Quick Tips
- Learn where hunters may cross or hunt private land
- Some outfitters have arranged private ranch access, especially for elk hunts
- Ranch access for hunters can continue if hunters respect ranch lands
- Bring a shotgun for quail and dove hunting
- Campfires are prohibited in Granite Mountain Wilderness Area
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This elk, mule deer and antelope unit is overwhelmingly public land, including the Granite Mountain Wilderness, which can be seen from Prescott and is in the Prescott National Forest, along with sprawling tracts of state land that extend west another 35 miles. Private land limits access, but the state has arranged access agreements across some ranches. Deer hunting in this unit can be difficult, but there are quality bucks to be found for those who are persistent.
Elk are nomadic and few in number, so hunters rarely get opportunities to take elk. This unit only has muzzleloader and archery antelope seasons. The best opportunity to see a mature muley buck is during the late season hunts. A willingness to get away from the roads and away from the crowds will increase your chances significantly in this unit.
Terrain
Except for a few flat valleys, such as Williamson Valley northeast of Prescott and Thompson Valley in the south, land is mostly hilly or mountainous. Several mesas, canyons and steep mountains are rough and rocky. Large cattle ranches are comprised of open grassland and thick juniper stands, where hunting is not strenuous. Small isolated mountains have exposed granite.
Roughly 671 square miles
82.2% public land
Elevations from about 2,500 feet in valleys to a 7,626-foot Granite Mountain
Vegetation
Large, open areas of chaparral and short grass with pinyon/juniper pockets covering most of the lowcountry. Ponderosa pines, pinyons, junipers (including alligator junipers), and Gambel oak grow on high hills and mountains.
Access
Dirt roads reach land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the state and the BLM, but private ranch property limits access.
No vehicles allowed in the 9,799-acre Granite Mountain Wilderness
ATVs are beneficial on rough roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Hunters must pay a fee to cross or hunt on some ranches
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along public dirt roads on public land. Lodging can be found in Prescott, Bagdad and Seligman.
Granite Mountain Recreation Area offers a designated campground
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