Black Bear

Hunt Structure: Unit 23 is split into two halves for the black bear hunt. The two halves have different hunt starting dates, so be sure to check which half you plan to hunt and be sure of the starting date. See the Hunt Regulations for the definitions of the north and south half boundaries.

The season dates are valid only until the female harvest objective is reached, after which time the season closes at sundown on the Wednesday immediately following. Hunters are responsible for checking to see if the hunt is still ongoing before they go afield. Season status must be checked by calling 1-800-970-BEAR (2327). Hunters are also required to contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department in person or by phone at the same number within 48 hours after taking a bear. In addition, a premolar tooth from each bear taken must be received in the Phoenix office of the Arizona Game & Fish Department within 20 days after contacting the Department.

Overview: Black bears are primarily associated with the chaparral, pine-oak woodlands, and the pine/mixed conifer habitat types. During some years, black bears can be located in the desert scrub habitat where thick stands of prickly pear cactus are found. Prickly pear flats can often provide excellent glassing and stalking opportunities for bear hunters. Look for prickly pear flats that extend up brushy slopes. This situation provides bears with good feeding sites adjacent to cove to retire to. Later in the fall, Gambel oak thickets (in years with good acorn production) are places to check. Glassing oak thickets is much more difficult and the use of predator calls can enhance your probability of success. Try hunting both hight and low elevation types of habitat if you are having trouble-locating bears in one or the other. Predator calling in an area where there is bear sign can be productive also.

Areas: The entire Sierra Ancha Mountain range and its drainages are good bear habitat. A few spots to mention are Cherry Creek, Coon Creek, Salome Creek, Lambing Creek and Picture Mountain. Bears can be taken in the pine/mixed conifer areas in the North Hunt Unit along the Naegelin Rim and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation Boundary.

Tips: Black bears, more than any other big game species in Arizona must be hunted early in the morning or late afternoon during the early fall hunts, if the hunter is to have an opportunity to locate the animals. Scouting prospective areas helps greatly and the use of binoculars and/or a spotting scope is almost mandatory. To judge a bear, look at body bulk and relative size of legs to the body and the ear size relative to the head. A bear with long -lanky looking legs is probably a young smaller bear. A bear with small appearing ears probably means a larger bear since bears' ears (young and old) are generally about 5 inches long. Hence the smaller the ears appear in relation to the head, the bigger the bear's head, which probably means a bigger bear.

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Elk

Overview: Resident elk numbers in Unit 23 appear to be stable at this time. Last fall, 385 elk were surveyed showing a bull to cow ratio of 63:100. The calf crop was 33 calves per 100 cows. Poor calf recruitment over the last several years appears to be a response to the prolonged drought conditions this Unit and the state has experienced. Portions of Unit 23 in the Canyon Creek area were burned in the Rodeo-Chediski Fire and will have an impact on elk populations there. Four Limited Opportunity hunts in the Canyon Creek area were added to address the overutilization of regenerating willows and cottonwoods by elk along Canyon Creek.

The early bull hunt remains split into a Unit 23 North and Unit 23 South with 20 permits in the north and 35 archery permits in the south. Antlerless elk tags are allocated between 23 North and 23 South as well. There are huntable populations of antlerless elk in southern portion of the unit, but Unit 23 hunters have not been taking advantage of them. Consequently 20 antlerless permits are allocated to the 23 South Unit in both October and December.

Elk activity is dictated by temperatures with elk being more mobile during the cooler times of the day. This is especially true during the early hunt when days are usually quite warm. Elk are very vocal animals so herds can be located at all hours using various calling techniques. During the warmer times of the day this allows the hunter to stalk animals which are bedded down. Being familiar with calls and studying various videotapes on elk hunting will help a hunter become more successful.

AREAS: Depending on which hunt you are hunting, areas differ. During the early bull hunt, if you have a north permit, your hunt will concentrate on the extreme northern portion of the unit. Areas to scout include Canyon Creek, Colcord Mountain, Naegelin Canyon, Turkey Peak, and Christopher Mountain. These areas all offer excellent elk hunting opportunities. If you have a south permit, your scouting will be centered on the Sierra Ancha Mountains. Areas to scout will include Workman Creek, Reynolds Creek, Armer Mountain, and Sawmill Flat.

During the general antlerless hunt in late October, you should concentrate on the same areas in both the north and south units, as the bulls will generally still be bugling, though to a lesser degree than in early October. Elk will be found from the Mogollon Rim south to Parker Creek. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. Areas to scout will include Canyon Creek, Naegelin Rim/Canyon, Christopher Mountain, Bottle Springs, Aztec Peak, and Armer Mountain.

