Unit 17A/17B/18B (Units 17A/17B/18B Turkey)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Turkey

Units 17A, 17B, and 18B combine into a single turkey hunt area covering the central Arizona Mogollon Rim country west of Payson. The hunt includes the higher ponderosa benches and transition pinyon-juniper of the Verde Rim and Hackberry Mountain areas. Merriam's turkeys are well established along the ponderosa belt. With about 83 tags across three years against 59 applicants, this multi-unit turkey hunt is one of the more drawable Merriam's opportunities in central Arizona.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Turkey Hunting in Unit 17A/17B/18B

Where to Find Turkey in 17A/17B/18B

This combined hunt spans country from the Verde Rim through Hackberry Mountain and the 18B plateau. Merriam's concentrate in the higher ponderosa belt.

Rim-Country Ponderosa

Mature ponderosa stands at 6,500-7,500 feet hold roost trees and strutting flats. Look for grassy openings and water.

Verde Rim and Hackberry

The Verde Rim country and Hackberry Mountain drainages offer quieter hunting off the main FS roads.

Stock Tanks and Springs

Water is a consistent pull. Mapped stock tanks on FS land often hold daily turkey activity through spring.

How to Hunt Turkey in 17A/17B/18B

This is a big combined area — we plan around road-system scouting and morning roost setups.

Scout the Road Network

Prescott and Tonto NF road systems are extensive. Locator-call from spur roads at dawn and dusk to map gobblers.

Morning Setup

Set up tight on roosted birds — within 100-150 yards — and use modest hen calling with a jake-and-hen decoy in the first open flat.

Mid-Day Movement

By 10 a.m., walk high ridges cutting with a loud box call to locate mid-day gobblers.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

17A/17B/18B Merriam's success typically runs 20-30%. The large combined area spreads hunters out, keeping pressure manageable and birds responsive.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	5	20	15.0%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Arizona's weighted bonus-point draw enters each application once per bonus point (plus loyalty and Hunter Education bonuses), not squared, with a partial random draw. The 17A/17B/18B turkey hunt is a drawable option — roughly 83 tags across three years against 59 applicants. Low-point applicants have a real chance here, especially with the Hunter Ed bonus.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Dispersed and developed options along FR 300 (Rim Road) and FR 194 — Ponderosa and Houston Mesa Campgrounds are RV-friendly.

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Camp Sites

Extensive dispersed camping across Tonto and Prescott NF.

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Trailer Access

Highway 87 and Highway 260 are paved and handle any rig. Interior forest roads vary — small trailers only.

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Water

Rim-country creeks and springs; treat all surface water. Payson and Strawberry for fills.

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Road Conditions

Main roads graded; spurs often require high-clearance.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Rolling ponderosa benches with occasional steep drops off the Rim.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate overall; reduces dramatically off the main road corridors.

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Weather

Spring temps swing 25-75°F. Afternoon wind and storms possible.

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Cell Service

Patchy; Payson and Strawberry have service, Rim interior does not.

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Nearest Town

Payson (full services). Strawberry and Pine for secondary supplies.

Pro Members Only

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt any of the three units with this tag?

Yes — the tag is valid in all three GMUs (17A, 17B, and 18B). You can move between them during your hunt as long as you follow the hunt's season dates and rules.

Is this a low-point draw?

It is one of the more drawable Merriam's hunts in Arizona — with roughly 83 tags over three years against 59 applicants, low-point applicants have a realistic shot.

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Sources & Verification

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

2025-2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 17A/17B/18B turkey hunt codes, Season dates, Tag caps · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: 17A/17B/18B turkey draw odds, Weighted bonus-point system, Hunter education bonus · accessed 2026-04-17
GMU 17A — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Mogollon Rim habitat, Access notes, Merriam's distribution · accessed 2026-04-17