Quick Tips
- Quality bass fishing at several lakes
- Numerous javelina
- Quail hunting
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-100" | 110"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 175"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 165"-180" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
This unit extends from the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona to the Phoenix Metro area. Much of the terrain is rugged and includes roadless wilderness, high timber and Sonoran desert with saguaro cactus. Although this unit is well known for its big desert bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer, Coues deer also can be found in good numbers.
A rough and rugged unit where hunters have a chance of tagging a great Coues buck or desert bighorn ram. The desert rams are among the biggest anywhere, and this tag is highly coveted. Coues deer can be found throughout the unit, and there is a good chance of seeing a good buck. Elk and mule deer numbers are stable.
Terrain
This unit has few roads in rough terrain, including steep mountains below the Mogollon Rim in the north. Rough and rocky desert mountains and canyons across most of the unit.
Roughly 1,581 square miles
95.6% public land
Elevations from 1,500 feet at Saguaro Lake to 7,894 feet on Mazatzal Peak
Vegetation
Ponderosa pine, fir and spruce mix at high elevations, while pinyon/juniper woodlands and chaparral are the chief plants at middle elevations. Low elevations are high Sonoran desert with cactus, desert scrub and grass.
Access
Tonto National Forest covers most of the unit and is open to the public. The Fort McDowell Indian Reservation is in the southwest corner near Phoenix.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roadways
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended for inclement weather
Good access on public roads
Unit includes Fossil Springs, Four Peaks, Hellsgate and Mazatzal Wilderness areas
Camping and Lodging
Hunters camp on public land. Payson, Fountain Hills and Punkin Center have lodging.
Developed campgrounds include:
The Point at Canyon Lake
Laguna Beach at Canyon Lake
Burnt Corral at Apache Lake
Cholla at Roosevelt Lake
Bachelor Cove at Roosevelt Lake
Ponderosa at Upper Tonto Creek
Undeveloped Campgrounds include:
Saguaro Group Site
Horse Pasture
Cholla Bay
Verde River: Second and third crossings
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
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