Arizona Elk Mule Deer Bighorn Sheep Turkey Coues Whitetail Deer

Unit 22 (Tonto Basin)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Turkey, Coues Whitetail Deer

Unit 22 covers the Tonto National Forest centered around Payson and the Tonto Basin, straddling Mogollon Rim country in Region VI (Mesa). The unit spans rugged terrain from desert canyons up through oak brush, PJ, and ponderosa pine from 3,500 to 7,500 feet. The combination of Rim-edge habitat, deep canyons, and backcountry timber supports a healthy elk herd with above-average bull quality.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 22.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Elk in Unit 22

Elk in Unit 22 use the rugged Tonto NF terrain from the Mogollon Rim down into the Tonto Basin, distributing across a wide elevation range.

Rim Country Ponderosa (6,500–7,500 ft)

The ponderosa parks and meadow systems along the Mogollon Rim north of Payson hold elk during the warmer months and early seasons. Focus on park edges, meadow margins, and areas near water. The open park system provides glassing terrain above the rugged canyon country below.

Tonto Basin Canyons and Breaks

The steep, rugged canyons and Rim breaks in the Tonto Basin provide security cover. Bulls retreat into these demanding drainages when pressured. Hunt the transition between the Rim top and the upper canyon breaks for staging elk.

Water Dependence

Stock tanks and springs throughout the Tonto NF are critical elk attractors. Active tanks with fresh sign concentrate animals predictably. Scout water sources around Payson and the Tonto Basin pre-season and prioritize those showing the most use.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 22

Unit 22 offers rugged Tonto NF elk hunting that rewards terrain knowledge and physical fitness.

September Bugling

The September archery season during the elk rut is the premier opportunity in Unit 22. Bulls bugle actively in the ponderosa parks and Rim-edge timber north of Payson. Set up before dawn near meadow edges and wallows. Use cow calls and raking sounds to pull bulls into shooting lanes. The rut peaks September 15-25 at this elevation.

Rim-Edge Glassing

During rifle season, set up on the Mogollon Rim edge at first light and glass the Tonto Basin terrain below. The elevation advantage lets you cover vast ground with optics. Locate bulls feeding in the open and plan approach routes using the rugged terrain.

Midday Timber Pushes

After morning feeding activity ends, elk bed in the dark timber patches and oak brush thickets. Slow still-hunting through these areas on windy or overcast days can produce encounters with bedded bulls. Move quietly and glass ahead constantly.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery18%

Unit 22 elk success rates average 22-32% for rifle and 10-18% for archery. The Mogollon Rim country produces consistent results with above-average bull quality. Bulls in the 280-320 class are taken annually, with occasional larger animals from the backcountry areas away from road access.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	125	429	23.5%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	125	451	20.8%
Rifle— Early Rifle	50	444	8.1%
Archery— Early Archery	50	390	7.9%
Archery— Late Archery Nov	50	91	37.4%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 22 elk tags require 8-15 bonus points for rifle. The unit's quality and accessibility make it a popular application choice. Archery tags are somewhat more accessible. This is a strong mid-to-upper-tier Arizona elk application that balances trophy potential with reasonable draw timelines.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 22

Unit 22 offers mule deer hunting across the rugged Tonto NF terrain centered around Payson and the Tonto Basin. The diverse terrain from Rim-top ponderosa down through oak brush, PJ, and desert transition creates excellent multi-zone deer habitat. Bucks use the steep Tonto Basin canyons and Rim breaks for security while feeding in the open parks and transition edges. Above-average deer quality for the region.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 22

Mule deer in Unit 22 favor the transition zones and brush habitats along the Mogollon Rim.

Oak Brush Transitions (6,000–7,000 ft)

The oak brush bands below the Rim top hold the best mule deer concentrations. Bucks bed in thick oak brush and feed in adjacent openings. Glass oak brush edges carefully at dawn and dusk.

Rim Breaks

Mature bucks use the steep Rim breaks for bedding security. These areas are difficult to access but hold larger bucks that avoid the open rim-top terrain. Hunt from above and glass into the breaks.

Ponderosa Park Edges

The open parks on the rim top hold deer that feed on forbs and grasses. These areas are more glassable but see higher pressure. Focus on smaller parks off the main roads.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 22

Mule deer hunting in Unit 22 rewards hunters who understand the Rim terrain transitions.

