Beginning
at the junction of U.S. Hwy 89A and FR 237;
southwesterly on U.S. Hwy 89A to the Verde
River; southeasterly along the Verde River
to Childs; easterly on the Childs-Strawberry
road to the Tonto-Coconino National Forest
boundary; easterly along this boundary to
AZ Hwy 87; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 87 to
Lake Mary-Clint's Well road (FH3); northwesterly
on FH3 to FR 132; southwesterly on FR 132
to FR 296; southwesterly on FR 296 to FR
296A; southwesterly on FR 296A to FR 132;
northwesterly on FR 132 to FR 235; westerly
on FR 235 to FR 235A; westerly on FR 235A
to FR 235; southerly on FR 235 to FR 235K;
northwesterly on FR 235K to FR 700; northerly
on FR 700 to Mountainaire Road; west on Mountainaire
Road to FR 237; westerly on FR 237 to U.S.
Hwy 89A except those portions that are sovereign
tribal lands of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Overview:
Unit 6A supports a healthy black bear
population. Most hunters find them
by glassing the canyons in the southern
portion of the unit. In the fall, bears
move around a lot trying to find food
and put on extra weight in preparation
for winter. Bears like just about anything
edible, including prickly pear fruits,
acorns, and bugs. Bears eat prickly
pear fruit when it is ripe. Remember
that baiting of any kind is illegal
in Arizona.
Areas: Although hunting with hounds is most effective, hunters also
have success by spending many hours glassing for them. Canyons in
the lower end of the district with prickly pears usually contain
bears. Any high point that affords a good view of the surrounding
area is a good place to start. Also try sitting a tree stand over
a tank. As with most types of hunting, quality optics are a must.
Hunters also have success using varmint calls. If you choose to varmint
call, bring a friend and sit back to back. You will want to call
at a loud volume for ten minutes at a time, spent at least 45 minutes
per stand. Bears coming to a call can be aggressive.
Other Concerns: All hunters must contact the Arizona Game & Fish
Department within 48 hours of taking a bear. A premolar tooth (the
small one right behind the canine tooth) must be collected and turned
into the Department within 20 days. See the regulations for more
details. The meat must be salvaged; it is unlawful to allow game
meat to go to waste. This can be quite challenging during bear season,
as it is usually warm out and most bears are taken in very remote
areas.
When the harvest objective for female bears (sows) has been reached,
the unit will be closed to bear hunting at sundown on the following
Wednesday. It is the hunter's responsibility to be sure the Unit
is still open before going afield, you can do so by calling 1-800-970-BEAR.
Overview:
Approximately 20 % of Arizona's elk
hunting opportunity is found in Unit
6A. Older age "mature" bulls are taken
on a regular basis. The secret to harvesting
an elk is spending time scouting just
prior to the hunts opening. Scouting
months in advance does little good,
as elk move around quite a bit. Elk
are found throughout the Unit, with
the exception of the southernmost areas.
Elk are even observed in the Camp Verde
area. Although there are many access
roads in the Unit, the key is getting
out on foot or horseback away from
those roads. Keep in mind it is unlawful
to operate motor vehicles cross country
during a hunt, with the exception of
doing so to recover an animal that
is down and tagged. ATV's have become
very popular with hunters over the
past few years, but recognize that
animals key into the noise of motor
vehicles and avoid areas where they
hear them. It is estimated that an
elk can hear a quad from up to a half
mile away.
Look for areas that afford a decent view of the surrounding country
and glass for them at sunrise. Of course, this means you need to
be at that location prior to the sun coming up! Even the cheapest
pair of binoculars allows you to see much better than the naked eye.
It often surprises me how many hunters I encounter in the field that
do not have binoculars with them. Maybe it is because they feel elk
are big and therefore easy to see, but I can assure you quality optics
will greatly enhance your chances of harvesting an elk.
Areas: The Unit has been divided into three sub-units for some of the hunts. Make sure to consult the regulations and your permit so you don't find yourself in the wrong area. These sub-units were created to help better manage the elk and distribute the harvest pressure.
Archery Seasons: This hunt has 3 sub-units, so check your permit
and consult the regulations. During the archery season, the Ponderosa
Pines are where you will find the majority of the elk, especially
if it is still hot out. Many hunters sit tree stands and trails,
and success depends on scouting. But don't get the wrong impression,
big bulls are also in the pinon-juniper all year long.
