Arizona Pronghorn Mule Deer Elk Turkey

Unit 19A (Paulden)

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

Unit 19A covers the Paulden-Chino Valley area in central Arizona, providing classic high-desert grassland pronghorn habitat. The open terrain of rolling grassland, sage flats, and scattered juniper makes this a dedicated pronghorn unit with good visibility and traditional spot-and-stalk hunting. Buck quality is average for Arizona, and the unit offers a quality pronghorn experience in relatively accessible country between Prescott and Flagstaff.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Logistics & Planning Guide →

Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 19A.

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Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 19A

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 19A

Pronghorn in Unit 19A are concentrated on the open grasslands and sage flats of the Chino Valley area.

Chino Valley Grasslands

The core pronghorn range lies in the broad grasslands of Chino Valley. Open sight lines extend for miles across the rolling terrain. Herds are visible from considerable distance with quality optics.

Sage Flats

Sage-dominated flats provide browse and low cover that pronghorn prefer. These areas hold herds consistently and offer the classic pronghorn hunting terrain of the American West.

Water Concentration Points

Stock tanks and earthen water catchments scattered across the grasslands draw pronghorn, especially during dry periods. Active tanks with fresh sign are reliable locations for planning your approach.

Private Land Boundaries

Some of Unit 19A includes private ranchland. Identify public land boundaries before your hunt using AZ Game & Fish maps and the Hunt Arizona app. Focus your scouting on BLM and state trust land.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 19A

Unit 19A is textbook pronghorn country — open, flat, and demanding of patience and shooting skill.

Vehicle-Based Glassing

Drive the ranch roads and two-tracks that crisscross the unit. Stop at elevated points and glass the surrounding grasslands with a spotting scope. Locate herds, identify the largest buck, and plan your approach from the vehicle before committing to a stalk.

Terrain-Feature Stalks

Use shallow washes, terrain rolls, road cuts, and scattered juniper clumps to close distance on located bucks. Pronghorn have exceptional vision — you need solid terrain cover between you and the animal for the entire approach. Move only when the buck's head is down feeding.

Water Ambush

Set up near an active stock tank in the afternoon. Pronghorn visit water predictably in the afternoon heat. A well-placed ground blind or natural cover position within shooting range of the tank produces consistent opportunities.

Decoy Tactics

During early season when bucks are territorial, a pronghorn decoy placed on the edge of a buck's territory can draw him within range. Set up downwind and be patient — bucks often circle before approaching.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle82%

Muzzleloader60%

Archery48%

Pronghorn success rates in Unit 19A typically range from 60-80% for rifle hunters. The open terrain makes locating pronghorn relatively straightforward and tag numbers are managed conservatively. Archery success is considerably lower at 15-30% due to the extreme difficulty of closing within bow range on open ground. Buck quality is average for Arizona pronghorn with most bucks in the 65-78 inch range.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	5	302	1.7%
Muzzleloader— Early Muzzleloader	5	264	1.5%
Archery— Early Archery	10	261	3.8%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 19A pronghorn tags are moderately competitive. Rifle tags typically require 5-10 bonus points. Archery may be slightly more accessible. The unit's central location between Prescott and Flagstaff makes it a popular application choice. Apply consistently to build bonus points toward a realistic draw timeline.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 19A

Unit 19A is an Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) mule deer unit. Tags are awarded through AZGFD's weighted-random bonus-point draw. Applicants accumulate bonus points that add additional random entries each unsuccessful year. Review AZGFD hunt guidelines, regulations, and the draw results page for current season dates, legal weapons, unit boundaries, and historical odds before applying.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 19A

Focus on mid-elevation pinyon-juniper benches, oak brush edges, and canyon rims. Glass from high vantages at dawn and dusk. Water sources and feeding zones concentrate deer.

Confirm current access on the AZGFD unit page and check MVUM maps before travel.

How to Hunt Unit 19A

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

AZGFD publishes annual harvest data. Consult hunt reports for the most recent Unit 19A success rates by weapon and season.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	250	534	36.0%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	250	678	29.4%	0

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Arizona uses a weighted-random bonus-point draw. Each point adds random entries, improving odds gradually. Check AZGFD's draw results page for current unit-level odds.

Elk Hunting in Unit 19A

Unit 19A sits on the Prescott National Forest south and east of Prescott, covering the Bradshaw Mountains and surrounding ponderosa-chaparral country. Elk here are part of Arizona's central-region herd with ~245 tags against ~501 recent 3-year applicants — one of the higher-volume Arizona elk hunts. Per AZGFD, hunts run August through December with archery, muzzleloader, and rifle opportunities. Bull quality is solid (280-310 class typical) with the occasional 330+ bull showing up in archery harvest data. The unit's proximity to Prescott and Phoenix makes logistics approachable.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 19A

19A elk split between the higher ponderosa country of the Bradshaws and the pinyon-juniper benches stepping down toward the Verde Valley.

