it was happening to us agian.

The text that set the course for our 2023 hunting season.

The Story of Flint and The Draw

Our journey with The Draw began when I decided to put Flint, my son, into the draw system at the early age of 11. Jordan's company wasn't just any tag application service; it is the best in the industry. What made The Draw stand out was its commitment to involving young hunters. They allowed children to apply for free, a gesture that not only encouraged youth participation in hunting but also made these once-in-a-lifetime tags more accessible.

Under Jordan's guidance, Flint had been consistently drawing impressive tags each year, from a New Mexico Youth 2B mule deer to a Maine Bull Moose tag. But an Arizona bull elk? That is the crown jewel of hunting tags.  

We just can't express how truly happy we are not only to be associated with The Draw but the true friendship we have with Jordan. 

Its no longer a dream when the tag is in hand.

Planning the Hunt with On-X

With the tag secured, it was time to plan. In previous hunts we've elected to hire an experienced outfitter but for this paticular hunt its about family and have decided to make it a DYI trip. We turned to On-X, upgrading to an Elite membership to start our e-scouting. Unit 8, located just west of Flagstaff, Arizona, promised a landscape both challenging and beautiful. Flint and I spent hours on On-X, marking potential spots for glassing in the rugged canyons and the sprawling Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area. The digital world of On-X opened up a realm of possibilities, helping us visualize the terrain we will soon be navigating in person.

Hours of monitor time e-scouting with On-X Hunt

A Three-Generation Hunt

But this hunt is about more than just preparation and strategy; it was about family. I decided to include my father, making it a three-generation hunt. Growing up, hunting with my father and grandfather had given me memories I cherished, and I wanted Flint to have the same. At 17, he might not fully grasp the significance of these moments, but I knew they would be invaluable as he grew older.

The Journey Begins

As the hunt's oppener on December 1st draws closer, the excitement within our family is high. The plan is I will leave Georgia after Thanksgiving, giving me a few days to scout the marked glassing points in Arizona before Flint and his grandfather fly in. This hunt isn't just a pursuit of a big mature bull elk; it is a journey of bonding, adventure, and shared experiences as a family.

In this series, "Late Seaon Arizona Elk Hunt," I invite you to join us on our hunt for a big Arizon bull elk. From the excitment of drawing the tag to the challenges of the hunt, this story isn't just about the pursuit; it's about the memories, the landscape, and the family ties that bind us together in the Sycimore Canyon Wilderness of Arizona. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we dive into the preparations and begin our journey westward.