Bear in mind that nobody "owns" the stock tanks, or the hunting rights to those tanks. Remember that we are all part of a group that enjoys the outdoors, and we must stick together to enjoy these activities in the future. In the past, hunters have been charged with crimes as serious as aggravated assault as a result of conflicts over "who's hunting where". Erecting permanent tree stands and damaging trees by putting spikes in them is illegal.
Muzzleloader Seasons: These hunts are getting quite popular, as hunters
explore what it was like in the old days. Keep in mind that although
these modern muzzleloaders are capable of shooting a good group at
amazing distances, they simply do not have the energy to effectively
kill an animal consistently at distances over 75 to 100 yards. That,
added to the fact that you do not have a quick follow-up shot, can
lead to animals getting away and later dying. During the muzzleloader
season, I recommend glassing to locate animals with quality optics,
determine your wind patterns, and make the stalk on them. It is not
difficult to get quite close to elk, especially bedded ones. Bear
in mind that you may have to repeat this procedure many times before
getting close enough to harvest an elk, but doing so increases your
hunting abilities and makes for an enjoyable hunt.
General Seasons: I often hear hunters refer to the antlerless hunts
as being easy. In my mind, that is simply not true. The only reality
to this issue is that there are more antlerless elk out in the woods
than there are antlered elk, by a ratio of about 3 to 1. Elk are
found throughout the Unit during the general season hunts. For the
late hunt, weather can be a factor. In this part of the State, elk
don't normally migrate due to snowfall. When temperatures get below
freezing at night for extended periods, the grasses go dormant, and
elk work their way down to lower elevations in search of more palatable
foods.
High points are where you want to be, before the sun comes up. Glass
for elk with good binoculars. This is generally easier in the pinon-juniper
areas because you can see farther. Often in the ponderosa pines,
all you see is trees. Add to this the fact that pinon-juniper grows
in lower elevations (where it is warmer) and you can see why I recommend
it. I like to find areas where few roads exist, hike to the high
points and glass in the mornings, and record these locations on my
GPS. That way when hunting season starts a week or two later, I can
walk right to them in the dark and be ready to start glassing when
the sun comes up.
Elk like to feed up on the flats at nighttime, and work their way
to the drainages when the sun comes up. Then they tend to bed down
during the day. Look for the larger canyons, then concentrate of
the smaller drainages that feed into the big canyons.
All Hunts: There are two places in Unit 6A where vehicles are not
allowed for any reason, including recovering game. These are great
spots because animals like to be in places where they are not disturbed.
These areas are the Pine Grove and Rattlesnake Quiet Areas.
The Pine Grove Quiet Area is especially good during the earlier seasons.
The boundary is from Upper Lake Mary south along Lake Mary road to
the Mormon Lake road. Head west on the Mormon Lake road to the 132
road. At the junction of 132 and 132D, take the 132D road back towards
Upper Lake Mary. Note: The 132D road is very rough.
The Rattlesnake Quiet Area is located west of Stoneman Lake. It begins
at the Stoneman Lake exit at Interstate 17, north to the Rocky Park
exit. Then travelling south down the 80 road to the 239 road. From
the 80/239 junction, head east to the 665 road, then south to the
junction of roads 665 & 213. This area always has elk in it. But
it is a rough place to hunt. You will need horses/mules or a pack
frame to get your elk out.
Overview: Mule deer can be found throughout the Unit, but the best areas are the pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests. To successfully locate deer, pre-season scouting is a must. Like most big game animals, deer are most active at sunrise and sunset. Deer numbers are down statewide, and unit 6A is no exception.
Areas: The highest densities of Mule Deer occur in the "transition
zones", these are areas where the habitat is changing from ponderosa
pine to pinon-juniper. Look for areas that have oak trees, when acorns
are present on the ground, you will find deer feeding on them. Other
cool season type forage materials that deer like are cliffrose, mountain
mahogany, and juniper berries. Water is always important, and stock
tanks are abundant in the Unit.
Look for areas where you can see a lot of country, such as hills,
mountains, and canyon rims. These are good areas to glass, and concentrate
on the large open flats to find deer feeding at sunrise.
Other Concerns: The general season deer hunt is open for mule deer
only. There is a healthy population of whitetail deer in Unit 6A
also. Be sure of your target before shooting. Whitetails are much
smaller and look grayer in color. When whitetail deer are frightened,
they "flag" by raising their bushy white tails when the run off.
