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Unit 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

The 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C multi-unit elk hunt area covers a broad swath of central Arizona managed under AZGFD hunt guidelines. Draws use Arizona's weighted random bonus point system where applicants with more bonus points receive additional random numbers, improving but not guaranteeing draw chances. Tag quotas are set annually based on population surveys, harvest objectives, and habitat conditions.

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71%
Public Land

Elk Hunting in Unit 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C

The 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C multi-unit elk hunt area covers a broad swath of central Arizona managed under AZGFD hunt guidelines. Draws use Arizona's weighted random bonus point system where applicants with more bonus points receive additional random numbers, improving but not guaranteeing draw chances. Tag quotas are set annually based on population surveys, harvest objectives, and habitat conditions.

Where to Find Elk in 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C

Elk across this multi-unit complex concentrate near water sources, transition zones between ponderosa and pinyon-juniper, and remote forest service roads with limited motorized access. Scout tank locations, saddles, and north-facing slopes in the weeks before your hunt to identify fresh sign and active feed areas.

How to Hunt Elk in 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%
Archery18%
Historical success for elk in this hunt area varies by weapon and season. Check the AZGFD annual hunt arizona report for the most recent unit-specific rifle, muzzleloader, and archery success rates.

Elk Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts (n/p)
Rifle — General Rifle Oct bull/buck only (combined pool) 353664.6%
Rifle — General Rifle Oct antlerless (combined pool) 1506987.0%
Rifle — Late Rifle Nov antlerless (combined pool) 3005398.1%
Rifle — Late Rifle Nov either sex (combined pool) 15040120.0%
Rifle — Early Rifle bull/buck only (combined pool) 3515716.6%
Rifle — Early Rifle antlerless (combined pool) 506100.0%
Rifle — General Rifle Oct bull/buck only (combined pool) 353805.0%
Rifle — General Rifle Oct antlerless (combined pool) 1505080.0%
Rifle — Late Rifle Nov antlerless (combined pool) 3004595.6%
Rifle — Late Rifle Nov either sex (combined pool) 15036919.2%
Early Archery — bull/buck only (combined pool) 3516515.2%
Early Archery — antlerless (combined pool) 50988.9%
Early Archery — bull/buck only (combined pool) 3516515.2%
Early Archery — antlerless (combined pool) 50988.9%

Data from 2025 draw results. Each row is one residency pool — read the label before the number. This agency publishes no point thresholds, so the Pts column stays blank and these are pool odds, not what a point total draws.

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Arizona uses a weighted random draw: each bonus point gives you one additional random number, so applicants with more points have better but not guaranteed odds. Residents receive 90 percent of most tags; nonresidents compete for the remaining 10 percent with a hard cap.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Arizona elk draw work for 17A/17B/18B/19B/20A/20C?
AZGFD uses a weighted random bonus point draw. Each bonus point adds an additional random number to your application, increasing your chance but never guaranteeing a tag. Residents get 90 percent of tags.
When should I apply for elk in this hunt area?
Arizona elk applications are typically due in early February for the fall seasons. Confirm the current year's deadline on the AZGFD website before applying.

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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 allocations, Tag setting process · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Legal weapons, Unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bonus point balances, Draw outcomes, Weighted random mechanics · accessed 2026-04-17