Unit 15A/15B/18A (Verde Valley–Agua Fria)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

The combined GMU 15A/15B/18A elk hunt spans a large multi-unit area from the Verde Valley north into the Prescott National Forest and Agua Fria drainages of central Arizona. AZGFD issues a single tag valid across all three units, giving hunters access to a diverse range of ponderosa pine plateau, riparian corridors, and pinyon-juniper mesas. This combination hunt is designed to allow elk movement tracking across a broad landscape during the season.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 15A/15B/18A

Where to Find Elk in GMU 15A/15B/18A

Elk in this combined unit use the ponderosa pine and mixed conifer highlands of units 15A and 15B during early season, then shift to lower elevation pinyon-juniper and riparian corridors in GMU 18A as temperatures drop into fall.

Ponderosa Highlands (15A/15B)

The higher country in GMUs 15A and 15B around the Prescott NF plateau holds elk through the September archery season. Meadow edges, parks, and spring-fed drainages are the primary focal points. Glass from high points overlooking open parks at first and last light.

Verde River Corridor (18A)

GMU 18A's Verde River riparian zone and adjacent desert mesas see elk movement during rifle season. Bulls push into lower elevation brush and cottonwood bottoms as hunting pressure increases in the uplands. The lower-elevation hunting in 18A can extend productive hunting days when animals have moved off the main forests.

How to Hunt GMU 15A/15B/18A Elk

The three-unit tag structure rewards mobile hunters willing to follow elk through the season as herds shift between elevation zones.

September Archery — Rut Calling

During the September rut, focus on the ponderosa parks in units 15A and 15B. Set up near active wallows and use cow calls or challenge bugles to work bulls within archery range. The Verde Valley units see less hunting pressure than the White Mountains, which can make bulls more responsive to calls.

Rifle Season — Elevation Transition

Rifle tags often correspond to post-rut elk movement down from summer range. Track elk into the mid-elevation pinyon-juniper belt and glass across open canyon systems. Roads in GMU 18A provide vehicle access to areas where elk push into lower cover during hunting season.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery18%

Combined unit elk tags in central Arizona typically produce solid harvest success — the large hunt area allows hunters to relocate animals effectively. Check AZGFD's harvest reporting portal for current rifle and archery success rates in this specific combined unit draw.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	25	87	16.1%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	100	217	27.6%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	150	122	68.0%
Archery— Early Archery	25	105	11.4%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

The combined 15A/15B/18A elk draw is a limited-opportunity hunt through AZGFD's bonus point system. More tags may be allocated than single premium units, but applicant demand is also higher for central Arizona draws due to proximity to the Phoenix metro area. Build bonus points every year and check draw.azgfd.com for current odds data.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — ponderosa plateau and canyon terrain; most areas accessible via standard truck; 4WD useful for back roads

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate — central Arizona location draws significant interest from Phoenix-area hunters

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Nearest Town

Prescott (approx. 20–40 mi depending on area; full services) or Camp Verde (services along I-17 corridor)

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Permit Notes

Limited-draw tag valid across GMU 15A, 15B, and 18A; apply through AZGFD bonus point draw each spring

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the 15A/15B/18A combined elk tag in Arizona?

Apply through the AZGFD draw portal at draw.azgfd.com during the annual application period (typically January–February). Select the 15A/15B/18A combined unit hunt. Arizona's bonus point system rewards applicants who apply consistently each year with improved draw odds.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

AZGFD 2026 Elk Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Combined 15A/15B/18A elk hunt structure, Season dates, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bonus point draw, Applicant history, Tags issued · accessed 2026-04-17
Prescott National Forest — Recreation and Road Information — USDA Forest Service · supports: Forest road access, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, Ranger district contacts · accessed 2026-04-17