Pronghorn, a.k.a Antelope

Overview: This unit's pronghorn population shows the influences of prolonged dry conditions. The severe droughts of 1996, 2002 and 2007 resulted in virtually no fawn survival, thus no adults in those age classes. Although total numbers have been reduced, a healthy buck surplus exists for an enjoyable hunt. General hunt success is typically between 85-90 percent.

Land ownership of the pronghorn range is a checkerboard pattern of private and State Trust lands. The Prescott National Forest map covers most of this area, but does not show recent road changes on non-Forest Service lands. Access varies among ranches so watch for posted access signs and related restrictions. Maintaining good sportsmen-landowner relations is essential to continued access. Off-road travel is prohibited.

Pronghorn occur throughout this unit except the dense pinyon-juniper woodlands. The terrain can vary from flat, open grassland, to rolling hills, to savanna habitats. This presents the sportsman with an opportunity for a variety of hunting techniques. Hint: coyotes have been training pronghorn for a long time about the danger of crawling objects.

In general, pronghorn utilize the open grasslands during the August and September hunts. During hot years, use of the adjacent woodlands increases as animals shift to shade shortly after sunrise. Pre-hunt scouting of a buck's daily movement patterns will allow selection of a natural blind for opening morning.

Over the past several years, an increasing number of blinds have be constructed and left in the field. This is littering and will be treated as an unlawful violation. Blinds near windmills and water sources should not be constructed without the landowner's permission. These issues have resulted in lost access.

Over the years of patrolling pronghorn hunts, I have two general observations: 1) Never shoot at a buck in a running herd (strange but true; the hunter always hits a doe), and 2) The open grassland creates a false image of closeness. If you are camped, place flags at 100-yard intervals out to 500 yards to sharpen your judgment of distance.

Hunters must be cautious about rattlesnakes. Mojave rattlers are throughout the grasslands, especially near windmills. Snake-guard leggings for pre-dawn hikes are advised.

Areas: The main pronghorn areas are the Deep Well Ranch, Chino Grande Ranch, Prescott National Forest and southwest of Ash Fork. Since access and pronghorn densities may vary greatly, pre-hunt scouting is essential for a good hunt.

The Deep Well Ranch is between Prescott and Chino Valley. Although smaller in size, this grassland contains a good population of pronghorn. Prior to hunting, check in at the ranch headquarters northwest of the Prescott Airport.

Big Chino Valley is the unit's main grassland. It can be accessed by the Big Chino Road.  Big Chino Road is the paved county road just north of the Paulden railroad overpass.  This is the only access route to the Chino Grande Ranch (aka CV/CF) as well as Prescott National Forest grasslands near Paulden.  Williamson Valley Road, the unit’s western boundary, also has pockets of grasslands that contain pronghorn.  

Overview: Since 1997, this unit has been in a multi-unit hunt structure that permits sportsmen to hunt among several different units during their season. This strategy was instituted to manage the widely dispersed elk population while providing a recreational opportunity. In general, hunts include one archery and three general seasons during elk rut and post-rut conditions. Since 2003, elk population management hunts have been held in croplands. Typically, 20 to 40 elk forage in Unit 19B during the hunting seasons, but seasonal numbers in excess of 100 have been observed. This estimate is based on incidental observations and interviews with sportsmen and landowners since separate elk surveys are not conducted in this unit. The annual number may vary depending on forage and water availability.

Sportsman success in this unit is unpredictable. The archery and early general hunts often have greater harvest at the TC and K-4 Farms. During the later seasons, higher elk concentrations occur on the Kaibab National Forest and the mesas to the north and west of the TC Farms. The availability of corn and alfalfa determine the elk distribution in the center of the unit.

Animal movements during the early hunts reflect basic foraging and breeding behaviors. Rutting bulls often use the alfalfa fields during dawn and dusk. Water sources near fields are also good locations. Elk day-use patterns may frustrate hunters. Elk leave the fields at dawn, frequently prior to shooting hours, for the juniper woodlands. During the late hunts when the crops have been harvested, elk move to the mesas and hills to the west and north of the K-4 Farms.

During later seasons, the elk show increased use of the Kaibab National Forest. This use pattern is directly related to elk occurrence east of SR 89, which separates Units 8 and 19B. Since much of the 19B portion of the Kaibab National Forest is level woodland, monitoring fresh sign and waiting near openings are the most used techniques.

Areas: Elk are mainly found associated with the following locations: TC and K-4 Farms, Prescott National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, and Picacho Butte. These are dependent on seasonal influx of elk from adjacent units such as Units 8, 10, 17A/B and 18A.

