Quick Tips
- Elk calling effective in early season
- Sitting on or 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 rim country
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Coues Deer | 70"-80" | 85"+ |
| Elk | 310"-340" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
The majority of the unit is largely ponderosa pine or pinyon-juniper forests. The northern boundary of the unit is Bill Williams Mountain (9,256 feet) surrounded by flats, parks, and finger drainages leading into larger canyons including Sycamore Canyon, which is the eastern border of the unit. This unit is about 95% public land and holds some big bull elk, trophy-sized antelope along with mule deer, and holds isolated pockets of Coues deer.
This unit is known for some world class bull elk, including the largest non-typical bull taken by a bowhunter. There are also trophy caliber antelope, mule deer, and Coues deer. Early archery elk season offers a good chance to take a high-quality bull, and the terrain lends itself to glassing during the late rifle elk season. The muzzleloader antelope hunt is a good opportunity to take a trophy buck. The mule deer hunt is average, and the Coues deer hunt is a challenge, but there are quality bucks of both species.
Terrain
The highest elevations of the unit are timbered, and then transition from ponderosa pine to pinyon-juniper leading through the flats to the larger canyons. The canyons are heavily vegetated by brushy browse. The Mogollon Rim runs along the western edge of the unit, Sycamore Canyon provides the eastern border, and the Verde River is the southern boundary.
Roughly 645 square miles
94.9% public land
Elevations from 3,600-9,200 feet
Large canyons and rim country
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 lower elevations.
Access
Dirt roads provide public access to the Kaibab National Forest. An ATV can be helpful.
ATVs only allowed on roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended when the ground is wet
Long hikes to some terrain
Camping and Lodging
Unit 8 has two campgrounds on Forest Service land. Hunters camp along forest roads. Lodging is available in Williams.
White Horse Lake Campground open through Sept. 30
Dogtown Reservoir Campground open through Sept. 30
Historical Temperatures
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