Quick Tips
- Know private boundaries
- An outfitter has access to prime private land
- Bring a shotgun for quail and waterfowl hunting
- Only vehicles with high clearance can handle most roads
- Consider purchasing a mountain lion tag
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 330"-350" | 360"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 80"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 140"-155" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
A mixture of private, BLM and state land. The eastern border of the unit rests against the Prescott National Forest. Elk, antelope, mule deer and desert bighorn sheep can be found in this unit. Some large private ranches do not allow hunting, preventing access, especially for elk hunting.
This unit has a new (but small) herd of desert bighorn sheep, a few mule deer and some trophy class antelope and elk. Private landowners control a great deal of property. Some of them lease to outfitters and others participate in land access programs through the state. Hunters who hire outfitters typically have a higher success rate. A large private ranch produces exceptional bull elk. Late season bowhunters see some mature bucks.
Terrain
Mesas, canyons and mountains with rough, rocky terrain can make travelling slow and difficult. Large cattle ranches consist of open grassland and thick pinyon/juniper stands. Hiking is strenuous in public canyons.
Roughly 1,213 square miles
59.2% public land
Elevations from about 1,000 feet in the south to 7,499-foot Mohon Peak
Bighorn sheep terrain in Upper Burro Creek Wilderness is rugged and steep
Vegetation
There is a very diverse range of ecosystems throughout the unit. Large, open areas of chaparral and short grass are interspersed with pinyon/juniper woods, cliffrose patches and isolated stands of ponderosa pines. Low terrain is Sonoran desert with scrub and various cactus species.
Access
State land and BLM sections are intermixed with private land in a checkerboard pattern. Some large private ranches limit access, but some ranches allow public hunting. Burro Canyon cuts the unit in half, making it time consuming to drive from one side to the other.
An outfitter leases a ranch that produces some big bull elk
Most roads are not maintained and are rough and rocky
ATVs are beneficial on rough roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for ground clearance
27,440-acre Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Area is restricted to foot and horseback only
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along public dirt roads. Lodging can be found in Bagdad, Wickieup and Prescott. Burro Creek Campground is just west of the unit.
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