Beginning at the junction of I-40 and U.S. Hwy 89 (in Ash Fork, Exit 146); south on U.S. Hwy 89 to the Verde River; easterly along the Verde River to Sycamore Creek; northerly along Sycamore Creek to Volunteer Canyon; northeasterly along Volunteer Canyon to the west boundary of Camp Navajo; north along the boundary to a point directly north of I-40; west on I-40 to U.S. Hwy 89.
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.
The pronghorn population appears to be stable. The 2009 survey resulted in 168 pronghorn observed for ratios of 18 bucks per 100 does and 24 fawns per 100 does. The 2008 harvest for GMU 8 was 23 bucks, for a 70% hunt success. Further data can be found in the Game and Fish Department publication, “Hunt Arizona”.
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.
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.
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 harvest is limited to three 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. 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. 2009 saw good acorn production in the mid to lower elevations and moderate prickly pear production at the lower elevations.
Remember that some areas are remote and access is difficult, hot to warm weather conditions can exist, be prepared to pack out the bear, 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.
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.
The elk population appears to be stable. The 2009 survey resulted in 283 elk observed for ratios of 37 bulls (35% spikes) per 100 cows and 35 calves per 100 cows. The 2008 combined harvest for GMU 8 was 419 elk (219bulls/38spikes/138cows/ 24calves), for a 41% combined hunt success. With the high bull to cow ratio this should be a good year to harvest a branch antlered bull. Further data can be found in the Game and Fish Department publication, “Hunt Arizona”.
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 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, Tule, Government, MC, and Hell canyons. If there is no snow the majority of elk will remain at higher elevations (see above).
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.
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.
Areas: Mountain lion distribution is throughout the unit. 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.
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.
Mule Deer: The mule deer population appears to be stable to increasing. The 2009 survey resulted in 145 mule deer observed for ratios of 38 bucks per 100 does and 46 fawns per 100 does. There were a number of mature branch antlered bucks surveyed. The 2008 harvest for GMU 8 was 79 bucks, for a 14% hunt success. Further data can be found in the Game and Fish Department publication, “Hunt Arizona”.
Areas: 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.
White-tailed Deer: The white-tailed deer population appears to be stable. The 2009 survey resulted in 46 white-tailed deer observed for ratios of 54 bucks per 100 does and 25 fawns per 100 does. The 2008 harvest for GMU 8 was 19 bucks, for a 19% hunt success. Further data can be found in the Game and Fish Department publication, “Hunt Arizona”.
Areas: 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.
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.
2009 poult production was low to fair. This will result in a fair number of adult turkeys that will likely be hunter wise and difficult to call for the 2010 spring hunt. Expect to see low to fair numbers of birds. 2008 fall hunt success was 13% and the 2009 spring hunt success was 9%.
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.
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: 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.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information Always
check weather conditions
during fall hunts.
Early snowfall may
lead to road closures.
Be prepared for winter
weather.
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Williams,
Ash Fork, Parks, Flagstaff
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: I-40 From
the West: I-40
From the North: State Hwy 64
From the South: State Hwy 89
Developed
Campgrounds U.S.
Forest Service campgrounds
at Dogtown Reservoir
and White Horse Lake
open May 1-Sept.
30.
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Camping
is allowed on Forest
Service administered
lands throughout
unit.
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Elevation ranges from 4,100' to 9,256' on Bill Williams Mountain;
predominant ponderosa pine forest and open prairies at higher
elevations and mixed pinyon pine and juniper at lower elevations
below the Rim (south). Unit has numerous canyons on Rim area:
Bear, MC, Government, Hell, Sycamore, Tule, and Volunteer.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
II - 928 774-5045
Kaibab National Forest, Supervisor's Office - 928 635-2681
Kaibab
National Forest, Chalender Ranger District - 928 635-2676
Prescott National Forest, Chino Valley Ranger District - 928
636-2302
