Quick Tips
- Most elk are south of Highway 260
- Rodeo-Chediski burn has created quality wildlife feed
- Early season is preferable to late season for archery elk hunting
- Good tree squirrel hunting
- Good dove hunting
- Stable black bear numbers
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 300"-350" | 360"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is widely recognized for high-quality elk hunting. Most of the land in this unit is public, the border is shared with the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, which is known for producing world-class bulls. Hunters may find both large mule deer and large antelope. Archery deer hunters must draw tags. Road access is good.
This unit is considered one of the best for hunting elk and shares a border with an Indian reservation. The gigantic Rodeo-Chediski fire burned through the middle section in 2002, opening up overgrown timber and allowing fresh browse plants and grass to regenerate. Improved management has led to better mule deer quality with abundant feed for elk, too. Antelope numbers have been declining.
Terrain
The south consists of higher elevations with dark timber while the north consists of lower, open country.
Roughly 555 square miles
82.8% public land
Elevations from about 5,600-7,200 feet
Some rough and rocky canyons
Vegetation
The Mogollon Rim in the South features mixed conifer forests with pine and Douglas fir. In the mid-elevations, pine trees mixed with oaks dominate much of the terrain. There is also new oak brush and other wildlife browse growing in the old burn. Lower elevations consist of juniper forests with mostly large, open flats covered with grass and brush.
Access
Dirt roads provide good public access into both state property and the Lakeside and Black Mesa ranger districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Lower elevations consist of a checkerboard-style arrangement of state and private land with some restricted access.
Minimal private land
ATVs are permitted only on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended because roads are muddy in wet weather
Do not trail a wounded animal onto tribal land without securing permission first
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along Forest Service roads. Show Low, Snowflake, Heber and Forest Lakes have lodging. Developed campgrounds include: Woods Canyon recreation area, Willow Springs, Lewis Canyon, Black Canyon, Gentry.
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