Arizona Elk Mule Deer Turkey Coues Whitetail Deer

Unit 23 (Payson)

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

Unit 23 covers the Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek country in the Tonto National Forest, south of the Mogollon Rim in Region VI. The unit offers elk hunting in rugged mountain terrain mixing ponderosa, oak brush, PJ, and mixed conifer from 4,500 to 7,500 feet. The remote Sierra Anchas backcountry and steep Canyon Creek drainage hold a healthy elk herd with above-average opportunity for hunters willing to earn it in demanding terrain.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 23.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

Elk in Unit 23 use the Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek terrain across a wide elevation range within the Tonto NF.

Sierra Anchas Timber (6,500–7,500 ft)

The ponderosa and mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Anchas hold elk year-round. Meadow edges, park openings, and timbered ridges are key habitat features. This is remote country — the effort to access it rewards you with less-pressured elk.

Canyon Creek Drainage

The Canyon Creek drainage and its tributaries provide travel corridors and security cover for elk. The steep, brushy canyon breaks hold elk that are pushed from more accessible areas. Hunt the canyon rims and the transition between upper creek benches and the timbered ridges above.

Stock Tanks and Water

Water is a critical attractant across the Tonto NF. Active stock tanks and springs concentrate elk movement, especially during dry fall conditions. Scout tanks pre-season along the forest roads into the Sierra Anchas to identify the most productive ones.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

Unit 23 elk hunting rewards physical fitness and willingness to penetrate the rugged Sierra Anchas backcountry.

Sierra Anchas Backcountry

The most productive elk hunting in Unit 23 is in the remote Sierra Anchas interior. Plan for multi-mile hikes from road ends into the mountain basins and ridges. The effort to access this country rewards you with less-pressured elk and above-average encounter rates.

Archery Rut Opportunity

September archery during the rut is the best opportunity. Bulls bugle in the Sierra Anchas timber and along Canyon Creek. The remote nature of the terrain means elk are less call-shy than in road-accessible units. Set up on meadow edges before dawn.

Rifle Season Tactics

During rifle season, focus on the first and last light windows at meadow edges and water sources in the upper Canyon Creek drainage and Sierra Anchas. Midday still-hunting through dark timber can produce encounters with bedded elk.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery18%

Unit 23 elk success rates average 15-22% for rifle and 6-12% for archery. The rugged terrain of the Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek makes this a physically demanding hunt. However, hunters who commit to the backcountry report solid results. Bull quality is average at 240-280 class.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	150	2,501	3.8%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	100	237	31.6%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	100	214	24.3%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	100	246	24.4%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	210	2,757	4.7%
Archery— Late Archery Nov	200	254	34.3%
Archery— Late Archery Nov	25	30	43.3%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 23 elk tags require 5-10 bonus points for rifle. The unit's proximity to Phoenix keeps application numbers high, but draw odds are moderate. Archery is more accessible. A reasonable choice for hunters with modest point balances who are willing to work harder for their elk.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 supports a healthy mule deer population across the Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek country in the Tonto NF. The diverse terrain from PJ and oak brush through ponderosa to mixed conifer provides excellent deer habitat from 4,500 to 7,500 feet. The rugged terrain and remote access keep hunting pressure low, rewarding patient hunters who work the brush and canyon terrain.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 23

Mule deer in Unit 23 favor the mid-elevation brush transitions and canyon terrain of the Sierra Anchas.

Oak Brush and PJ (4,500–6,500 ft)

The oak brush and PJ woodland across the Sierra Anchas foothills holds the best deer concentrations. Bucks bed in thick brush pockets and feed in openings at dawn and dusk. Glass brush edges and transition zones carefully.

Canyon Creek and Side Drainages

The steep Canyon Creek drainage and its tributaries provide security cover for mature bucks. Glass into the canyons from ridge-top positions at first light to locate deer on benches and canyon walls.

Riparian Bottoms

Canyon Creek and the seasonal side drainages with remaining water and green browse concentrate deer movement. These riparian corridors funnel deer between bedding and feeding areas.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 23

Success in Unit 23 requires working the rugged Sierra Anchas brush and canyon terrain.

Brush-Edge Glassing

Set up above brush fields and transition zones at dawn. Glass every opening, edge, and bench methodically. The Sierra Anchas terrain provides excellent vantage points for long-range glassing across the brush and canyon country.

Canyon Still-Hunting

Work up Canyon Creek and the side drainages slowly during midday, glassing ahead frequently. Bucks bed on points and benches above the drainage floor. The canyon terrain provides natural approach cover if you move carefully.

