Red Cabin Outfitters LLC operates under a permit from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Guided Elk Hunts in Arizona
Arizona is home to one of the largest Rocky Mountain elk herds in the world, and Red Cabin Outfitters knows this country inside and out. Whether you’re chasing a bugling trophy bull during the rut or looking to fill the freezer with prime elk meat, we’ve got the expertise, access, and passion to make your hunt a success.
320–370"+
Trophy-class bulls (B&C)
OTC Tags Available
Hunt this season with no draw
1-on-1 Guiding
Personalized attention in the field
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Elk Hunts
Reliable Opportunity, Great Meat in the Freezer
Tired of waiting years for a draw tag? Arizona’s over-the-counter elk tags let you hunt almost every year, especially if filling the freezer is the goal.
No Draw Required
Purchase your OTC non-permit tag directly from Arizona Game & Fish, available in many units statewide.
Multiple Seasons & Weapons
OTC tags are available for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons. Early archery runs through the rut, muzzleloader hits the post-rut transition, and late rifle extends into December and January.
Meat or Trophy
Many OTC tags allow cow or spike harvest—perfect for meat—while some units still offer "any elk" opportunities for a shot at a bull.
High Success Potential
Our guides' deep knowledge of elk movement, water holes, and low-pressure areas means our OTC clients routinely fill tags at rates well above the statewide average.
Recommended caliber for elk
On our over-the-counter elk hunts, you may only get one clean chance. Bring enough gun.
We recommend a 7mm as the minimum knockdown for elk. That means 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .280 Ackley, and similar 7mm class loads with a tough, controlled-expansion hunting bullet. We have seen too many shots with 6.5 PRC and smaller that simply do not put an elk down the way you need on a one-opportunity hunt.
7mm PRC is an excellent all-around choice for elk and for just about every other big-game animal in North America. Flat enough for longer shots, plenty of energy, and easy to shoot well when you practice with it.
Bullet choice matters as much as caliber: use a premium bonded or monolithic hunting bullet designed for large game, not a light varmint or target bullet.
Quick guide
| Category | Examples | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Too light for our OTC elk hunts | .243, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and similar | We have seen too many of these fail to finish the job when the first shot has to count. Leave them home for elk. |
| Minimum we recommend | 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .280 Ackley, other true 7mm magnum-class loads | This is the floor for reliable knockdown on elk in our country. |
| Excellent all-around | 7mm PRC | Our favorite middle ground: handles elk well and covers nearly all North American big game. |
| Plenty of horsepower | .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, .308 Win (with a stout hunting bullet), and similar | Fine if you shoot them well. Recoil and practice matter more than bragging rights. |
Practice from field positions with the exact load you will hunt. A well-placed 7mm beats a poorly placed bigger magnum every time — but on OTC elk, start with enough caliber so that good shot has the energy behind it.
Gear up with our partner: Precision Hunting Supply
Need help picking a rifle, optic, or load in these calibers? Our partner Precision Hunting Supply (Mesa, AZ) can help with long-range hunting setups and the rounds we prefer for elk. They specialize in dialed-in rifle systems, optics, and hunting gear — a great resource if you want to show up ready for that one chance.
Phone: (480) 748-2200 | Our sponsors
Red Cabin Outfitters recommendation for hunters booking our guided elk hunts. Always follow AZGFD legal weapon rules for your hunt.
Better Odds, Bigger Bulls
Let Us Help You Draw a Premium Tag
Expert Application Guidance
We'll review your bonus points and recommend hunts with realistic draw odds. Many late rifle and archery bull hunts can be drawn with 8–15 points for non-residents; some antlerless hunts with far fewer.
Proven Public-Land Strategies
We focus on Northern and Central Arizona country known for solid bull-to-cow ratios, mature age classes, and consistent trophy potential.
No Wasted Season
Even if you don't draw, you still earn a bonus point—and you can fall back on an OTC tag for the same year.
Already Drew a Northern Arizona Tag?
Congratulations on pulling that hard-earned tag. Now let’s make the most of it.
We’ve guided countless tag-in-hand clients to success—from 380″+ monsters to freezer-filling cows.
Local Knowledge
Low-pressure public land areas we know like the back of our hand.
Flexible Accommodations
Wall-tent spike camps in the field, modern lodging, or a clean in-town VRBO/Airbnb with hot showers and real beds every night.
Expert Guiding
Full-Service Support
From the Field
Why Hunt Elk With Red Cabin Outfitters
We’re a family-owned operation with decades of experience guiding elk across Arizona. Our guides have hard-earned knowledge of public-land elk habits and migration patterns—and we treat every client like one of our own.
Fair-chase hunts with ethical, hardworking guides. All-inclusive packages with meals, lodging, and transportation in the field.
Whether it’s your first elk or your twentieth, an OTC meat hunt or a once-in-a-lifetime trophy bull, we’re ready to make it happen.