Vandalism and unlawful dumping have already closed other ranches to public hunting. Unlawful, unsporting behavior has resulted in the closure of following ranches: Campbell Ranch, K-4 Ranch, Lobo Ranch, and T-2 Ranch. These ranches are clearly posted closed to public hunting. It is unlawful to trespass on private property to access public or State Trust lands.

The Prescott National Forest occupies the mesas that are east and west of Big Chino Valley. The Juniper Mountains (a.k.a. High and Lonesome Mesa) borders the western boundary of the unit and can be accessed off Williamson Valley Road. Big Black Mesa occupies the eastern portion of the unit and can be accessed off SR 89. In general, more elk are found on the western portion of the unit, although elk occur on Big Black Mesa.

The Kaibab National Forest is located about three miles south of Ash Fork. It can be accessed from several roads off SR 89, but the flat terrain makes it difficult to locate animals. West of the Kaibab NF is private property of the Juniper Woods Estates subdivision. Access is dependent upon the owners of the individual lots. Whereas elk occurrence varies, they are most frequently found in grasslands east of State Route 89, outside of this hunt unit.

Overview: Javelina are well dispersed throughout this management unit. Their total population has stabilized over the last several years because of drought conditions. Based on observations, there are about 25 accessible herds. The five-year hunt success is about 16 percent.

Javelina live near water sources, e.g. earthen livestock tanks. Although most active in early morning, javelina forage throughout the day. Since detecting javelina in juniper woodlands is frustrating even to the most dedicated hunter, hunting efforts should be concentrated near grassland borders and open hilly slopes. Just remember, if there is fresh sign, javelina are nearby. Persistence in glassing is your best hunting strategy.

Areas: There are five general areas that provide most of the unit's hunting opportunity: Big Black Mesa, Big Chino Valley, High and Lonesome Mesa, Lead Quartz Wash, and Walnut Creek.

Big Black Mesa is located in the east central part of the unit. Although much of the mesa is public land (Prescott National Forest), the western and northern portions are either private or State Trust lands. The main access route is Bullock Road (FR 753/Yavapai Road 136), which junctions with SR 89 about Mile Post 345. Please obey USFS travel regulations.

Big Chino Valley lies south of Picacho Butte, a volcanic cone that rises over 7,000 feet in the northern portion of 19B. The hills of associated along Big Chino Valley can be accessed from the Chino Grande Ranch (aka CV/CF Ranch). Chino Grande Ranch can be accessed by the Big Chino Road, which is the paved county road just north of the Paulden railroad overpass on SR 89.
High and Lonesome Mesa is in the northwest portion of the unit and represents the northeast corner of the Juniper Mountains. Land ownership is a checkerboard of private, State Trust, and public lands. You can gain access off Williamson Valley Road (County Road 5). As with Big Black Mesa, old growth pinyon-juniper woodlands make it a challenging hunt.

South of High and Lonesome Mesa is Lead Quartz Wash. From Williamson Valley Road, you can see the white quartz hill. The wash drains easterly through juniper-covered hills. Much of this area is on the K-4 Ranch, to which public access is denied because of criminal vandalism.

Further south on Williamson Valley Road, you will cross the iron bridge over Walnut Creek. This creek flows east through pinyon-juniper ridges until it disappears into the sands of Big Chino Valley. As the ridges finger out, glassing opportunities increase. The public lands on the south side of Walnut Creek offer good camping. Private lands in this area belong to the K-4 Ranch, which is closed to public hunting.

This unit is best described as a large grassland valley (Big Chino Valley) surrounded by juniper-pinyon covered mesas, buttes, and hills. Land ownership is a combination of public lands, State Trust Land, and private property. Access varies throughout these areas.

Hunting techniques vary. Houndsmen utilize the roads after snowfall, but predator callers may have similar hunt success. Calling in larger canyons with fresh sign accounts for much of the harvest. Lion hunters often take advantage of the bear hunting opportunity.

Areas: General hunt areas with higher success probabilities are Big Black Mesa, High and Lonesome Mesa, and Lead Quartz/Walnut Creek areas.

Big Black Mesa is located north of Paulden. It can be accessed off State Route 89 or Big Chino Road. Much of this mesa is on the Prescott National Forest except the northwest hills, which are private or State Trust lands.

In the northwest portion of the unit is High and Lonesome Mesa, an extension of the Juniper Mountains. Much of this mesa is covered with old growth juniper woodlands. Land ownership is a checkerboard of public, State Trust, and private sections.

