Hunters discussing Unit 5BN in Arizona generally express a sentiment of mixed success, with some noting it's a challenging area due to unpredictable elk behavior and dense forest terrain. A recurring theme is the importance of understanding seasonal patterns and being prepared for difficult, rugged conditions that require good physical conditioning and scouting efforts. Successful hunters emphasize the need to explore remote areas away from high-traffic spots, advising new hunters to leverage local knowledge to discover less-pressured sections of the unit. The overall advice suggests that while this unit can be demanding, patience and thorough preparation can lead to rewarding experiences.
Not only do elk and big antelope live in Unit 5B North but so do bison, which roam on the state-owned Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area. This unit includes much of Anderson Mesa in the Coconino National Forest east of Mormon Lake.
This unit often produces great hunting for bull elk and antelope bucks. Early archery elk season is better than the late bow season with the biggest bulls usually harvested during early archery and muzzleloader rut seasons. The bison hunt on Raymond Ranch is not as controlled as it once was.