At a Glance
942Square Miles
99.5%Public Land
5,000 - 10,895Elevation Range
Most of this unit is occupied by the Gila and Aldo Leopold wilderness areas. The state issues licenses for hunting elk, mule deer, and black bear. The eastern edge and the southern half are rough and rugged, while terrain is milder.
Trophy size elk draw hunters from all over the world to this area. A few bulls large enough to make the all-time B&C record book have come from both wilderness areas. The wilderness has a few big mule deer. Be in excellent shape or hunt from horseback. Mature mule deer bucks are hard to find.
Quick Tips
- Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
- Bulls move between first and second rifle seasons
- Arrange packing services before hunting remote sites
- Consider hiring a guide
- Black bears are common