Mule deer tails look more "rope-like". Whitetails are most often
encountered in the chaparral areas. If you find yourself taking the
wrong species by accident, I can assure you the Court respects those
who call and report it, rather than being caught later. Mistakes
can and do happen.
There are two keys to harvesting a mule deer, a lot of scouting and
getting away from the vehicle and out into the woods. Unit 6A falls
within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest. Maps of the
Coconino National Forest can be obtained at map stores or by calling
(928) 774-1147. Be prepared for a wide variety of weather, including
rain or snow. Good luck.
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 populations are improving in
Unit 6A. This is a result of reduced
permits and better rainfall patterns.
Despite more favorable conditions,
their population is still well below
optimum. Turkeys spend a lot of time
foraging for food. During the hunting
seasons, they are in the ponderosa
pine forested areas of the Unit. In
the spring, they follow the snow line
working their way up to the higher
elevations. In the fall, they rely
heavily on acorns from oak trees. Turkeys
favor canyons containing large ponderosa
pines to roost in. They are usually
off the roost by sunrise and return
to it an hour or so before dark.
Fall Season: A good strategy for the fall hunt is to scout by checking
for tracks and droppings around the stock tanks in the area. Also
look for areas with high densities of oak trees, as turkeys will
be in there searching for acorns. On some years acorns are almost
nonexistent, but most years, that is where you will find turkeys in
the fall.
Spring Season: In the spring, follow the snow line up the mountains
and hills. Listen for birds at sunrise and hope for no wind. Park
at closed roads and walk up them at first light. Males like to strut
in small openings, but generally, turkeys prefer heavy cover. Males
are looking for females to breed with in the spring. By imitating
the sounds of a hen, the Toms are drawn to you. Good, full camouflage
is an absolute must. Sit still and do not make sudden movements,
turkeys have excellent vision. If you are a beginner, try a box type
call with a plunger and invest in a turkey calling tape to learn
to proper sounds. Remember that shotguns shooting shot are the only
legal weapons during the spring hunt.
Other Concerns: Never wear black, red, or blue when hunting turkeys.
Never stalk up to noises you believe are turkeys, you will most likely
never get close enough for a shot, and it could be coming from another
hunter.
Unit 6A falls within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.
Maps of the Coconino National Forest can be obtained at map stores
or by calling (928) 774-1147. Be prepared for a wide variety of weather,
including rain or snow.
Overview:
Whitetail deer in Unit 6A are somewhat
restricted to the lower half of the
unit. If you plan to hunt Unit 6A,
it is recommend you hunt the lower
elevation canyons that generally fall
below the Stoneman Lake Road. The whitetail
population in the unit seems to be
stable, with many above average bucks
being taken every year.
Areas: Whitetail deer prefer dense chaparral cover and can be very
difficult to locate. All the major drainages in the lower half of
the unit contain whitetail. One must be careful to properly identify
the species before shooting, as both types of deer occupy the area.
Plan on spending many hours glassing. Quality optics are a must.
Good spotting scopes and binoculars can save you many miles of walking.
If you climb to a high point to glass, you need to spend several
hours at that location looking for movement. If you intend to drive
the roads waiting to see a whitetail, save your gas. This hunt requires
a lot of pre-season scouting.
Other Concerns: A Coconino National Forest map is helpful, you can
obtain one at any Forest Service office or call (928) 774-1147.
Plan for cold windy conditions; dress in warm, windproof camouflage
type clothing. Fire starting materials are essential.
Overview:
Unit 6A supports a healthy population
of javelina, but they are restricted
to the lower half of the Unit. Javelina
hunting is a lot of fun. It is a nice
time of year to be out in the woods,
in an area that is otherwise quite
warm. Javelina can be difficult to
find, but once located they are fairly
easy to get close to. They like to
be out feeding in good weather, and
usually are not out feeding in rain,
high winds, or snow. They bed under
trees, like most animals, but also
seek out caves and rocky outcrops as
shelter. Normally, if you see one javelina,
there are many more around. Javelina
respond fairly well to varmint calls,
as the entire herd will protect the
young of the herd, even when they are
not the parents. Normally, the call
will spook them. When you want to blow
it is after the herd has scattered.
