Hunters' reviews of Unit 23 in Arizona emphasize its challenging terrain, which requires physical preparedness and strategic planning. The unit offers opportunities for elk, deer, and turkey, with hunters suggesting early scouting due to the varied and sometimes dense vegetation that can hinder visibility. Draw odds are competitive, highlighting the importance of understanding season dates and applying strategically. Overall, successful hunters in this area recommend utilizing detailed maps, focusing on water sources, and being adaptable to weather conditions to improve the likelihood of a fruitful hunt.
This unit lies along and below the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona and is a good place for both trophy elk and trophy Coues deer hunters. Some elk seasons take place in part of the unit. Almost all Forest Service lands are easy to reach. Some terrain is rugged and there are four wilderness areas.
Hunters have a chance of killing a large Coues deer and this is one of the best units in Arizona for high quality elk hunting with a healthy herd. The unit also has low numbers of mule deer and some Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.