Transition Zone Glassing

Set up above the oak brush-to-ponderosa transition and glass at first and last light. Bucks move between bedding in the brush and feeding in the open parks. These transition edges concentrate deer movement.

Rim Break Reconnaissance

Glass into the Rim breaks from above during morning hours. Locate mature bucks bedded on points and benches. Plan stalks that approach from above using the broken terrain to stay out of sight.

Rut Activity

November rut puts bucks on the move during daylight. Hunt all day during peak rut — bucks cruise oak brush edges and open parks throughout the day chasing does.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 22 averages 25-35%. The diverse terrain and moderate pressure produce consistent results. Buck quality is above average for the Mogollon Rim area with bucks in the 145-175 class taken regularly.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	375	1,006	25.1%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	272	37.9%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	338	31.7%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 22 mule deer tags require 4-9 bonus points for rifle. Moderately competitive. The unit offers a good balance between deer quality and draw accessibility. Archery tags are somewhat easier to draw.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 22

Unit 22 covers the Superstition Wilderness, Mazatzal Wilderness south, and the Salt River canyon country east of Phoenix. Desert bighorn inhabit the cliff bands of the Superstitions, the rim systems above the Salt River, and the Mazatzal south-end. The unit has produced consistently good rams since reintroduction efforts decades ago. Hunting is demanding — wilderness access, extreme terrain, and multi-day backpack hunts are the norm.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Unit 22 rams hold in the iconic cliff bands of Arizona's central wilderness country.

Superstition Wilderness Ridges

The Superstitions' signature rimrock produces rams across the wilderness. Access from Peralta Trailhead, Canyon Lake trailheads, and Tortilla Flat.

Salt River Canyon Rims

The steep walls of the Salt River canyon above Roosevelt Lake hold ram groups. Glass from shoreline access and boat-accessed canyons.

Mazatzal South-End

The southern Mazatzal Wilderness rimrock offers secondary ram habitat. Access from SR 87 and wilderness trailheads.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Unit 22 is wilderness desert sheep hunting — demanding, rewarding, and iconic.

Scout Hard

AZGFD Region VI biologists in Mesa track Unit 22 rams. Contact early for current group locations, and spend weekends in-country before your hunt.

Wilderness Backpack Hunts

The Superstition and Mazatzal Wildernesses require foot/horseback travel. Plan 5–10 day backpack hunts.

Technical Climbing

Many Unit 22 stalks require exposed scrambling on loose rimrock. Wear sticky boots, practice on similar terrain, and consider a rope for certain pitches.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Unit 22 success rates run 85–95%, consistent with Arizona desert sheep averages. With only ~6 tags over three years, every hunter is deeply scouted and usually guided. Ram trophy quality is excellent — 155–175 B&C is typical with occasional 175+ rams.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle	3	485	0.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	3	656	0.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	2	809	0.2%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 22 is a once-in-a-lifetime desert bighorn draw. With ~6 tags over three years and 1,033 applicants, odds per applicant run around 0.6%. Arizona's weighted bonus-point system applies; expect to need 15–25+ bonus points for realistic competitiveness. Harvesting an Arizona bighorn ends your eligibility to apply for bighorn in the state again.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 22

Unit 22 covers the Mazatzal Mountains and Tonto National Forest country northeast of Phoenix, including portions of the Mazatzal Wilderness. Merriam's turkey populations persist in the higher ponderosa and mixed-pine benches above Payson and Tonto Basin. With roughly 33 tags over three years against 85 applicants, Unit 22 turkey is a moderate draw that rewards hunters willing to work steep, roadless country.

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 22

Merriam's turkeys in Unit 22 favor the higher-elevation ponderosa stands along the Mazatzal Divide and the mixed-pine country above Payson. We start our scouting on the north end near the Rim and work south.

Ponderosa Benches (6,000–7,500 ft)

Mature ponderosa with grassy understory along the Mazatzal Divide provides roost trees and strut zones. Glass the openings at first light for gobblers working hens.

Riparian Drainages

Tonto Creek and the East Verde headwaters pull turkeys to water during dry stretches. Cottonwoods and sycamores along these drainages are classic roost sites.

Logging Road Edges

FS road edges in the north end of the unit host insect-rich grassy strips that hens use mid-morning. Listen for gobblers responding to hen yelps from these open corridors.