Bradshaw Mountains (6,000–7,900 ft)

The core elk range runs across the upper Bradshaws around Mount Union, Spruce Mountain, and the Senator Highway corridor. September archery hunters find vocal bulls in the ponderosa-oak mix here.

Mingus Area and Turkey Creek

Transition country on the unit's eastern side holds rifle-season elk that push down as temperatures drop and water shifts.

Water and Meadows

The Prescott NF has good tank and spring density relative to most Arizona elk units. Active water at dawn and dusk is the single best sign predictor in 19A.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 19A

We treat 19A as a classic rim-country elk hunt with solid road access and rewarding backcountry work once you park.

September Archery

Peak bugling is mid-September in the Bradshaws. We set up on wallows and meadow edges before first light and use location bugles sparingly — 19A bulls get pressured on public-accessible roads.

Rifle Season

We glass the benches and meadows from ridgelines at first and last light, then move on found animals. The Senator Highway and forest road network off it give good access for morning drives to glassing points.

Pressure Management

19A sees more pressure than the White Mountains units given its proximity to Phoenix. We hunt away from pavement — even half a mile off the Senator Highway thins the crowd dramatically.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery18%

Unit 19A rifle hunters average 25-40% success. Archery success runs 10-18%. Bull quality is solid with 280-310 class typical and occasional 330+ bulls in archery harvest. A good mid-tier Arizona elk unit.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	35	153	15.0%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	35	40	35.0%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	30	26	53.8%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	35	111	14.4%
Rifle— Early Rifle	15	34	14.7%
Archery— Early Archery	15	53	15.1%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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19A draws via Arizona's weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus. With ~245 tags against ~501 recent 3-year applicants, this is one of the more approachable Arizona elk draws. Mid-point applicants (4-8 bonus points) draw rifle codes regularly; archery typically draws with fewer points.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 19A

Unit 19A turkey covers the Prescott National Forest and Bradshaw Mountains south and east of Prescott. Merriam's turkey populations use the ponderosa-oak transition zones and the upper canyon drainages of the Bradshaws. With 15 tags against 108 three-year applicants, 19A turkey is a competitive draw but produces good-quality gobblers in classic Merriam's country accessible from Phoenix and Prescott.

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 19A

Merriam's in 19A roost in ponderosa timber and feed in oak-mast benches and open grass parks across the Bradshaws.

Ponderosa Roost Canyons

Big-pine drainages such as Groom Creek and Hassayampa Lake country hold consistent roosts. We locate roost trees from evening fly-up and setup for a dawn approach.

Oak-Mast Benches

Mid-morning feeding happens on oak benches at 5,500 to 6,500 feet. Scout for scratching sign and droppings to confirm active feeding areas.

Forest Road Edges

Birds use forest-road edges as travel corridors between roost and feeding areas. Quiet morning drives with binoculars produce useful strutting-tom sightings.

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 19A

Classic Merriam's tactics apply — locate roosts the evening before, set up under cover within 150 yards of roost trees, and call with confidence at first light.

Roost the Birds

We cover ground with a locator call (owl or coyote) from 30 minutes before sunset to fly-up. A confirmed roost gives us the single best asset for a morning setup.

Dawn Setup

We move into position before legal shooting light, set one or two decoys 15 to 20 yards out, and call softly with a tree yelp as birds wake.

Mid-Morning Run-and-Gun

If the roost setup doesn't close, we cover ground calling aggressively. Merriam's in Arizona respond well to cutting and gobbling mid-morning as hens break off to nest.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

Unit 19A turkey typically runs 25 to 40 percent success for drawn hunters — competitive for Arizona Merriam's. Gobbler quality is solid with mature 2- and 3-year-old longbeards common. The accessible terrain from Prescott and Phoenix makes 19A a popular draw choice.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	8	41	9.8%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Arizona applies the weighted bonus-point draw to turkey tags: 20 percent of tags to max-point applicants and 80 percent drawn through the weighted random bonus point system. A Hunter Education bonus point is available to applicants who complete the accredited course. Unit 19A turkey with 15 tags against 108 three-year applicants draws competitively — most successful applicants hold 3 to 6 bonus points.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited developed sites. RV-friendly dispersed camping on BLM land near the unit.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on BLM and state trust land. Flat, open ground makes finding camp sites easy. Some areas may require a State Land Department recreation permit.

