Arizona Elk Mule Deer Pronghorn Turkey

Unit 13A (Arizona Strip)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Turkey

Unit 13A covers the Arizona Strip — the vast, remote expanse of land north of the Grand Canyon and south of the Utah border. This is some of the most isolated country in the Lower 48, characterized by BLM desert, scattered PJ woodland, and extremely limited water and access. Elk in Unit 13A occupy the higher-elevation pockets and PJ breaks where forage and water exist. The extreme remoteness keeps hunter numbers low, rewarding those who are self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 13A.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 13A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 13A

Elk in Unit 13A are scattered across the vast Arizona Strip, concentrating in the higher-elevation PJ pockets and areas with available water.

Higher-Elevation PJ Zones (5,000–7,000 ft)

The scattered pockets of pinyon-juniper woodland at higher elevations across the Strip provide the best elk habitat. These areas offer cover and browse. Focus on PJ zones near known water sources — elk concentrate where water and cover overlap.

Desert Transition Breaks

The breaks and canyon systems cutting across the Strip provide security cover and travel corridors. Elk use these terrain features to move between water, feeding, and bedding areas. Glass the canyon rims and breaks for movement at dawn and dusk.

Water Sources — The Key

Water is extremely scarce on the Arizona Strip. Springs, stock tanks, and seasonal water catchments are the absolute focal points for locating elk. Find active water and you find elk. Pre-season scouting of water sources is essential for success in this unit.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 13A

Unit 13A elk hunting on the Arizona Strip requires a water-centric strategy and self-sufficiency in remote desert terrain.

Water-Based Strategy

Water is everything on the Strip. Locate active water sources through pre-season scouting — springs, stock tanks, and earthen catchments. Set up within shooting range of water during morning and evening periods when elk come to drink. This is the most reliable tactic in this arid landscape.

PJ Edge Glassing

Set up on elevated points above PJ woodland edges at dawn and glass the surrounding terrain. Elk feed in the open flats between PJ pockets during low-light periods. The open country allows long-range glassing — a tripod-mounted spotting scope is essential.

Canyon and Break Systems

Glass canyon rims and breaks during morning hours. Elk use these terrain features for travel and security. A rim position gives you visibility into the canyon system and potential shooting angles on moving elk below.

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Elk Success Rates

Unit 13A elk success rates are variable due to the challenging desert terrain and scattered elk distribution. Hunters who locate active water sources and commit to hunting them report solid results. Bull quality is average for Arizona. The extreme remoteness means you may not see another hunter for the duration of your trip.

Elk Draw Odds

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Unit 13A elk tags are moderately competitive. The extreme remoteness and difficult access of the Arizona Strip keep application numbers lower than more accessible units. A solid choice for hunters who value solitude and are prepared for self-sufficient desert hunting.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 13A

Unit 13A provides mule deer hunting across the remote Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon. The scattered PJ woodland, desert scrub, and canyon breaks support a moderate deer herd adapted to the arid landscape. Bucks use the limited cover and water sources strategically. The extreme remoteness keeps hunting pressure minimal, and the desert-adapted bucks offer a unique hunting experience different from mountain mule deer units.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 13A

Mule deer on the Arizona Strip use the scattered PJ cover and canyon breaks where water and browse are available.

PJ Woodland Pockets (5,000–6,500 ft)

The pinyon-juniper woodland pockets scattered across the Strip provide the primary deer habitat. Bucks bed in juniper cover and feed in adjacent openings. Glass PJ edges thoroughly — deer blend into the sparse cover remarkably well.

Canyon Breaks and Washes

The canyon systems and dry washes cutting across the Strip hold deer that use the breaks for security and the riparian zones for browse. Glass canyon rims at dawn for feeding deer on benches and canyon walls.

Water Concentration Points

As with all Arizona Strip hunting, water is the key. Springs, stock tanks, and any remaining water draw deer predictably. Locate active water sources and plan your hunting strategy around them.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 13A

Mule deer hunting on the Arizona Strip requires water-centric tactics and patience in vast, open terrain.

