Quick Tips
- Hiking trails access much of the Pinal Mountains
- Employ high-quality optics and patience to find big Coues deer
- Numerous javelina
- Quail hunting in fall and winter
- Fall black bear tags sold over the counter
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 85"-100" | 100"+ |
| Elk | 310"-340" | 340"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
Centered near Globe, AZ, this unit encompasses hundreds of square miles of Coues deer and mule deer habitat. Additionally, a few elk and small bands of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep inhabit the unit. The majority of the terrain is rugged and steep, and some places have such dense manzanita brush that hiking through it can be difficult. This eastern boundary of the unit is the San Carlos Indian Reservation.
This unit is well-known for Coues deer hunting with some bucks reaching trophy size. Mule deer inhabit most of the unit, but in lower numbers than the Coues deer. This unit shares a small population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep with Unit 23, where the two units border each other along the Salt River. Elk are scarce, but hunting can be decent during early rifle seasons when hunters can locate bulls by calling and listening for bugles. There are only a few tags issued for elk as a limited opportunity, general season hunt. Black bear numbers are high.
Terrain
Rough desert drainages extend to high desert peaks via rough terrain with large canyons and steep slopes. Much of the cover is so dense that hiking is difficult. The east side of the unit borders the San Carlos Indian Reservation.
Roughly 813 square miles
86.8% public land
Elevations from about 2,000 to about 8,000 feet
Vegetation
High elevations have forests of ponderosa pine, spruce, and fir along with thick stands of oak and manzanita on south-faced slopes. These south-faced slopes are densely covered and can be nearly impenetrable. Mid-elevations are predominantly pinyon-juniper woodlands. Lower elevations are high Sonoran desert with cactus, desert scrub, palo verde, mesquite, and grass.
Access
The Tonto National Forest covers most of the northern half of the unit and is open to the public. Globe, situated near the center of the unit, is surrounded by private property. Ranches, mines, farms and other private land is near Miami, Kearney, along some river bottoms, El Capitan Canyon and near Big Dome. Some landowners allow hunters to cross or hunt their land, but require them to sign a registry.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Good access on public roads
Trail systems access several rugged parts of the Pinal Mountains
No vehicles are allowed in the Salt River Canyon Wilderness
Camping and Lodging
Camping is allowed on Tonto National Forest, BLM and state lands. Motels are in Globe and Miami.
Developed campgrounds include:
Sulfide del Ray
Pinal Mountain
Pioneer Pass
Icehouse
Jones Water
Historical Temperatures
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