Welcome to the site. You're not too late to apply for deer in Arizona this year, but I think you're too late for antelope and elk. However, there should be some leftover elk licenses, usually cows.

Thanks exbiologist. I will look into the deer license. I'll have to get used to the lottery type system for hunting. Where I come from, you just buy a license and the applicable tags.

Well, the regs are out right now, just came out today or yesterday I think. Familiarize yourself with the draw process, http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/regulations/HuntingRegulations10-11.pdf. It's not that hard, nonwesterners make too big a deal of how complicated it is. You pick a unit or several, look up the hunt code and fill out the application. Now, picking which units can be another story. You have to decide on a strategy, whether you want only the best trophy areas or if you just want an opportunity to hunt locally. You also should understand the draw odds. Once again, not rocket science, they are on page 46 of the regs booklet. Many units have 100% success for drawing, so you may want to consider one of those as a back up. Also, get your residency requirements straightened out now. Most states allow active duty military members to buy licenses at resident prices (do you want to spend $380 for a resident deer license?)

Thanks again for all of the info. Spent the last hour going through the regs manual. The good thing is down in my area (35A) the draw % is pretty high. So it should be pretty easy. I am checking with post officials to see when and where I can hunt on post as well.

There are special hunts on Ft. Huachuca for military. Also although you missed the elk draw there are a couple areas you can hunt with over the counter tags. The elk density is very low but if you know where to look - or hire a guide that does - success is possible. Also Apache and Navajo reservations have not had their draw yet. Tag cost is a bit more but cow tags and raghorn bulls are affordable. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Eric

I'm live in Sierra Vista also. Been deer hunting in this area the last five years. If I can help you out give me a call . 520-249-7602 Thanks, Donnie Hancock

That is very kind of you Donald, Thanks and Welcome to BGH!

Welcome to big game hunt and thank you for your service. I also shoot a .270 and would pick it over the .30-06. What are you looking to hunt again?

A belated welcome to the site, and always glad to meet someone else from Arizona. By now I'm sure you have found the answers to your questions about cost etc. by visiting the Game and Fish dept. etc. It's been a few years now, but I use to hunt the Coues whitetail down your way in 35b when I could, near Patagonia; and still try for the limited Dec. hunt when offered. I think they are tough little critters in comparison to other deer, LOL.

For what it is worth, if you haven't bought the rifle yet, and plan to apply for Elk here, I'd go with the 30-06 between those two if it were me.

Have fun, and take care.

PS- I was in the Air Force as well... long ago though... ;-)