Quick Tips
- Elk calling effective in early season
- Sitting near water holes is effective in hot, dry weather
- Tree squirrel season in the fall
- Good unit for black bear hunting in fall
- Good glassing along canyon country for Coues deer and elk in November
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Coues Deer | 65"-80" | 90"+ |
| Elk | 280"-320" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This unit holds mule deer, Coues deer, elk and low numbers of antelope. The only rifle elk season is in November and hunter success is low. A large canyon running through the unit holds game.
This is typically an easier unit to draw an archery bull elk tag to hunt during September. Early archery elk season offers a hunter a good chance to take a mature bull. During the late rifle elk season, glassing canyon terrain may lead to hunting opportunity. While mule deer hunting is average, some trophy quality Coues deer live in thick cover in canyons. Antelope hunting can be challenging because timber limits glassing.
Terrain
Most of the unit is flat and timbered with hills and canyons. Large parks spread throughout timber stands.
Roughly 404 square miles
96.4% public land
Elevations from 3,500-6,500 feet
Large canyons and rim country
Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona
Vegetation
Ponderosa pine and oak forests at high elevations, pinyon/juniper forests with cliffrose and bitterbrush at middle elevations, junipers and grasslands with prickly pear cactus at low elevations.
Access
Dirt roads provide public access to the Coconino National Forest.
ATVs can be helpful
ATVs allowed only on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended when the ground is wet
Strenuous hiking in Sycamore Canyon and Secret Mountain Wilderness areas
Camping and Lodging
Multiple developed campgrounds are in Oak Creek Canyon along Highway 89. Many hunters camp along remote Forest Service roads. Lodging is in Flagstaff and Sedona.
Dead Horse Ranch Campground is open year round
Campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon are run by a private contractor
Only Pine Flat Campground in Oak Creek Canyon is open in fall and winter
Historical Temperatures
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