Javelina are not as vicious as they
are rumored to be, but if cornered
they can inflict serious bites on you
or a pet.
Areas: Javelina are restricted to the southern half of the Unit.
They may be found up higher, but it is unusual. It is very important
to have binoculars for locating them. They are very active in the
mornings, but you don't necessarily have to be out at sunrise. They
like sunshine, so look for them feeding on sunny hillsides in the
mornings.
Overview:
Hunting for tree squirrels is great
fun and an excellent opportunity to
introduce a youngster to the art of
hunting. Unit 6A has an abundance of
squirrels and success only requires
a bit of patience.
Areas: Look for tree squirrels wherever you find ponderosa pine trees.
My favorite place is to find a road that is closed to motor vehicles,
park, and walk on down the road. Generally speaking, good hunting
opportunities exist from Flagstaff south to Stoneman Lake. Also try
down around Clint's Well.
Other Concerns: As with any type of hunting, be sure of your backstop
and cognizant of other hunters around you. Remember that using a
vehicle to hunt with is both dangerous and illegal.
Overview:
There is a lot of quality waterfowl
hunting in Unit 6A, be it puddle jumping
or setting decoys. This can be a cold
and miserable time of year, so dress
warm.
Areas: Many tanks are scattered throughout the unit. Scouting is
a must to find those hidden ones. Hunters also find waterfowl on
Upper Lake Mary, Stoneman, and Mormon Lake. When hunting at Stoneman
Lake, be aware that you cannot discharge a firearm within 1/4 mile
of an occupied structure. This limits hunting to the western half
of the lake. Also, gas motors are prohibited on Stoneman Lake. Unfortunately,
many hunters find themselves receiving citations when they get carried
away and shoot too close to homes.
Arizona Game and Fish has obtained a “permit” from the Coconino National Forest to allow waterfowl hunters access to the “Berry Road” on the east side of Mormon Lake through the fall 2008-09 waterfowl season.
To obtain access call the Flagstaff Regional office during normal business hours (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 928-774-5045 or after hours call Arizona Game and Fish Dispatch at 623-236-7201.
Other Concerns: During waterfowl season, possession or use of lead
shot is prohibited. Also, don't forget you need a state and federal
waterfowl stamp affixed to your license.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information Heavy
snowfall can be expected
in the northern half
of the unit during
the fall and winter
seasons. Carry warm
clothing, food, water,
and matches or other
fire starters. Weather
reports can be heard
on 92.9 FM and 600
AM. Early snowfall
usually results in
road closures.
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Camp
Verde, Sedona, Flagstaff, Morman
Lake, Strawberry, Clints Well
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: State Hwy 87 from Winslow From
the West: Interstate
40 from Williams
From the North: State Hwy 89 from Page
From the South: Interstate 17 from Phoenix, State Hwy 87 from
Payson
Developed
Campgrounds Pine
Grove Campground
near Upper Lake Mary,
Dairy Springs and
Double Springs campgrounds
at Morman Lake, both
managed by U.S. Forest
Service, Morman Lake
Ranger District;
Pine Flat, Cave Springs,
and Manzanita campgrounds
on Oak Creek, Sedona
Ranger District;
Beaver Creek Campground,
north of Rim Rock,
and Bull Pen Campground
on West Clear Creek,
Beaver Creek Ranger
District; Clints
Well Campground at
the intersection
of Lake Mary Road
and Hwy 87, Blue
Ridge Ranger District.
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Beaver
Creek Ranger District
manages two undeveloped
campgrounds at southern
tip of unit; Childs,
on the Verde River,
and Stehr Lake. Camping
is allowed on Forest
Service administered
lands over most of
the unit (two-week
limit).
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Lower half of unit is high desert, open grasslands, and pinyon-juniper
woodlands. Upper half, north of Stoneman Lake, is predominately
ponderosa pine with some mixed conifer. Elevation ranges from
4,000' to 8,000'. Unit is cut by numerous canyons, including
Oak Creek, Beaver Creek, and West Clerk Creek canyons.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
II – 928-774-5045 U.S.
Forest Service, Mormam
Lake Ranger District – 928-527-3650 Happy
Jack Information
Center – 928-477-2172 Sedona
Ranger District – 928-282-4119 Blue
Ridge Ranger District – 928-477-2255 Peaks
Ranger District – 928-526-0866