Late-Season Concentration

Cold snaps and snow push deer to south-facing slopes and lower-elevation brush. These conditions concentrate deer and increase visibility. Monitor weather and plan hunts around cold fronts.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 23 averages 18-28%. The rugged Sierra Anchas terrain makes this a physical hunt. Buck quality is average with bucks in the 130-155 class being typical. Hunters who invest time working the Canyon Creek and Sierra Anchas backcountry outperform the average.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	350	1,390	17.6%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	10	529	1.7%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	467	25.3%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	476	24.6%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 23 mule deer tags require 3-7 bonus points for rifle. One of the more accessible Arizona mule deer draws. Good option for hunters with moderate point balances who want accessible public-land deer hunting near the Phoenix metro.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 covers the Sierra Ancha Mountains and Canyon Creek country in Tonto National Forest, south of the Mogollon Rim. Elevations run from 4,500 feet along the Salt River to over 7,600 feet on Aztec Peak. Merriam's turkeys use the ponderosa, mixed conifer, and oak-pine transition zones across the unit. The Sierra Ancha Wilderness and Canyon Creek drainage offer backcountry turkey hunting rare in the Southwest.

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 23

Merriam's turkeys use three primary habitat belts.

Ponderosa Belt (6,000–7,000 ft)

Open ponderosa with interspersed oak and grass understory is the core turkey habitat. Work meadow edges and water sources.

Canyon Creek Riparian

The Canyon Creek drainage and its tributaries hold turkeys year-round. Riparian vegetation and acorn-producing oaks concentrate birds.

Sierra Ancha Mixed Conifer Edges

Upper Sierra Ancha mixed conifer edges hold birds during summer. They descend to lower elevations as fall progresses.

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How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 23

23 turkey hunting rewards roost-up strategy and quiet approach.

Pre-Roost Scouting

Scout roost trees in the days before the season. Mature ponderosa along creek drainages are preferred. Listen for gobbling at dawn and dusk.

Call from Setup

Set up 100–150 yards from suspected roost trees before first light. Call softly at first light and let the birds work toward you.

Canyon Creek Strategy

The riparian corridor along Canyon Creek funnels bird movement. Set up on approach routes between roost and feeding areas.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

Rifle30%

Unit 23 issues generous turkey tags (~523 across three recent years against ~719 applicants). Success rates on AZ Merriam's hunts run 25–40% depending on weather and pre-season scouting effort. Trophy quality (longbeard toms with spurs) is solid.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	150	139	33.1%
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	100	136	64.7%
Rifle— Early Rifle	100	137	68.6%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 23 is drawable at low bonus-point balances for most turkey hunt codes. Arizona's weighted bonus-point draw routes 20% of tags to max-point applicants first, then 80% via random weighted draw. A hunter-ed bonus point is available to applicants who complete AZGFD-recognized hunter education.

Coues Whitetail Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 surrounds the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson, drawing over 5,000 cumulative Coues whitetail applicants. The Coronado National Forest sky island habitat produces large-antlered Coues bucks in rocky terrain with outstanding glassing visibility. Proximity to Tucson increases competition, but the Rincon Mountain Wilderness and the high Catalina ridges protect substantial numbers of mature, unpressured bucks.

Where to Find Coues Whitetail in Unit 23

Unit 23 Coues deer concentrate in the rocky canyons, grassy saddles, and oak woodland parks of the Rincon and Catalina mountain flanks.

Rincon Mountain Wilderness

The roadless Rincon Mountain Wilderness holds mature bucks with minimal hunting pressure. Access requires pack-in trips from trailheads in Saguaro National Park East — hunt coordination with NPS is necessary for trailhead access.

Catalina Foothills Oak Zone

The south and east-facing oak woodland below 6,000 ft on the Catalinas produces reliable buck sightings. Glass from ridges overlooking oak-grassland parks using 10x+ binoculars in the morning feeding period.

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How to Hunt Coues Whitetail in Unit 23

Glass-and-stalk on sky island terrain. Unit 23 rewards patience with exceptional trophy potential in the wilderness core.

Wilderness Pack-In

Hunting the Rincon Wilderness requires multi-day pack-in camps and trailhead coordination. Bucks in the core wilderness are older and less pressured than the road-accessible margins. The effort investment pays off in mature buck encounters.

Road-Accessible Fringe

The Catalina foothills accessible from the Mt. Lemmon Road offer a more accessible entry point. Glass from elevated pull-offs and execute same-day stalks on bucks feeding in oak parks below the road.

