Unit 01/27 Black River (Black River Drainage)
Arizona Hunting Guide — Desert Bighorn Sheep
The 01/27 Black River bighorn sheep hunt is a sub-unit designation covering the Black River drainage in the northern portion of the 01/27 combined area, along the boundary between Greenlee and Apache Counties. The Black River cuts through basalt canyon country in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, providing dramatic escape terrain for desert bighorn reintroduced to this region. Tags are among the most limited and sought-after in the Arizona draw, reflecting the rugged, wilderness-quality habitat of the Black River country.
Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 01/27 Black River
The 01/27 Black River bighorn sheep hunt is a sub-unit designation covering the Black River drainage in the northern portion of the 01/27 combined area, along the boundary between Greenlee and Apache Counties. The Black River cuts through basalt canyon country in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, providing dramatic escape terrain for desert bighorn reintroduced to this region. Tags are among the most limited and sought-after in the Arizona draw, reflecting the rugged, wilderness-quality habitat of the Black River country.
Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in the 01/27 Black River Unit
The Black River drainage provides classic desert bighorn habitat — volcanic canyon walls, talus slopes, and limited water sources that concentrate sheep in predictable locations.
Black River Canyon Walls
The main Black River canyon features basalt escarpments and fractured cliff faces that provide both escape terrain and thermal cover. Sheep frequently bed on ledge systems on the south-facing walls during fall and winter hunts. Glass from the rim above for maximum coverage.
Side Canyon Drainages
The numerous side drainages feeding the Black River from the White Mountains plateau hold isolated groups of sheep. These secondary canyons receive the least hunting pressure and often harbor mature rams that have learned to avoid the main canyon bottom.
Spring and Seep Locations
Springs and seeps along the Black River canyon are critical aggregation points, especially in dry fall conditions. Map known water sources from topo maps and AZGFD water development records before your hunt.
How to Hunt Desert Bighorn in the 01/27 Black River Unit
Desert Bighorn Sheep Success Rates
Desert Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds
Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.
Search Arizona Draw OddsThe Black River sub-unit draw is one of the most competitive sheep draws in Arizona. Very few tags are allocated annually. The weighted-random bonus-point system rewards consistent applicants — apply every year without skipping to accumulate both bonus points and the consecutive-application loyalty bonus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for Arizona residents.
Unit Logistics & Expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 01/27 Black River hunt the same as the 01/27 combined hunt?
How do I reach the Black River canyon for sheep hunting?
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Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.
- AZGFD Desert Bighorn Sheep Management — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Black River drainage bighorn population, Transplant history, Unit management · accessed 2026-04-18
- AZGFD Big Game Hunting Regulations 2026 — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season structure, Hunt area boundaries, Equipment regulations · accessed 2026-04-18
- AZGFD Draw Portal — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Draw statistics, Bonus point accumulation, Application window · accessed 2026-04-18