Quick Tips
- Be prepared to hike long distances away from roads
- Arrange packing services before hunting remote sites
- The southeastern corner of the wilderness gets few visitors
- Bearproof your camp
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 300"-340" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 70"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
Elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are hunted in this unit, which includes the western end of the Gila Wilderness and some low desert terrain that is mostly private. An elk tag here is also valid in Unit 16B.
Some hunters with elk tags never venture into Unit 22, making the roadless sections in the north a prime place for a backpacker or horseback hunter. Hunters in excellent physical shape can find places to glass in remote terrain.
Terrain
The northern half of the unit is mostly public land with the eastern two-thirds included in the Gila Wilderness, including some high mountains from 9,000-10,658 feet. Some sheer rock cliffs overlook some of the lower country, which is mostly composed of grassy flats and ridges. The south half is mostly flat and barren desert that is largely private property.
Roughly 393 square miles
69.3% public land
Elevations range from 4,500-10,700 feet
Vegetation
Spruces, firs and ponderosa pines dominate the landscape above 9,000 feet with junipers and pinyons forests on most of the slopes below that. Large burns with standing and toppled dead trees cover many slopes. Oak brush and other browse plants grow in places. Lower terrain is mostly covered with grass with scattered junipers and pinyons, which are denser in the many arroyos that branch into the foothills.
Access
U.S. 180 is the eastern boundary, State Route 174 north of Glenwood cuts into the northwest corner, State Route 159 is on the northern edge, and State Route 193 reaches northeast of Cliff. Many primitive roads that leave U.S. 180 lead toward the west side of the wilderness.
Southeast corner of Gila Wilderness is isolated.
ATVs can be helpful.
Four-wheel-drive trucks are recommended on primitive roads.
Camping and Lodging
Lodging options include Silver Creek Inn in Mogollon, the Whitewater Motel in Glenwood and the Double T Homestead in Glenwood. Most hunters camp by primitive roads and hike daily into roadless areas, but the most effective hunters backpack small tents into the wilderness and stay several days in isolation, waking up each morning in the middle of game haunts.
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