Quick Tips
- There are a lot of elk in this unit
- Elk calling works well in archery season
- Water holes attract elk in hot, dry weather
- Focus on greenup for antelope
- Tree squirrel season in the fall
- Ponds offer good duck hunting
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This is the southern part of Unit 5B and a good place to hunt elk and mule deer. Good numbers of elk are distributed across the unit. Mule deer numbers are stable and antelope numbers fluctuate.
This unit has a large herd of elk, stable mule deer populations and antelope. Antelope trophy size is smaller here than in Unit 5BN, but there is good opportunity for hunting branch-antlered bull elk. Early archery elk season is much better than the late bow season and hunters in early seasons usually kill bigger bulls.
Terrain
A large, high-elevation flat known as Anderson Mesa is summer range, covered with ponderosa pine forest and scattered grasslands. Big canyons break off Anderson Mesa to the northeast and drain onto flat country with rolling hills and draws.
Roughly 283 square miles
98.2% public land
Elevations from 5,000-7,000 feet
Hiking is not strenuous
Much of Anderson Mesa is covered in volcanic rocks, making roads rough
Vegetation
Ponderosa pines and scattered grasslands at high elevations. Oaks, pinyons, shaggy bark and alligator bark juniper trees at middle elevations. Some pinyon/juniper forests with mostly large, open grass and brush flats and canyons at low elevations.
Access
Dirt roads access Coconino National Forest and state property. Private property is minimal. Overall public access is good.
ATVs allowed only on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended for snowy and wet weather
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along Forest Service roads. Clint’s Well and Winslow have lodging.
KOA in Flagstaff provides full services for RV camping
Ashurst Campground at Ashurst Lake is a designated campground
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