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 22

Unit 22 turkey hunting is a foot game in rugged country. We recommend planning around pre-dawn roosting and midday run-and-gun tactics.

Roost and Set Up Close

Locate roosted birds the evening before with owl or coyote locator calls. Slip in before first light and set up within 150 yards of the roost tree with a decoy in the first open flat he will fly down to.

Run-and-Gun Midday

After fly-down, cover ground along ridges and benches yelping every 200 to 300 yards. Most Unit 22 gobblers answer once mid-morning when hens have wandered off to nest.

Water and Shade

In late-season warm weather, sit tight near active water or shaded draws from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — gobblers cruise these spots looking for unbred hens.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

Unit 22 turkey success tends to run in the 15-25% range across spring hunts, which is typical for Merriam's hunts in the Mazatzals. The unit's steep terrain thins the hunter field and keeps mature gobblers available to persistent hunters.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	10	30	13.3%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Arizona uses a weighted bonus-point draw: your application is entered once for each bonus point (plus the loyalty and Hunter Education bonuses), not squared, and the draw is partially random. Unit 22 turkey is a moderate draw — roughly 33 tags against 85 applicants over three years. A modest bonus-point balance plus completing Arizona Hunter Education (for the Hunter Ed bonus point) noticeably improves your odds.

Coues Whitetail Deer Hunting in Unit 22

Unit 22 encompasses the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson — Arizona's most famous Coues whitetail mountain range — drawing over 4,200 cumulative applicants. The Coronado National Forest's Mt. Wrightson Wilderness and surrounding oak woodland produce world-class Coues bucks. The unit combines remote wilderness hunting with more accessible oak-grassland terrain on the mountain flanks, making it a top-tier Arizona whitetail draw.

Where to Find Coues Whitetail in Unit 22

Unit 22 Coues deer are found from the desert grassland foothills to the pine-fir summit country of Mt. Wrightson.

Oak Woodland Zone (4,500–6,500 ft)

The primary Coues habitat band in the Santa Ritas is the Madrean oak woodland on the mountain flanks. Bucks concentrate in parks and canyon edges within this zone year-round. The Madera Canyon area on the west slope and the Box Canyon drainage on the east provide excellent access.

Mt. Wrightson Wilderness

The high wilderness core above 7,000 ft holds mature, unpressured bucks accessed via the Super Trail and Josephine Saddle Trail. Pack-in hunters willing to climb find outstanding trophy potential with minimal competition.

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How to Hunt Coues Whitetail in Unit 22

The Santa Ritas offer both accessible oak-woodland glass-and-stalk and demanding wilderness pack-in hunting.

Madera Canyon Glass-and-Stalk

The Madera Canyon Road on the west slope provides elevated glassing positions overlooking the oak woodland. Glass systematically with tripod-mounted optics at dawn and execute same-day stalks. This is productive accessible terrain with consistent buck sightings.

Wilderness Pack-In

Access the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness via the Madera Canyon or Kentucky Camp trailheads. Multi-day camp hunts in the wilderness core produce the largest and oldest bucks in the unit.

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Coues Whitetail Deer Success Rates

Success rate data not yet available for this species in this unit.

Unit 22 rifle Coues success runs 45–65%. The combination of high deer density in the accessible oak woodland and mature bucks in the wilderness provides consistent opportunity across hunter skill levels. Trophy quality in the Santa Ritas is exceptional — bucks scoring 100+ B&C are regularly taken.

Coues Whitetail Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	494	46.4%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	350	330	57.0%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	50	622	6.6%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Over 4,200 cumulative applicants. Expect 7–13 bonus points for rifle tags. The Santa Ritas' world-class reputation drives consistent demand.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Several campgrounds and RV parks in the Payson area. Houston Mesa Campground nearby. Additional sites along Highway 87 and 260.

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Camp Sites

Extensive dispersed camping on Tonto NF land. Forest roads north of Payson and into the Tonto Basin provide access to numerous sites.

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Trailer Access

Highways 87 and 260 are paved and handle all sizes. Forest roads vary — many are suitable for short trailers in dry conditions.

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Water

Payson for water fill. Carry extra for field camps. Some developed campgrounds have water seasonally.