Water-Based Hunting

The most reliable tactic on the Strip is hunting near active water sources. Locate springs or stock tanks with fresh deer sign and set up within shooting range during the morning and evening water periods. Deer visit water predictably in this arid landscape.

PJ-Edge Glassing

Set up on elevated terrain and glass the PJ woodland edges at dawn and dusk. Bucks feed in the openings between PJ pockets and can be spotted at long range across the open desert terrain. Quality optics and patience are essential.

Canyon Rim Approach

Glass into canyon breaks and washes from above during midday. Bucks bed in the shade of canyon walls and PJ cover. The canyon terrain provides approach cover if you move carefully from above.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

Archery15%

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 13A is variable due to the scattered deer distribution and challenging desert terrain. Hunters who commit to water-based strategies and thorough pre-season scouting report the best results. Buck quality is average. The extremely low hunting pressure gives deer more natural behavior patterns.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	40	2,965	1.1%
Rifle— Early Rifle	15	328	3.0%
Archery— Early Archery	15	322	2.5%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 13A mule deer tags are moderately accessible. The extreme remoteness of the Arizona Strip keeps application numbers lower than more convenient units. A solid choice for self-sufficient hunters who value solitude in their mule deer hunting.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 13A

Unit 13A on the Arizona Strip covers House Rock Valley and the Kaibab Plateau's east-side grassland shelf — one of Arizona's premier pronghorn units. With only ~25 tags against ~1,055 recent 3-year applicants, this is a max-point hunt for nearly every applicant. The unit produces 80+ inch bucks with regularity thanks to low hunter pressure, quality forage across the valley's grama and winterfat flats, and minimal predator pressure. Per AZGFD, Unit 13A pronghorn hunts run in early-to-mid October with rifle and HAM codes.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 13A

Unit 13A pronghorn concentrate on a handful of well-known flats between the Vermilion Cliffs and the Kaibab.

House Rock Valley Floor (5,000–5,800 ft)

The core pronghorn habitat runs along House Rock Road and the adjacent BLM grassland flats. Look for bucks holding with does on the open grama shelves away from the Cliffs base.

Kane and Two Mile Tanks

Water sources draw morning and evening activity. Water development projects have concentrated herds on specific flats — current AZGFD field reports list active tanks before each season.

Edge of the Kaibab

Bucks sometimes push up onto the eastern Kaibab fringe when hunter pressure or cattle push them off the valley floor. Glass the ecotone where PJ meets grassland.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 13A

This is a glassing hunt. We scout aggressively the week before, find the trophy-class buck, then plan the stalk.

Pre-Season Scouting

We spend 3-5 days before opening day driving House Rock Road and the side two-tracks. Multiple 80+ inch bucks often hold within a few miles of known water. Mark bedding and feeding flats on GPS.

Opening Morning

Hunter traffic on opening day pushes bucks off the road corridors fast. We're glassing from a high point above the valley at shooting light and ready to move on the first shootable buck we locate.

Decoy and Rut Tactics

Arizona's early October season catches the tail of the rut. A pronghorn decoy and aggressive grunt calling pull territorial bucks into range when a direct stalk is blown by wind or terrain.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle82%

Archery48%

Unit 13A pronghorn success routinely exceeds 90% for rifle and HAM hunters — among the highest in the state. Horn quality is exceptional, with multiple 80+ inch bucks taken each season and a legitimate shot at 85+. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag by practical measure.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Early Rifle	15	520	1.9%	0
Archery— Early Archery	5	28	7.1%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 13A pronghorn is one of Arizona's deepest draws. With only ~25 tags against ~1,055 recent 3-year applicants, successful applicants typically hold 20+ bonus points via the weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus. Random draw still produces rare low-point winners, but plan to apply every year for life if this is your target.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 13A

Unit 13A sits on the remote Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon, covering BLM desert, pinyon-juniper woodland, and the ponderosa pine pockets at higher elevations on the Kaibab Plateau fringe. Merriam's turkeys in 13A are thinly distributed across the higher-elevation PJ and ponderosa country where water and cover exist. This is one of Arizona's most remote and least-hunted turkey units — tags are very limited and the experience rewards self-sufficient hunters comfortable operating in extreme desert and plateau conditions.

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 13A

Turkeys in Unit 13A occupy the higher-elevation PJ and ponderosa fringe country on the Kaibab Plateau edge and isolated buttes in House Rock Valley. Finding birds requires focused scouting given the vast, sparsely populated unit.

Ponderosa and Mixed PJ Fringe (6,000–7,500 ft)

The Kaibab Plateau edge in the eastern 13A provides the most reliable turkey habitat — ponderosa mixed with Gambel oak and higher-quality cover. Concentrate scouting here first. Listen at first light from elevated positions for distant gobbles carrying across the open Strip landscape.

Isolated Upland Pockets

Scattered buttes and higher BLM mesa country support small, isolated turkey populations across the unit. These are secondary targets that may hold birds when plateau-edge areas are fully scouted.

Water Sources

Water is the limiting factor in Unit 13A turkey habitat. AZGFD and BLM water developments and natural tanks concentrate both birds and hunters (the few that exist). Map every water source before the hunt.

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How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 13A

Unit 13A turkey hunting is as much a logistics challenge as a hunting challenge. The unit's remoteness and sparse bird distribution demand thorough pre-season scouting and self-sufficiency.

Pre-Season Scouting Drive

Plan a scouting trip in the week before the hunt. Drive the plateau edge and higher BLM roads in the early morning, stopping to listen for gobbles. Map every located bird — in this unit, knowing where birds are before the hunt is the primary success factor.

Traditional Roost-and-Call

Once birds are located, roost them the evening before the hunt. Set up tight to the roost before first light and use soft yelps and clucks to pull gobblers in. The open terrain means calls carry far and undisturbed birds are responsive.

Commit to the Area

If birds are gobbling in a specific drainage or plateau sector, stay on them — don't move far in the first few days. Unit 13A turkeys are not under pressure and will return to the same areas daily once roosted.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

Unit 13A turkey success varies by year and scouting effort, but hunters who invest in pre-season scouting and are self-sufficient in the remote Strip country report 30–50% success. The low tag count and extreme remoteness create an environment where birds are naive and hunting pressure is functionally zero — the limiting factor is finding the birds, not calling them in.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	10	4	50.0%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 13A turkey is a limited-draw hunt with a small tag allocation. Arizona's weighted bonus-point draw provides meaningful cumulative advantage. The remote Strip location and demanding logistics keep applicant numbers lower than comparable White Mountain turkey units, which may give 13A turkey a slightly more accessible draw than its quality suggests. Hunter Education bonus applicants have a real first-year draw opportunity.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

No developed RV sites. Dispersed camping on BLM land is the only option. Must be entirely self-sufficient.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed primitive camping on BLM land. Flat desert terrain makes finding sites easy but water and shade are nonexistent. Plan for self-sufficient wilderness camping.

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Trailer Access

Not recommended for most of the unit. Access roads are remote, rough, and unmaintained in many areas.

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Water

Carry ALL water. There are no reliable human water sources on the Strip. Plan for multi-day water carry. Nearest resupply is Fredonia or St. George, UT.

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Road Conditions

Very remote BLM roads in variable condition. Many are rough, unmaintained two-track. Some roads may be impassable after rain. High-clearance 4WD essential. Carry recovery gear and extra fuel.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. The terrain itself is not excessively steep but the remoteness, extreme aridity, and lack of infrastructure make this a demanding environment. Navigation skills are essential.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. The extreme remoteness and lack of services deter all but the most committed hunters.

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Weather

Hot at lower elevations early in season. Fall temps 25-65°F depending on elevation. Significant day-night temperature swings. Wind can be relentless across the open desert.

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Cell Service

None. Zero cell coverage on the Arizona Strip. Satellite communicator is absolutely essential for safety.

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Nearest Town

Fredonia (very limited services — fuel, small store). St. George, UT (2+ hours) for full services. This is one of the most isolated areas in the Lower 48.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does 13A compare to 12A for elk?

These are very different units despite being adjacent. Unit 12A on the Kaibab Plateau is dense forest with lush meadows. Unit 13A on the Arizona Strip is arid desert and scattered PJ with extremely limited water. 12A is a premium trophy unit while 13A offers a rugged, remote desert elk experience.

What is the Arizona Strip?

The Arizona Strip is the vast area of Arizona north of the Grand Canyon and south of the Utah border. It is one of the most remote and inaccessible regions in the Lower 48. Access is primarily from Fredonia or St. George, UT. There are no major towns, very few roads, and zero cell service.

Is mule deer hunting productive on the Arizona Strip?

It can be, with the right approach. The scattered deer distribution and vast, arid terrain make this a challenging hunt. Success depends heavily on locating active water sources and committing to water-based strategies. Hunters who do the homework report solid results with minimal competition.

What should I bring for Arizona Strip mule deer hunting?

A flat-shooting rifle for the open terrain, extensive water supplies for multi-day self-sufficient camping, satellite communicator, recovery gear for your vehicle, detailed maps and GPS. The Arizona Strip is wilderness — plan for complete self-sufficiency with no services or cell coverage.

How many bonus points do I need for Arizona Unit 13A pronghorn?

Most successful applicants hold 20+ bonus points thanks to the tiny tag count (~25) against ~1,055 applicants. The weighted bonus system with Hunter Education bonus means max-point applicants still aren't guaranteed — this is a lifetime hunt.

What is the trophy potential in Unit 13A?

13A routinely produces 80+ inch bucks, with 85+ inch animals taken each year. Horn quality is among the best in the West thanks to low pressure, quality forage, and active water management.

Are there turkeys on the Arizona Strip (Unit 13A)?

Yes, but they are thinly distributed in the higher-elevation ponderosa and pinyon-juniper country on the Kaibab Plateau edge. Unit 13A is not a high-density turkey unit — it is a quality, remote Merriam's experience for hunters willing to scout hard and operate self-sufficiently.

How hard is the Unit 13A turkey draw?

Unit 13A turkey is a limited-tag draw. Applicant pressure tends to be lower than the White Mountain units given the demanding logistics. Arizona's Hunter Education bonus provides a real first-year draw opportunity, and a few bonus points meaningfully improve odds.

What do I need to know about accessing Unit 13A for turkey hunting?

Access is via US-89A from Fredonia, AZ to BLM and NF roads heading north into the unit. There is no cell service, no developed water, and no services inside the unit. Fuel up and fill water containers completely in Fredonia before entering. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a satellite communicator are essential.

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Sources & Verification

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

GMU 13A — Expanded Hunt Information (August 2025) — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit boundaries and land ownership categories, Species present in the unit, Seasonal distribution and hunt areas, Habitat and access notes · accessed 2026-04-16
GMU 13A — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Canonical unit info page · accessed 2026-04-16
2026 Arizona Pronghorn and Elk Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season structure, Tag quotas, Hunt area boundaries · accessed 2026-04-16
2025-26 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season structure, Bag limits, Legal equipment · accessed 2026-04-16
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bonus point system, Draw application portal, Historical draw data · accessed 2026-04-16
BLM Arizona Strip Field Office — Bureau of Land Management · supports: Public land status, Road access, House Rock Valley management · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 13A turkey hunt codes, Spring season structure, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 13A (Arizona Strip)

Elk Hunting in Unit 13A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 13A

Higher-Elevation PJ Zones (5,000–7,000 ft)

Desert Transition Breaks

Water Sources — The Key

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 13A

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 13A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 13A

PJ Woodland Pockets (5,000–6,500 ft)

Canyon Breaks and Washes

Water Concentration Points

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 13A

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 13A

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 13A

House Rock Valley Floor (5,000–5,800 ft)

Kane and Two Mile Tanks

Edge of the Kaibab

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 13A

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 13A

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 13A

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 13A

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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