Quick Tips
- Kachina Peaks holds some big bulls
- Hunting the wilderness is physically challenging
- Elk calling works well during archery season
- Water holes attract elk in hot, dry weather
- Focus on open grasslands for antelope
- Tree squirrel season is open in the fall
- Fall black bear hunting
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
Elk | 300"-330" | 330"+ |
Antelope | 60"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This is the eastern half of Unit 7, which is managed separately for elk. Unit 7E encompasses the San Francisco Peaks, which includes the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. After a couple severe wildfires over the past three decades, the state reduced the elk herd because the animals were detrimental to aspen regeneration in the burned areas. The state continues to limit the elk population in the Peaks area, but the herd is still healthy overall unit-wide. In addition to 7E elk hunts, there are Peaks-only hunts as well. Seasons for other big game species including antelope and mule deer, which also inhabit 7E are unit wide (7E and 7W).
The state issues many tags for this unit, which still holds elk despite herd reductions. Though 7E is not known for producing giant bulls, this unit still produces trophy-quality bulls. For elk, the early archery season is much more successful than the late bow season. This unit is also known for having big antelope bucks. 7E also holds trophy-caliber mule deer bucks for dedicated hunters willing to put in the required scouting to find them. Most of these bucks reside in the high country, but can be found throughout the unit.
Terrain
Varies greatly from high-elevation alpine, rock-covered peaks, mixed-conifer and Ponderosa pine, timbered slopes, and chaparral woodlands, to grasslands at the lowest elevations. Hiking in wilderness terrain can be strenuous, unforgiving, and dangerous.
Roughly 913 square miles
76.8% public land
Elevations from 4,200-12,633 feet
Highest point in Arizona is Humphrey’s Peak, found in the San Francisco Peaks
The southern half of the unit is steep and at high elevations
The northern half of the unit is largely transitional from ponderosa pine forests to grassland
Vegetation
Ponderosa pines, aspens, firs and spruces at higher elevations with juniper and oak across the middle and lower elevations, along with open grasslands.
Access
Well-maintained forest and county roads provide good public access to the Coconino National Forest and state property. Some private property lies within the unit and limits access.
The high-elevation Kachina Peaks Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles
ATVs allowed only on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended
Off-road travel permitted for elk retrieval only
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp remotely along Forest Service roads.
KOA in Flagstaff provides full services for RV camping
Motels in Flagstaff
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