Hunters reviewing Arizona's Unit 6A highlight its challenging yet rewarding terrain, with many emphasizing the importance of preparing for its diverse landscape ranging from thick forests to open grasslands. Experienced hunters suggest focusing on elevation changes and adapting to seasonal game movement patterns, noting that fluctuations in temperature and weather can significantly impact elk and deer behavior. Several comments point out the benefit of familiarizing oneself with water sources and scouting in advance, as game tends to congregate near these areas, especially during hotter months. Overall, hunters appreciate the unit's potential for high-quality game but advise patience and persistence in scouting efforts for a successful hunt.
Roughly 20% of elk hunts in Arizona take place in this giant unit, which is nearly all public land. Featuring desert as well as pine and aspen forests, 6A has mule deer, Coues deer, pronghorn antelope and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The state issues a lot of elk tags. Early archery elk season occurs during the rut. Late muzzleloader elk season can also be good. While this unit has a difficult mule deer hunt, the December rifle Coues deer season produces high quality bucks. This is one of Arizona's few units with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.