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Road Conditions

Good paved access via Highways 87 and 260. Forest roads range from maintained gravel to rough two-track. 4WD recommended for Tonto Basin backcountry.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Rim-top terrain is manageable. Tonto Basin canyons and Rim breaks are steep and demanding. This is rugged country.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Proximity to the Phoenix metro (90 min) brings weekend pressure. Extensive backcountry terrain disperses hunters who push past the roads.

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Weather

Fall temps 25-60°F depending on elevation. Freezing nights at higher elevations in October-November. Warmer in the Tonto Basin. Be prepared for variable conditions.

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Cell Service

Good in Payson. Spotty to none in the Tonto Basin backcountry and along the Rim.

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Nearest Town

Payson (full services — hotels, restaurants, gear shops, hospital). Tonto Basin (very limited services — fuel and small store).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mogollon Rim and how does it affect elk hunting?

The Mogollon Rim is a dramatic escarpment running across central Arizona, creating a sharp elevation change of 1,000-2,000 feet. Elk use this terrain feature for security — they feed on the rim top and retreat into the breaks when pressured. Understanding this pattern is key to hunting Unit 22 effectively.

Is Unit 22 a trophy elk unit?

Unit 22 produces above-average bulls with 280-320 class animals taken regularly. It is not in the same tier as Unit 1 or the top White Mountains units, but it offers excellent quality for the draw investment required.

What is the best elevation for mule deer in Unit 22?

The 6,000-7,000 foot oak brush transition zone typically holds the highest deer concentrations. This elevation band provides the browse species and cover that mule deer prefer along the Mogollon Rim.

How physical is deer hunting in Unit 22?

The rim-top ponderosa country is moderate terrain. The Rim breaks are steep and demanding. Plan your hunt strategy based on your fitness level — productive deer hunting is available at both difficulty levels.

Is Unit 22 easier to access than 23/24A?

Slightly. The Superstitions are close to Phoenix with several good trailheads, but the wilderness interior is still as demanding as 23/24A. Allow the same time and gear budget.

Can I boat into Salt River canyon rams?

Yes — Canyon Lake and Apache Lake provide boat access to the lower canyon walls. This can dramatically reduce approach time on some rams. Check current SR 88 conditions for Apache Lake access.

How's the weather for a Unit 22 sheep hunt?

November and December are generally pleasant — 60–75°F days and cool nights. Dry is the norm, though rim snow can dust the higher elevations.

What species of turkey lives in Arizona Unit 22?

Unit 22 holds Merriam's turkeys in the higher ponderosa and mixed-pine elevations. They are the only subspecies native to this part of the Mazatzals.

How hard is the Arizona Unit 22 turkey draw?

It is a moderate draw — roughly 33 tags against 85 applicants over three years. A few bonus points plus the Hunter Education bonus meaningfully improves your odds.

Is Madera Canyon in Unit 22 the best access point for Coues hunting?

Madera Canyon on the west slope is the most popular access, providing excellent glassing terrain and trail access into the wilderness. Box Canyon on the east slope is less crowded and equally productive. Both provide legitimate entry points — the canyon you choose depends on wind direction and where you spot deer on scouting trips.

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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 22 — Expanded Hunt Information (March 2024) — 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 22 — 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 Desert Bighorn Sheep Management — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 22 bighorn herd, Superstition Wilderness habitat, Salt River canyon rims, Once-in-a-lifetime tag · accessed 2026-04-17
Tonto National Forest — Superstition and Mazatzal Wildernesses — USDA Forest Service · supports: Wilderness regulations, Salt River canyon access, Road network · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Spring/fall turkey season structure, Unit 22 hunt codes, Legal weapons and tag limits · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Big Game Draw — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Applicant counts, Draw odds · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 22 (Tonto Basin)

Elk Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Elk in Unit 22

Rim Country Ponderosa (6,500–7,500 ft)

Tonto Basin Canyons and Breaks

Water Dependence

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 22

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 22

Oak Brush Transitions (6,000–7,000 ft)

Rim Breaks

Ponderosa Park Edges

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 22

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Superstition Wilderness Ridges

Salt River Canyon Rims

Mazatzal South-End

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 22

Ponderosa Benches (6,000–7,500 ft)

Riparian Drainages

Logging Road Edges

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 22

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Coues Whitetail Deer Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Coues Whitetail in Unit 22

How to Hunt Coues Whitetail in Unit 22

Coues Whitetail Deer Success Rates

Coues Whitetail Deer Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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