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Coues Whitetail Deer Success Rates

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

Unit 23 Coues rifle success runs 40–60%. The wilderness areas produce the largest bucks but require the most effort. Road-accessible areas offer more consistent shot opportunities on younger-class bucks.

Coues Whitetail Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	175	421	27.1%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	175	345	29.6%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	75	928	6.7%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Over 5,000 cumulative applicants make Unit 23 competitive. Expect 7–12 bonus points for rifle Coues tags in this unit. Proximity to Tucson drives demand.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited developed sites near the unit. Young and Pleasant Valley offer some basic camping. Payson RV parks are 45-60 minutes away.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Tonto NF land. Forest roads into the Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek provide access to remote backcountry sites.

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Trailer Access

Highway 288 (Young Road) provides the primary access but is steep, winding, and partly unpaved. Not recommended for large trailers.

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Water

Young has very limited services. Carry all water for backcountry camps. Payson (60 min) for full resupply.

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Road Conditions

Highway 288 to Young is the main access — partly paved, partly gravel, steep switchbacks. Interior forest roads are rough and require high-clearance 4WD. Some roads may be impassable after rain.

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Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous. The Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek country is steep, rugged mountain terrain. Expect significant elevation changes and demanding pack-outs. High fitness level recommended.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The difficult access and rugged terrain deter casual hunters. Backcountry areas see very little pressure.

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Weather

Fall temps 20-55°F depending on elevation. Freezing nights at higher elevations. Snow possible in the Sierra Anchas from October on.

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Cell Service

None in most of the unit. Very limited near Young. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Young (very limited services — fuel and small store). Payson (60 min) for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 23 good for backcountry elk hunting?

Yes. The Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek drainage offer some of Arizona's most rugged and rewarding backcountry elk hunting. The difficult access keeps pressure low in the interior. Hunters who are physically prepared find quality elk with minimal competition.

How do I access Unit 23?

The primary access is Highway 288 (Young Road) from Highway 87 near Payson, or from Highway 260 to the north. The road to Young is steep and winding with unpaved sections. Interior forest roads require high-clearance 4WD. Plan your access route carefully.

How rugged is Unit 23 for mule deer hunting?

Very rugged. The Sierra Anchas and Canyon Creek country feature steep terrain with significant elevation changes. Expect demanding hiking and challenging pack-outs. The payoff is low hunting pressure and quality deer in remote country.

When is the rut in Unit 23?

Mule deer rut in Unit 23 peaks mid-to-late November. Bucks become active during daylight and cruise doe groups across transition terrain. Plan your hunt dates around this window if possible for the best buck encounters.

Is Unit 23 Merriam's or Gould's turkey?

Merriam's. Gould's turkey occupies southeastern Arizona sky islands; Unit 23's Sierra Ancha–Canyon Creek country is firmly Merriam's range.

When's the best spring season?

Mid-to-late April into early May typically brings peak gobbling activity in 23. Weather variance year-to-year shifts the peak by a week or two.

Where do I stage for a Unit 23 turkey hunt?

Payson for good access and full services (~60 min to central 23). Young is closer but extremely limited. Globe works for southern Cherry Creek access.

Can I hunt Unit 23 in Saguaro National Park?

No — Saguaro National Park (both east and west districts) is closed to hunting. The park trailheads provide access to the adjacent Rincon Mountain Wilderness where hunting is permitted. Coordinate with NPS for current trailhead access procedures.

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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 23 — Expanded Hunt Information (February 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 23 — 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 Turkey Hunting — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Merriam's turkey distribution in AZ, Unit 23 population, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-17
Tonto National Forest — Sierra Ancha Wilderness & Pleasant Valley RD — USDA Forest Service · supports: Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Cherry Creek Road, Dispersed camping · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Big Game Draw — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Applicant counts, Draw odds · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 23 (Payson)

Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

Sierra Anchas Timber (6,500–7,500 ft)

Canyon Creek Drainage

Stock Tanks and Water

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 23

Oak Brush and PJ (4,500–6,500 ft)

Canyon Creek and Side Drainages

Riparian Bottoms

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 23

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 23

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 23

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Coues Whitetail Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Coues Whitetail in Unit 23

How to Hunt Coues Whitetail in Unit 23

Coues Whitetail Deer Success Rates

Coues Whitetail Deer Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 23 — Payson Mule Deer

Unit 22 — Tonto Basin Elk

Unit 9 — Coconino Plateau Elk

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification