Unit 05BS/06A (Blue South Combined)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

The 05BS/06A combined hunt merges the southern portion of Unit 5B with Unit 6A, drawing over 6,200 cumulative elk applicants. This combined area covers the Blue River watershed and the southern Mogollon Rim country — rugged canyon and mesa terrain that produces heavy-antlered bulls. The combined geography gives tag holders access to one of the most diverse elk landscapes in eastern Arizona.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 05BS/06A

Where to Find Elk in the 05BS/06A Combined Unit

The 05BS/06A combined area spans the Blue River watershed — from the high ponderosa-mixed conifer country of southern 5B south into the canyon and mesa terrain of 6A.

Blue River Canyon Country

The Blue River corridor and its side canyons hold elk year-round, with bulls concentrating in the canyon systems during hot September weather before moving to higher benches for the rut. The river bottom and adjacent brushy benches are excellent archery ambush locations near water.

High Mesas (7,000–8,500 ft)

The high mesas within the combined area provide classic bugling country during September archery season. Open parks in mixed conifer with adjacent aspen draw bulls at first light for feeding and sparring.

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How to Hunt Elk in the 05BS/06A Combined Unit

The combined unit's size demands strategic prioritization — choose either high mesa or canyon-bottom hunting based on season type.

September Archery

Target the high mesas in early September before bulls push into canyon country. Water sources on the high benches are primary archery ambush locations. By mid-September rut peak, bulls are vocal in the mixed conifer parks.

Rifle Season

Rifle season benefits from the combined-unit access — glass from high mesa vantage points for elk on open slopes, then work canyon-bottom funnels where elk move between units during pressure.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

The 05BS/06A combined elk hunt produces 45–65% rifle success rates. The combined-unit geography provides flexibility to find elk in multiple terrain types. Bull quality rivals other top eastern Arizona units.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	2,002	15.7%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	2,110	14.6%	0

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Over 6,200 cumulative applicants make this a competitive draw. Expect 14–22 bonus points for most tag types. Apply annually.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Water

Moderate — the Blue River is a reliable water source. Springs scattered throughout the high country.

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Road Conditions

Coronado Trail (Hwy 191) provides paved access. Interior roads are rough 4WD tracks.

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Terrain Difficulty

Difficult. Canyon-to-mesa vertical terrain, long distances from road access to prime hunting areas.

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Weather

September temps range from 90°F in canyon bottoms to 50°F on high mesas. October brings moderate conditions.

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Cell Service

Very limited. Satellite communicator required.

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Nearest Town

Clifton/Morenci (full services). Alpine (limited services, 50 mi north).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does '05BS' refer to in the 05BS/06A combined hunt?

'05BS' designates the southern portion of GMU 5B. Arizona sometimes splits units into northern (N) and southern (S) subzones for specific hunt management. The combined 05BS/06A tag is valid in both the southern portion of 5B and all of 6A.

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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