Arizona Mule Deer

Unit 05A/05B (Heber Plateau Combined)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

The 05A/05B combined mule deer hunt spans the Heber plateau on the western White Mountains, drawing over 4,600 cumulative applicants. The combined area covers the ponderosa pine country between Heber and Show Low — a broad, accessible plateau with strong mule deer numbers. Mature bucks in this unit benefit from the zone's mix of open parks, burn habitat, and mixed conifer that creates exceptional forage and cover diversity.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 05A/05B

Where to Find Mule Deer in the 05A/05B Combined Unit

Mule deer in the 05A/05B combined unit use a ponderosa-to-mixed-conifer landscape on the upper Heber plateau, concentrating in parks, burn edges, and drainages.

Forest Parks and Meadow Edges

Open grass parks surrounded by ponderosa pine hold feeding deer at dawn and dusk. Glass from elevated road positions overlooking parks — mature bucks enter the open edges in the first and last 30 minutes of shooting light.

Burn Recovery Habitat

Post-fire areas within the combined unit have developed quality mule deer browse. Scout burn patches from the MVUM — the youngest burns with the densest forb and shrub regrowth are the best feed zones.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in the 05A/05B Combined Unit

The 05A/05B combined unit's good road access makes it practical for hunters without horses or guides.

Mobile Glassing

Use the forest road system to cover ground efficiently. Drive elevated roads at first light, glass continuously, stop at overlooks with wide views of parks and meadow edges, then execute stalks on spotted bucks. Cover multiple areas in a half-day before committing to a stalk location.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

The 05A/05B combined mule deer hunt yields 45–65% rifle success. Accessible terrain and strong deer numbers allow persistent hunters to connect. Trophy quality is solid with regular 150–170 B&C bucks and occasional larger animals.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	423	2,240	16.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	9	460	1.3%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	27	41	56.1%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Over 4,600 cumulative applicants. Expect 10–16 bonus points for rifle tags in the combined unit. The accessible terrain and consistent success rates drive applicant interest.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Water

Moderate. Stock tanks and seasonal drainages throughout.

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Road Conditions

Hwy 260 bisects the unit. Forest roads well-maintained gravel overall.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Rolling ponderosa plateau. Highly accessible.

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Weather

October-November hunting weather. Frost common. Early snow possible in November.

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Cell Service

Moderate near Hwy 260. Limited in the southern portions.

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Nearest Town

Heber/Overgaard (basic services). Show Low (full services, 25 mi east).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 05A/05B combined tag allow hunting in both units?

Yes. A combined-unit tag issued for 05A/05B is valid anywhere within both GMU 5A and GMU 5B. Hunters have the full combined landscape to work — maximizing flexibility to locate deer concentrations.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

AZGFD Big Game Draw — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Applicant counts, Draw odds · accessed 2026-04-18