Quick Tips
- High-quality antelope
- Elk numbers have increased in the north
- Water holes attract elk in hot, dry weather
- Hunt band-tailed pigeons near water and acorns
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 70"-80" | 85"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-75" | 75"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-155" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Pine forest in the south, grassland flats in the north. Public access is allowed on two large and private lowland ranches. Some older bucks live in canyons, but deer numbers are low. Antelope hunters have high success, but this is not considered a good unit for hunting trophy-size elk.
This is a good unit for hunting big antelope and elk, but with only a few mule deer and Coues deer, expect low success for deer. Hunting is difficult during the late elk archery season.
Terrain
Roughly 754 square miles
72.1% public land
Elevations from 5,000-7,900 feet
Mixed conifer forest in higher elevations in the south
Terrain descends into large canyons that drain into juniper and grassland flats to the north
Some long ridges and deep canyons drain from south to north
Hunting is not physically difficult in most terrain
Vegetation
Higher land is covered with mixed conifer forests and some oaks near canyons. The mid-elevations have pinyon and juniper trees mixed with oaks. The lower elevations have some pinyon and juniper forests with large open grass, brush flats and canyons.
Access
Dirt roads provide good public access to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and state property. Lower elevations have a checkerboard-style mix of state and private land with some restricted access. Access is granted on both Ohaco Cattle Company and Hopi 3 Canyon Aja Ranch. Hopi 3 Canyon Aja Ranch is owned by Hopi Tribe. Access agreement can change at any time.
ATVs allowed on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended
Off-road travel permitted for game retrieval only
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along Forest Service roads. Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Show Low, Holbrook and Winslow have lodging.
Developed campground at Woods Canyon Lake
Undeveloped campground at Bear Canyon Lake
Historical Temperatures
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