Hunters discussing Arizona's Unit 22 have shared insights across a range of experiences, especially regarding elk and deer hunts. The unit presents diverse conditions from the rugged terrain of 22 North with its heavier tree cover making glassing less effective, to the lower elevation and more open areas of 22 South, which could be advantageous for spotting game. There is consistent advice to be prepared for physically demanding hunts, with emphasis on scouting, glassing from high points, and understanding the impact of hunting pressure due to numerous tags issued. Additionally, hunters point out the variability in environmental conditions, such as significant rain or warm temperatures affecting elk behavior, recommending targeting water sources or areas with known elk activity. Using tools like ONX for mapping and avoiding burned areas from recent fires are strategic tips that emerged, as well as reminders about the unit being less favorable for consistently spotting bears based on previous seasons. Overall, collaboration and sharing specific trailheads or glassing spots have been encouraged for optimizing hunting success.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-100" | 110"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 175"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 165"-180" | 180"+ |
High
Low
This unit extends from the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona to the Phoenix Metro area. Much of the terrain is rugged and includes roadless wilderness, high timber and Sonoran desert with saguaro cactus. Although this unit is well known for its big desert bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer, Coues deer also can be found in good numbers.
A rough and rugged unit where hunters have a chance of tagging a great Coues buck or desert bighorn ram. The desert rams are among the biggest anywhere, and this tag is highly coveted. Coues deer can be found throughout the unit, and there is a good chance of seeing a good buck. Elk and mule deer numbers are stable.
This unit has few roads in rough terrain, including steep mountains below the Mogollon Rim in the north. Rough and rocky desert mountains and canyons across most of the unit.
Tonto National Forest covers most of the unit and is open to the public. The Fort McDowell Indian Reservation is in the southwest corner near Phoenix.
Ponderosa pine, fir and spruce mix at high elevations, while pinyon/juniper woodlands and chaparral are the chief plants at middle elevations. Low elevations are high Sonoran desert with cactus, desert scrub and grass.
Hunters camp on public land. Payson, Fountain Hills and Punkin Center have lodging.
Developed campgrounds include:
Undeveloped Campgrounds include:
Roughly 1,581 square miles
95.6% public land
Elevations from 1,500 feet at Saguaro Lake to 7,894 feet on Mazatzal Peak
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roadways
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended for inclement weather
Good access on public roads
Unit includes Fossil Springs, Four Peaks, Hellsgate and Mazatzal Wilderness areas
The Point at Canyon Lake
Laguna Beach at Canyon Lake
Burnt Corral at Apache Lake
Cholla at Roosevelt Lake
Bachelor Cove at Roosevelt Lake
Ponderosa at Upper Tonto Creek
Saguaro Group Site
Horse Pasture
Cholla Bay
Verde River: Second and third crossings