Complete hunting regulations are available by mail or on line.
Complete hunting regulations are available by mail or online.

Some of the best trophy elk and antelope hunting in the U.S. is on Arizona public land.

Public land and trophy animals may sound like an oxymoron to eastern hunters, who associate public land with heavy hunting pressure, yet western lottery licensing systems dramatically limit the number of hunters who can obtain a license.  Like the lottery, you have to play to win. If you’ve dreamed of hunting next to the Grand Canyon or another picturesqe setting, you must apply for a license before February 10, 2015.

How good is the hunting? I drew an archery tag near Flagstaff, Arizona, and bagged the biggest elk of my life in just 45 minutes. That was almost too quick! Still, it’s an indication of how successful you can be once you draw a license.

Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of The Outdoor Wire.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for 2015 elk and pronghorn antelope hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process is Feb. 10, 2015, by 7 p.m. (MST). Hunters can apply using the online service, or they can fill out and mail or hand deliver a paper application.

Applying online is fast and easy.

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