By the time the archery hunts arrive, the weather should have cooled considerably, and the elk (especially bulls) will be heading into the brushy cover of the south slopes of the Naegelin Rim, Christopher Mountain, Horse Mountain, Oxbow Mountain, and Armer Mountain. Antlerless archery hunters will find their quarry widely scattered and all the areas mentioned for the earlier hunts will apply as well as these locations.

During the general antlerless hunt in early December, hunters should scout the Christopher Mountain, Naegelin Rim, Canyon Creek, Young Airport, Buzzard Roost, and Armer Mountain areas.

The late bull hunt in December will have the bulls pushed into remote often rugged areas of the Unit. These areas include Armer Mountain, the south slopes of Naegelin Rim, Christopher Mountain, Horse Mountain, and the Mogollon Rim.

TIPS: Scouting for the earlier hunts should begin soon after being drawn. Scouting for the later hunts should wait until elk begin their seasonal shifts, which occur after the weather changes and things cool down significantly. There will be areas where elk are common in September, but are absent in December. Also, later hunts have seen an increase in the use of aircraft for scouting. There is a Game and Fish Commission Rule, as well as federal regulations, which prohibit the use of aircraft to take or pursue wildlife in Arizona.

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Javelina

Overview: The Unit 23 javelina population remains roughly the same as last year.  As with other species the drought has a negative impact on javelina populations. Look forwars to years with good winter and summer rains as they should be favorable on the javelina populations. 

Areas: Javelina are commonly found throughout the southern portion of Unit 23. The highest densities are located in the desert scrub communities north of Roosevelt Lake. Access to these areas from the north is F.S. road 71 out of Punkin Center. From the south end of the lake, go north on State Route 288 to F.S. road 60 (A-Cross Road). A-Cross runs between the foothills of the Sierra Ancha Mountains and the northern shore of Roosevelt Lake. The area offers good vehicle access to quality javelina habitat. Note: Between November 15th and February 15th each year the area between Roosevelt Lake and the A-Cross Road from Salt Gulch to Long Gulch (F.S road 135) is closed to all hunting and posted portions are closed to all entry. The area is well posted. For further information and maps of the closure area, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Additionally, the area east of State Route 288 is easily accessed via F.S. road 203 (Cherry Creek road). This road accesses miles of quality javelina habitat between State Route 288 and Cherry Creek. If you're looking to get up a little higher in elevation, there are areas to the west of the town of Young that have javelina habitat and you can camp in the coolness of the pines close by.

Tips: Javelina are one of the smaller "big game" animals you will encounter in Arizona. They also blend in very well with the desert landscape. Therefore, it is important to spend more time on the seat of your pants glassing than tromping around the desert. Glass the sunny slopes in the morning, focusing on the slopes with prickly pear cactus. Javelina frequent these slopes and can be spotted much easier than in the brush. A quality pair of binoculars and a tripod make this a much more enjoyable endeavor. With a little luck and the proper use of optics, a hunter can spot two or three herds of javelina from the same location. Their home ranges are fairly small and allow this to happen from a good glassing position. This is particularly a bonus for archers who generally need to stalk within close range.

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Merriam's Turkey

Notice: The fall hunting season is now a limited weapon-shotgun shooting shot season only. There is still a fall archery-only over-the-counter permit hunt available in fall.

Overview: Turkey numbers in Unit 23 fluctuate from year to year depending on a number of factors; most importantly is the poult hatch and survival up to the hunt. Last summer Unit 23 surveys revealed 0.7 poults per hen, which is below average. Total turkey observations were about average compared to previous years. Poult survival was low last summer poult survival this summer is expected to be low again due to extended drought conditions throughout Unit 23 and the state. Portions of Unit 23 in the Canyon Creek area were burned in the Rodeo-Chediski Fire and will have an impact on turkey populations there.

Turkey hunting in the fall is a matter of locating a flock and breaking it up. Then, the turkeys can be called back to within shotgun range. This will usually occur within 5-10 minutes of breaking up the flock. Scouting prior to the season is recommended to locate areas of turkey concentrations. Turkey leave many signs that they are using an area. They leave large distinct tracks in soft dirt and mud, they drop feathers in dusting areas and beneath roosts, they scrape up pine needles and oak leaves in search of mast (seeds and acorns), and they leave distinct droppings in riparian and meadow areas where they have been feeding. Insects, especially grasshoppers, grass seeds, pine seeds, acorns, grass, and forbs are all turkey food. They prefer to feed in small openings of pine/oak woodlands, mixed conifer, or along the edge of meadows, and in riparian areas.