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Trailer Access

Main highways paved. Ranch roads and two-tracks vary — many are suitable for short trailers in dry conditions.

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Water

Carry all water. Paulden has limited services. Prescott Valley (20 min south) or Flagstaff (60 min north) for water fill.

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Road Conditions

Highway 89 provides paved main access. Interior roads are a mix of graded ranch roads and rough two-tracks. Generally passable for 2WD in dry conditions but 4WD is recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy. Open, rolling grassland terrain. The challenge is closing distance on pronghorn, not navigating terrain.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. Limited tags keep pressure manageable across the unit.

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Weather

Early-season hunts can be hot — 80-95°F. Fall hunts are more comfortable at 40-75°F. Wind is common and can be relentless across the open grasslands. Bring sun protection and hydration for warm-season hunts.

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Cell Service

Variable. Some coverage near Highway 89 and Paulden. Spotty to none in the backcountry grasslands.

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Nearest Town

Paulden (very limited — no major services). Prescott Valley (20 min south, full services). Prescott (30 min, full services).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 19A the best pronghorn unit in Arizona?

Unit 19A is one of Arizona's most consistent pronghorn units with classic grassland habitat. Whether it is the 'best' depends on your criteria — it offers reliable hunting, reasonable draw odds, and good access. Units like 3A may produce slightly larger bucks but with longer point requirements.

What is the biggest challenge of pronghorn hunting in Unit 19A?

Closing distance. Pronghorn have the best eyesight of any North American big game and the open terrain offers few hiding spots. Successful stalks require creative use of subtle terrain features and extreme patience. Many hunters resort to water ambush tactics when stalking fails.

Do I need to worry about private land in Unit 19A?

Yes. Parts of Unit 19A include private ranchland and state trust land. Verify public land boundaries using the AZ Game & Fish Hunt Arizona app or a GPS mapping app before hunting. State trust land requires a separate recreation permit.

What rifle setup works best for Unit 19A pronghorn?

A flat-shooting rifle capable of consistent accuracy at 300-400 yards is ideal. Popular choices include .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .300 Win Mag. Bring a solid rest (bipod or shooting sticks), a rangefinder, and practice at extended ranges before your hunt.

How do I apply for a Unit 19A mule deer tag?

Apply through the AZGFD online draw portal during the posted deer application window. Tags are awarded through Arizona's weighted-random bonus-point draw.

How does Arizona's bonus-point system work?

Each unsuccessful year you apply, you earn a bonus point. Bonus points create additional random entries in the draw, improving your odds over time.

How many bonus points do I need for Unit 19A elk?

Mid-point applicants (4-8 bonus points) draw 19A rifle codes regularly. Archery codes typically draw with 1-4 points. The weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus rewards every year of applying.

Is Unit 19A a trophy elk unit?

19A is a solid mid-tier unit rather than a trophy destination. Bulls 280-310 class are typical with occasional 330+ animals. For trophy potential, look to Units 1, 9, or 27.

Does Unit 19A have spring and fall turkey seasons?

Yes. Arizona offers both spring and fall turkey hunts in Unit 19A when quotas allow. Spring is the classic gobbler season; fall hunts are either-sex and run concurrent with other fall game seasons.

What subspecies of turkey lives in Unit 19A?

Merriam's turkey. 19A is classic central Arizona Merriam's country in the ponderosa-oak country of the Bradshaws.

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Sources & Verification

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

GMU 19A — Expanded Hunt Information (April 2023) — 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 19A — 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
AZGFD Hunt Guidelines — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Hunt guidelines, Permit allocation, Unit management objectives · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Legal weapons, Bag limits · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Draw results, Bonus point totals, Mule deer draw odds · accessed 2026-04-17
Prescott National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Road status, MVUM, Bradshaw Ranger District info · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Turkey Species Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Merriam's distribution, Prescott NF turkey populations, Season framework · accessed 2026-04-17
2025–26 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 19A turkey season structure, Tag quotas, Bag limit and legal methods · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 19A (Paulden)

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 19A

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 19A

Chino Valley Grasslands

Sage Flats

Water Concentration Points

Private Land Boundaries

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 19A

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 19A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 19A

How to Hunt Unit 19A

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 19A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 19A

Bradshaw Mountains (6,000–7,900 ft)

Mingus Area and Turkey Creek

Water and Meadows

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 19A

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 19A

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 19A

Ponderosa Roost Canyons

Oak-Mast Benches

Forest Road Edges

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 19A

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 3A — St. Johns Pronghorn

Unit 5A — Flagstaff Pronghorn

Unit 6A — Mormon Lake Pronghorn

Unit 21 — Elk

Unit 19B — Elk

Unit 19A — Elk

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification