Arizona Mule Deer

Unit 07/09 (Mogollon Rim South Combined)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

The 07/09 combined mule deer hunt spans the Mogollon Rim and Tonto Basin country of Gila County, drawing over 2,650 cumulative applicants. This combination merges Unit 7's ponderosa plateau with Unit 9's rugged Tonto Basin canyon terrain — providing tag holders access to both the accessible high plateau country and the more challenging lower canyon zone. Desert mule deer in the combined area are known for heavy antler mass and large body size.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 07/09

Where to Find Mule Deer in the 07/09 Combined Unit

The 07/09 combined unit spans two distinct mule deer landscapes — the high ponderosa parks of Unit 7 and the Tonto Basin canyon country of Unit 9.

Unit 7 Plateau Parks

The open grass parks on the Sitgreaves NF in Unit 7 hold feeding mule deer at dawn and dusk. Glass from forest road overlooks above the park systems. Mature bucks on the plateau are visible at distance in the open parks.

Unit 9 Canyon and Chaparral

The brushy canyon terrain below the rim in Unit 9 holds larger, older bucks with lower pressure. The chaparral country requires close-range still-hunting and careful wind management — glassing distances are short but encounter rates can be high with patient hunters.

Pro Members Only

Unlock mule deer locations for the 07/09 unit

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

How to Hunt Mule Deer in the 07/09 Combined Unit

Work the high country first when pressure is minimal, then transition to the lower Unit 9 canyon terrain as other hunters push deer off the plateau.

Early Season High-Country Glass

In early rifle season, focus on Unit 7 plateau parks. Glass from elevated forest roads at first and last light, execute stalks on identified bucks. Cover multiple parks in a morning to find the best animals.

Mid-Season Canyon Transition

As pressure builds in Unit 7, shift to Unit 9's brushy canyon country. Still-hunt slowly along drainage bottoms and brushy side-canyon fingers. Fresh track following after a light dusting of snow is an extremely effective method in this terrain.

Pro Members Only

Unlock mule deer tactics for the 07/09 unit

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

The 07/09 combined mule deer hunt yields 50–70% rifle success. The dual-terrain geography extends productive hunting through the full season as animals shift between habitat zones.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	1100	2,615	30.1%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	10	39	15.4%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Over 2,650 cumulative applicants. Expect 10–16 bonus points for rifle tags in the 07/09 combined unit.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

💧

Water

Moderate in Unit 7. Limited in Unit 9 — scout tanks before season.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Hwy 260 provides paved access. Forest roads range from good gravel to rough 4WD tracks.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate (Unit 7 plateau) to difficult (Unit 9 canyon terrain). Overall requires 4WD and physical fitness for canyon areas.

🌦️

Weather

October–November hunting weather. Frost on the plateau from late September. Canyon country stays warmer longer.

📱

Cell Service

Moderate near Payson and Hwy 260. Limited throughout the backcountry.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Payson (full services, 25–35 mi west). Young (limited). Heber/Overgaard (basic services).

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for the 07/09 mule deer unit

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 07/09 and 7/9 mule deer combined hunts?

Both '07/09' and '7/9' appear in the draw data as separate hunt numbers for combined hunts in the same geographic area. Arizona's draw system distinguishes these as different hunt types (e.g., archery vs. rifle, or different quota management strategies). Always verify your specific tag number against the AZGFD draw booklet hunt description.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr

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