During the spring hunt turkeys can be located by imitating the call of a hen turkey. The males respond to these calls with a distinctive "gobble". Hunters should be dressed in camouflage to blend in with the area they are hunting. Successful hunters tend to stay put when a turkey "gobbles" and let the turkey come to them. It is very difficult to stalk a turkey, whose keen eyesight is better than human eyesight. It can also be dangerous to stalk a turkey. Other hunters are in the woods dressed in camouflage as you are and they may be the "turkey" you are stalking. So it is better to stay where you are when you hear the "gobble' and find a good place that will act as a blind.

AREAS: Turkey are found primarily in the pine, pine/oak, mixed conifer, and riparian areas of the unit. Areas to scout will include Canyon Creek, Naegelin Rim/Canyon, Colcord Mountain/Canyon, Christopher Mountain, Turkey Peak (Of Course!), Gentry Mountain, Young Airport, Squaw Mesa, Buzzard Roost, and along the Malicious Gap road (Forest Road 609).

TIPS: Hunters should be proficient with turkey calling techniques. They can be learned through a number of sources including cassette tapes and videotapes. Turkey calling with a diaphragm call can be practiced while driving (preferably with no one else in the car) or doing many other activities since your hands are not needed. A responsible turkey hunter will not wear clothing that is red, white, or blue while hunting. These colors, when viewed through brush can look like a gobblers head and could cause another hunter to mistake you as the turkey.

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Mountain Lion

OVERVIEW: The mountain lion harvest has averaged 11 lions in Unit 23 the past few years. Units 27 and 32 are the only units with a higher average harvest. The lion population in this unit appears to be stable with an abundant reservoir to the east on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Hunters who use lion dogs take over 80% of the lions harvested. Hunters who are hunting another species such as deer or elk take the other 20%.

AREAS: Mountain lions are found throughout the unit wherever prey is plentiful. Prey species include elk, deer, domestic livestock, javelina, turkey, and other small game. Lions tend to inhabit rough areas such as canyon rims and bottoms. Lion tracks and sign can be located along forest roads and trails, as they seek easy walking when moving from location to location.

TIPS: Many hunters use guides to hunt lions. If you use a guide be sure they are licensed with the state and that they have the proper permits for guiding on the Tonto National Forest. Check their references and you can call the Game and Fish department to verify their license and do the same with the Tonto National Forest.

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Mule Deer

Areas: Mule deer numbers in Unit 23 are at currently at low levels compared to long term averages, but numbers have remained static over the last few years. Mule deer inhabit virtually all habitat types in the unit. The southern and lower elevation areas provide mule deer hunting along the A-Cross road (Forest Road 60) and the Cherry Creek road (Forest Road 203). The northern and higher elevation areas north of Young to scout are the Naegelin Rim/Canyon area and the Valentine Ridge/Canyon area. Portions of Unit 23 in the Canyon Creek area were burned in the Rodeo-Chediski Fire and will have an impact on mule deer populations there.

Access: Access is widely available via State Routes 260 and 288 and the complex of Forest Service roads. Some Forest service road closures in the northern part of the Unit exist during December through March to protect roads from damage during snow and rain. Check with the Tonto National Forest during these times. Be aware that if accessing Unit 23 by crossing Tonto Creek in Tonto Basin, that Tonto Creek is subject to temporary flooding and isolating travelers. The same warning holds true for crossing Cherry, Coon, and Salome Creeks. Smaller side drainages can also block travel for extended periods. The early archery hunt will generally have hot, summer-like temperatures with moderate to cool nights. Late archery hunters can see rain, snow, or clear/cold weather.

Tips: As with most big game hunting, peak mule deer activity periods are early morning and late evening. Be in your hunting area during these times. Hunters who get out and work the areas on foot are usually more successful than those hunters who stay close to roads. Utilize your binoculars and cover hillsides carefully before moving on.

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White-tailed Deer

Overview: White-tail deer numbers in unit 23 are static to improving. The long-term drought we have been experiencing over the past several years has had an effect on them but they seem to thrive in unit 23 regardless.  How well the fawns survive due to the dry spring and summer rains is a good indication of the condition of the total populations the following year.  Look forward to better populations on years with increased rainfall.

