This past weekend, our owner Jared Habel. Traveled to Arizona for a Once in a lifetime Velvet hunt.
Bucks in Velvet are still in the growing phase. They tend to be more relaxed and less focused on rutting behaviors, such as Bugling (Bull call), Tree and bush thrashing, antler sparring and scent marking. Bucks naturally shed their velvet in late summer. Typically by mid-August or Early September. The antlers harden and the blood supply to the velvet is cut off, which leads to shedding. So this was a very rare opportunity for Jared.
Once all of the hunting permits, tags and Licenses were obtained, it was off to Arizona State. The landscape was flat, rugged and the weather was hot and dry.
Now, when you get to Arizona via Flagstaff (2 hour drive), Phoenix (2.5 hour drive) or Prescott (3 hour drive). Make your drive to Heber, Arizona which is located in the White Mountains.
We recommend staying at the Best Western Sawmill Inn. The contact information for them is (928) 535-5053 and let me know you are interested in Hunting rates.
Jared had a 3am report time to meet his guide. If you know Jared, 3am is normal for him.
Making his way around the Arizona flats, Jared scoped out a herd of 6 Antelope about 800 yards away. However, he was there for a Velvet. So they observed and continued on their way.
Later in the afternoon they spotted 4 Elk about 2000 yards away. Jared and his guide attempted to stalk this herd but the landscape was deceiving. The mix of varying elevations and the terrain being rocky including mixed grasses, brush and woodlands, made it for a challenging morning and afternoon.
After finding a good vantage point that evening. They spotted another herd. However, with the sunlight going down the “last shot” would have been against Arizona Hunting Regulations. Last Shots for Large game or Trophy game is one-half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
With the heat of the day picking up and peaking at 109 degrees Jared and his guide decided to try this same area on day 2.
Once set up, around 6 am. The hunt was on. Jared and his guide spotted a herd of 4 Elk making their way across the flats. After stalking the herd for approximately 30 minutes. The heat of the day was already in the low 90’s. This herd of 4 was already bedding down for the day.
Jared was locked in using a Blackline Precision Rifle – HR 1200 – a custom rifle company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We recommend them for anyone looking to have a custom rifle. Contact Travis or Patrick – Phone: (801) 599-6868
https://blacklineprecision.com/product/hr1200/
Around 6:45 am, BAM! One shot and Jared had a Velvet Elk. Not the largest of the breed, but well worth the wait. What a thrill to have that power in your hands.
After the take down, you will process your game and take it to a local Taxidermist. We recommend using Casey’s Processing located in Flagstaff, Arizona. https://www.caseysprocessing.com/
What was scheduled to be a 5 day hunt, turned out to be a 2 day hunt because sometimes, you don’t need the full hunting time to get the experience and species your looking for.
If this is something you’re interested in, take a look at our hunts located in Arizona.
We hope to see you soon!
