Unit 8 - Arizona - Hunt Now Arizona

Unit 8 – Arizona

Species Information
Pronghorn

Overview: Approximately 95 percent of the Unit is public land administered by the US Forest Service. Ponderosa pine is the dominate vegetation type in the higher elevations above 6,000 feet with scattered gamble oak. The mixed conifer vegetation type is most common on Bill Williams Mountain and the pinyon/juniper vegetation type is found at lower elevations. Water sources consist of mainly man-made lakes, stock tanks and wildlife waters with the Verde River making up the southern boundary.

The Unit is divided roughly north and south by the western extent of the Mogollon Rim with Sycamore Canyon on the east and the Welch Interchange along I-40 between Williams and Ashfork on the west. The lower elevation ranges from 3600-5500 feet with the higher elevation ranging from 6000 to 9200 feet. Most roads are on the Kaibab National Forest map. Access is fairly good with two-wheel-drive, but poor weather could cause hazardous conditions that would require four-wheel-drive operations.

Areas: The two main areas to find concentrations of pronghorn in the unit are Garland Prairie and Wagon Tire Flat. Other areas to find pronghorn are the areas west of the Hat Ranch, Putney Flat, Sunflower Flat, McDougal Flat and Page Flat. After opening day look for the pronghorn to move into the trees around these flats. If drought conditions exist, antelope distribution may vary throughout the unit due to water availability. Garland Prairie is located in the northeast portion of the unit. Over the years, 50 percent of the harvest in Unit 8 comes from this area. There are private land blocks on the north, west and south ends of the prairie. Be careful of shooting within ¼ mile of a residence, please be courteous.

Black Bear

Unit 8 has some outstanding bear habitat with numerous canyons, high-country mountains and high desert areas. Hunters can use a variety of different hunting techniques including glassing, still-hunting, sitting water, varmint calling and pursuit with dogs. The female harvest is limited to four sows before the season is closed. Call 1-800-970-BEAR (2327) to determine if your desired hunt unit is still open.

Areas: Bear distribution is throughout the unit mostly above 5000 feet elevation. Bears can be found associated with whatever food crop is most prevalent in a given year. Search for areas with fruit bearing Manzanita, scrub live-aok, Gamble’s oak and prickly pear cactus. Some areas where bears are commonly found include Bill Williams Mountain, Summit Mountain, Round Mountain, Morgan Hill and the canyons dropping off the Mogollon Rim such as Sycamore, Tule, Government, MC, and Hell canyons. Some areas are remote and access is difficult, warm to hot weather conditions can exist, be prepared to pack out the bear carcass, including all edible parts.

Note: Remember that it is mandatory to call 1-800-970-BEAR (2327) within 48 hours of harvesting a bear and you must physically present the bear’s skull, hide and attached proof of sex to a Department employee within 10 days of harvesting a bear. See current hunting regulations for more information.

Elk

Areas: During the early seasons such as archery and muzzle loader the elk will be found throughout the Unit mainly above 6000 feet elevation. Good areas to check are Garland Prairie, McDougal Flat, Barney Flat, Round Mountain, Summit Mountain, McCracken Knoll, Jackass Knoll, Dutchkid Knoll, Boyd Knoll, Snyder Knoll and Bill Williams Mountain. Good access roads are Forest Service Roads 12, 105, 108, 110, 122, 139, 140, 141, and 354.

During the late seasons such as general bull and general antlerless the elk may move to lower elevations if there is significant snow fall at the higher elevations. Check areas such as Sycamore Canyon, Sycamore Point, Tule Canyon, Lake Pocket, Deadman Pocket, Limestone Pocket, Government Canyon, Secret Pocket, May Tank Canyon, May Tank Pocket, Bear Canyon, MC Canyon, Wild Steer Mesa, Tule Basin, Hells Pocket, Hells Canyon, Devils Pocket, Devils Canyon, Rabbit Bill, and Flat Mesa. If there is no snow the majority of elk will remain at higher elevations (see above).

Mountain Lion

Areas: Unit 8 has some outstanding mountain lion habitat with numerous canyons, high-country mountains and high desert areas. Hunters can use a variety of different hunting techniques including glassing, still-hunting, sitting water, varmint calling and pursuit with dogs. Remember to purchase your lion tag before you head to the hills on your deer or elk hunt as you never know when you might run into one. Some areas where lions are commonly found include Bill Williams Mountain, Summit Mountain, Round Mountain, Morgan Hill and the canyons dropping off the Mogollon Rim such as Sycamore, Tule, Government, MC, and Hell canyons. Key in on areas with good deer and elk sign since this is where the lions will be.

Note: Remember that it is mandatory to call 1-877-438-0447 within 48 hours of harvesting a lion and you must physically present the lion’s skull, hide and attached proof of sex to a Department employee within 10 days of harvesting a lion. See current hunting regulations for more information.

Deer

Areas for mule deer: Mule deer will be found throughout the Unit. Good areas to check at the higher elevations are Garland Prairie, McDougal Flat, Barney Flat, Round Mountain, Summit Mountain, McCracken Knoll, Jackass Knoll, Dutchkid Knoll, Boyd Knoll, Snyder Knoll and Bill Williams Mountain. Good access roads are Forest Service Roads 105, 108, 110, 122, 139, 140, 141, and 354. Concentrate on areas that have good acorn production. At lower elevations check the canyons that drop into the Verde river, access this country from the Verde Ranch Road, the Drake Road, and Forest Service Road 181.

Areas for white-tailed deer: White-tailed deer are by far the most difficult big game animal to harvest in Unit 8. They are found at very low densities in extremely rugged terrain. Good areas to check are Bill Williams Mountain, Dutchkid Knoll and any of the canyons from Sycamore to I-40 at the 5000 to 6500 foot elevation level. Most successful white-tail hunters either hunt over permanent water sources or glass the rugged canyon country. Good access points can be found along Forest Service Roads 12, 105, 108, 181, and 354.

Merriam’s Turkey

Areas: General locations to look for turkeys are around most of the high country stock waters. More specific locations are Barney Flats, J.D. Dam, Pine Flats, Cougar Park and areas around Bill Williams Mountain and Summit Mountain. Spring gobbler hunters should try around the various knolls and small mountain peaks in the district. Popular areas include Round Mountain, Summit Mountain and Dutch Kid Knoll. Scouting water sources can improve your chances of locating turkeys.

Javelina

Areas: Javelina can be found throughout unit 8, however most hunters concentrate their effort at lower elevations and along canyon edges. Glassing is the preferred technique for locating foraging javelina herds. Good areas to locate javelina are Bear, MC and Government Canyons. Other areas to check are the numerous side draws and washes of small side canyons along Highway 89 and those canyons that drop into the Verde River.