White-tailed deer can be found in all habitats from the semi-desert grassland areas up through through mixed-conifer forests. They are primarily found in a band of elevation from 3,500 feet to 6,000 feet. White-tailed deer prefer areas that do not experience heavy livestock densities. Required equipment for a successful hunt is a GOOD pair of binoculars and a tripod to mount them on and/or a spotting scope. There are areas in the unit where a good glasser can glass 20 to 30 deer from one vantage point. This can't be done unless you have the proper equipment.

Areas: Popular areas holding high densities of white-tailed deer are between Cherry Creek and Tonto Creek at an elevation between 3,500 to 6,000 feet. All major drainages that run off of the Sierra Ancha Mountains hold white-tailed deer. For an undisturbed hunt, packing into one of the wilderness areas is a good plan. These are Salome, Hells Gate and Sierra Ancha. The north half of the unit also produces good hunt opportunities for white-tailed deer.

Tips: Pre-season scouting is very important. Locate an area away from roads and glass the area to locate deer. Use a Tonto National Forest map to help you locate areas in which to search. White-tailed deer are very localized and can be found in the same canyon or hillside several times. The December hunt is a rut hunt and the bucks are usually actively seeking out does. Continue to glass with an honest effort and you should be able to locate a mature buck.

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Band-tailed Pigeon

Overview: Band-tailed pigeon numbers appear to be stable in Unit 23. These birds are fair weather residents and will migrate south with the onset of cooler weather. During some years, the mid-October season occurs after the bulk of the birds have headed south. Statewide, the band-tailed population appears to be on a downward trend. The reasons for this probably have more to do with timber harvest practices than any other factor. Band-tailed pigeons nest in dense stands of ponderosa pines, which in the past 20 years have been heavily thinned out in many areas. Gambel acorns are the primary fall food source in unit 23.

Areas: Areas to locate during Band-tailed pigeon season are areas of abundant oak mast. Look for Gambel oak thickets in the higher elevations and Emory and/or Arizona White oak thickets in the lower areas. The Mogollon Rim, Naegelin Rim/Canyon, Colcord Canyon, Canyon Creek, Gentry Mountain, Malicious Gap, Armer Mountain, Aztec Peak, and Cherry Creek all have good oak thickets.

Tips: Scouting up to a month prior to the season is advisable to locate areas of band-tailed pigeon concentrations. Acorns should be nearing ripening allowing them to be readily visible with the aid of binoculars. Locate water sources near these feeding areas as pigeons travel back and forth and a location between them will allow pass shooting.

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Dove

Overview: Unit 23 is not considered a primary dove unit, but it does offer limited dove hunting opportunities. The summer "monsoons" thunderstorms usually push the few white-wing doves summering in Unit 23 south before the dove season opens. Mourning doves are the primary species available on the early hunt and the only species present during the late hunt.

Unit 23 has two dove hunts offered each year. The early season begins September 1 while the late season begins in November. Check the migratory bird hunt regulations for exact season dates.

Access: As with the other desert associated species, doves are primarily hunted in the southern and lower elevation areas of the unit. Tonto Creek and areas adjacent to the Salt River provide limited dove hunting. The low water crossings of Tonto Creek in the Punkin Center area are popular with local hunters. Some dove hunting is available in the sunflower thickets on Thompson Mesa, but road access is very poor. Earthen stock tanks scattered throughout the desert areas can also provide limited hunting. And as a reminder, heavy monsoon-type storms this summer have increased runoff. So be sure of crossing conditions before attempting to cross Tonto Creek at the low water crossings.

Tips: Due to limited dove numbers, most of the hunting is done at first light along the perennial streams such as Tonto, Coon, and Cherry Creeks. These early morning flights are usually over by 9 a.m. so the hunting time is limited. Check the migratory bird hunt regulations when available for possible changes in shooting hours in Unit 23.

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Tree Squirrel

Overview: Unit 23 has three species of tree squirrels that have huntable populations. These are the Aberts (tassel-eared), Arizona gray, and the red or chickaree. Aberts are the most common of these three in unit 23. They inhabit Ponderosa Pine forest and are very rarely out of sight of a ponderosa pine tree. Next in abundance is the Arizona gray squirrel that inhabits the denser mixed broadleaf communities of riparian deciduous forest between the elevations of 5,000 and 6,500 feet (Brown 1984). The third species, the red, is found in the limited mixed conifer forest along the Mogollon Rim.

Areas: Look for Aberts squirrels wherever you see ponderosa pine trees in unit 23. Favorite areas to hunt are the Naegelin rim/Canyon, Colcord Mountain, Aztec Peak, and the Canyon Creek areas. Arizona gray squirrels can be found along drainages of these same