Skip to content
ProHunt
Arizona Bighorn Sheep

Unit 23/24A (Sierra Ancha – Mazatzal North Bighorn)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

The combined Unit 23/24A bighorn hunt covers the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, the Mazatzal Wilderness, and the Tonto NF cliff country between Young, Roosevelt Lake, and the Mogollon Rim country. Desert bighorn were reintroduced here from Kofa herds and have expanded into the steep canyonlands of Cherry Creek, Salome Creek, and the north Mazatzals. Rams show exceptional trophy potential but the habitat is among the most demanding in the state.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 23/24A

The combined Unit 23/24A bighorn hunt covers the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, the Mazatzal Wilderness, and the Tonto NF cliff country between Young, Roosevelt Lake, and the Mogollon Rim country. Desert bighorn were reintroduced here from Kofa herds and have expanded into the steep canyonlands of Cherry Creek, Salome Creek, and the north Mazatzals. Rams show exceptional trophy potential but the habitat is among the most demanding in the state.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 23/24A

Rams inhabit the steepest canyonlands of central Arizona's Tonto NF.

Sierra Ancha Cliff Bands

The Sierra Ancha Wilderness contains classic bighorn habitat in its limestone and sandstone cliff systems. Access from FR 203 (Cherry Creek Road) and the Young area.

Mazatzal North Ridge Systems

The north Mazatzals and associated rim country hold secondary ram populations. Access from SR 87 near Payson.

Salome Creek and Workman Creek Canyons

These deep canyon systems cutting the Sierra Ancha Plateau offer the best trophy ram potential in the unit.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 23/24A

Pro Members Only

Unlock Bighorn Sheep tactics for Unit 23/24A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%
Success in Unit 23/24A runs 85–95%, consistent with AZ bighorn averages. Tag numbers are tiny (~4 over three years) and trophy quality is high — 160–175 B&C class rams are regularly taken, with occasional giants above 180.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle25230.4% 0
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec25280.2% 0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 23/24A is one of Arizona's most sought-after bighorn draws given the trophy potential. With only ~4 tags over three years and 1,062 applicants, odds are around 0.4% per applicant. Arizona's weighted bonus-point system routes 20% to max-point holders first, 80% to a random weighted draw. Plan on 20–25+ bonus points for realistic competitiveness.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for Unit 23/24A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 23/24A the best trophy bighorn unit in Arizona?
It's one of the top-3 for book rams. The Sierra Ancha and Mazatzal ram groups have produced several B&C-class rams in recent years. Competition for the tag is correspondingly fierce.
How long does a 23/24A hunt typically take?
Plan 10–14 days of hunting plus 2–4 pre-season scouting weekends. Wilderness access and the sheer size of the unit make quick hunts impractical.
Can I use an outfitter on Unit 23/24A?
Yes, and most successful hunters do. Tonto NF wilderness-experienced guides add tremendous value given the terrain complexity.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr

Sources & Verification

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

  1. AZGFD Desert Bighorn Sheep Management — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Combined 23/24A bighorn hunt, Sierra Ancha and Mazatzal herds, Reintroduction history, Once-in-a-lifetime tag · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. AZGFD Draw Portal — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: 23/24A bighorn historical odds, Tag allocation, Bonus point rules · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Tonto National Forest — Sierra Ancha and Mazatzal Wildernesses — USDA Forest Service · supports: Wilderness regulations, Cherry Creek and Salome Creek access, Road network · accessed 2026-04-17