The Lead Quartz/Walnut creek area is the major drainage on the western edge of the unit. It is a combination of public, State Trust, and private lands, but roads crossing the K-4 Ranch are closed. This area has extensive juniper woodland covering the hills onto the Big Chino grassland.

Overview: Mule deer are found throughout the pinyon-juniper woodlands that surround Big Chino Valley. Presently, the deer population is low because of drought-caused mortality. Hunt success continues lower than desired. This unit provides a very challenging hunt.

Hunting techniques depend on habitat and terrain. Dense old-growth woodlands require blinds in high saddles, quiet stalking or persistent glassing of opposite slopes. Dedicated use of binoculars is the best method to spot bucks bedded on the more savanna habitats. Watch large canyons and washes for deer during dawn and dusk. Water sources are usually productive during dry years for patient hunters. Pre-hunt scouting is highly recommended.

Land ownership includes public, State Trust, and private, often in a checkerboard pattern. Sportsman access is open for most of the unit with some restrictions, e.g. required sign-in or foot-only access. Areas of "No Trespass" are posted. No off-road travel is permitted except for retrieval of lawfully taken big game on public and State Trust lands. It is unlawful to trespass on private property to access public or State Trust lands.

The best general map for the unit is the Prescott National Forest map, but it does not show the northern area. USGS maps are readily available for the entire unit.

Areas: There are five general areas that constitute the major deer hunting regions. These are Big Black Mesa, Big Chino Valley, High and Lonesome Mesa, Lead Quartz Wash, and Walnut Creek.

Big Black Mesa is north of Paulden, in the east central part of the unit. The majority of the mesa is on the Prescott National Forest, although the western and northern portions are on private or State Trust lands. The pinyon-juniper woodland, which is the dominant habitat type, is often very dense. The main access route is Bullock Road (FR 753/Yavapai Rd. 136), which junctions with State Route 89 at Mile Post 345. Please obey USFS travel regulations.

Big Chino Valley contains good deer hunt in the canyons associated with Picacho Butte and South Butte These can be accessed from the Chino Grande ranch in Big Chino Valley via the Big Chino Road, the paved county road just north of the Paulden railroad overpass on SR 89. Many hunters also carry a mountain lion tag.

Vandalism and unlawful dumping have already closed other ranches to public hunting. Unlawful, unsporting behavior has resulted in the closure of following ranches: Campbell Ranch, K-4 Ranch, Lobo Ranch, and T-2 Ranch. These ranches are clearly posted closed to public hunting. It is unlawful to trespass on private property to access public or State Trust lands.

High and Lonesome Mesa is the northeast corner of the Juniper Mountains and found in the northwest portion of the unit. Land ownership is a checkerboard of private, State Trust, and public lands. You can gain access it off Williamson Valley Road (Yavapai Road 5). As with Big Black Mesa, old growth pinyon-juniper woodlands make this area a challenge to hunt.

South of High and Lonesome Mesa is Lead Quartz Wash. From Williamson Valley Road you can see White Quartz Hill. The wash drains to the east, through juniper-covered hills until grasslands dominate the terrain. Much of this area is on the K-4 ranch, closed to public hunting.

Further south, Williamson Valley Road crosses an iron bridge over Walnut Creek. This drainage extends to the east as the pinyon-juniper woodland fingers onto the Big Chino grasslands. The public lands on the south side of Walnut Creek offer good camping. This area presents hikers with an opportunity to avoid vehicular traffic.

Overview: This unit's dove population varies with annual precipitation. Mourning doves are readily found near permanent water sources during morning and evening hours although their numbers vary. Hunting is 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Be sure to check the time for legal sunrise and sunset.

This unit is best described as a large grassland valley (Big Chino Valley) that is surrounded by pinyon-juniper covered mesas, buttes, and hills. Land ownership is a combination of public lands, State Trust Lands, and private lands. In general, posting indicates ranches with no access.

Areas: Specific sites are difficult to describe for this unit due to the dispersed nature of its dove population. Cropland, railroad right-of-ways, and water holes are good sites for activity.

Big Chino Valley can be accessed from the Big Chino Road. Big Chino Road is the paved county road just north of the Paulden railroad overpass. Williamson Valley Road, which is the western boundary of the unit, has several earthen livestock tanks which provide good hunting.

Traditionally, railroad right-of-ways are good seed sources for doves. This is especially true during the late dove season. Be sure not to shoot from, across, or under railroads and roads. The scattered water tanks are often good hunting sites. The Prescott National Forest map shows many of these waters. Do not interfere with livestock or other wildlife. Beware of rattlesnakes around windmills.