Arizona Elk Mule Deer Turkey Bighorn Sheep

Unit 27 (Eagle Creek)

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

Unit 27 covers the Eagle Creek drainage and surrounding mountain terrain in eastern Arizona, bridging the Apache-Sitgreaves NF and the San Carlos region. This remote unit offers elk hunting in rugged, lightly pressured country with above-average bull quality. The combination of difficult access and rough terrain keeps hunter numbers low, rewarding those willing to earn their elk in demanding backcountry.

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 27.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Elk in Unit 27

Elk in Unit 27 are distributed across the mountainous terrain from mixed conifer highlands down through ponderosa and PJ zones.

High Ridges and Basins (7,000–8,500 ft)

The upper-elevation ridges and basins hold elk during summer and early fall. Mixed conifer and ponderosa forests with meadow pockets provide excellent habitat. These areas are remote and require significant effort to access.

Eagle Creek Drainage

The Eagle Creek drainage and its tributaries create corridors that elk use for movement between seasonal ranges. Focus on the creek-bottom meadows and benches above the creek for feeding and bedding areas.

Remote Water Sources

Springs and seeps in the backcountry hold elk in this dry unit. Finding reliable water sources away from main access points is key to locating undisturbed herds.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 27

Unit 27 is backcountry elk hunting at its most raw — remote, rugged, and rewarding.

Backcountry Commitment

Plan for a multi-day backcountry hunt. Most productive areas require 3-5 mile hikes from the nearest road. Pack camp gear and enough food and water for 3-5 days minimum. A lightweight camp setup is essential for mobility.

September Bugling in Remote Basins

The September archery season puts you in elk heaven when bulls are bugling across the remote basins. The lower hunter density means bulls are less call-shy than in accessible units. Aggressive calling works well early in the season.

Glassing Remote Parks

During rifle season, set up on high ridges and glass the parks, basins, and creek-bottom meadows at dawn and dusk. The remote terrain means you may see elk moving in daylight more than in heavily pressured units. Patience and optics are your primary weapons.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Muzzleloader22%

Archery18%

Unit 27 elk success rates typically range from 25-40% for rifle and 12-20% for archery. The lower hunter density and healthy herd produce above-average success for those willing to work for it. Bull quality is above average with 280-320+ class bulls available in the remote drainages.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	250	1,081	9.0%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	1,084	10.1%
Rifle— Early Rifle	25	19	78.9%
Rifle— Early Rifle	225	1,510	6.8%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	250	3,031	4.7%
Muzzleloader— Early Muzzleloader	40	836	1.9%
Archery— Early Archery	250	1,644	6.6%
Archery— Late Archery Nov	30	92	19.6%
Archery— Early Archery	25	39	33.3%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 27 elk tags require 8-14 bonus points for rifle. The unit's remote nature and difficult terrain keep application numbers somewhat lower than comparable-quality units near population centers. Above-average bull quality combined with moderate draw requirements make this an excellent value in the Arizona elk application landscape.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 27

Unit 27 offers rugged backcountry mule deer hunting in the Eagle Creek drainage of eastern Arizona. The remote terrain and limited access keep hunting pressure low, allowing bucks to reach maturity. The diverse habitat from mixed conifer to PJ and brush supports a healthy deer population with above-average buck quality for hunters willing to invest the physical effort.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 27

Mule deer in Unit 27 use the diverse elevation zones across the mountain terrain.

PJ and Brush Transitions (5,500–7,000 ft)

The mid-elevation PJ and brush zone holds the best deer concentrations. Bucks bed in thick brush pockets on north-facing slopes and feed in adjacent openings and south-facing exposures.

Canyon Drainages

The Eagle Creek tributaries and side canyons provide corridors of riparian habitat that concentrate deer. Canyon benches above the creek bottoms offer bedding sites with escape routes.

South-Facing Browse Slopes

Late-season deer concentrate on south-facing slopes with sun exposure and available browse. These slopes are highly glassable from opposing ridges and produce some of the best trophy encounters.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 27

Mule deer hunting in Unit 27 is physical, demanding, and highly rewarding for prepared hunters.

Ridge-Top Glassing

Access high ridges and glass the surrounding brush slopes, canyon walls, and openings at dawn and dusk. The mountain terrain provides excellent long-range glassing opportunities. Quality optics are essential.

Canyon Bottom Stalks

Work up canyon bottoms slowly during midday, glassing ahead for bedded bucks on the benches and points above. The canyon terrain provides approach cover if you stay below the deer's line of sight.

Rut in Remote Country

November rut in Unit 27 is special — bucks move during daylight with minimal human disturbance. The low hunter density means deer exhibit more natural behavior, making them easier to pattern and intercept.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 27 averages 25-40%. The low pressure and healthy deer numbers produce above-average results for hunters who make the effort. Buck quality is above average with 150-175+ class bucks available in the remote drainages.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	500	1,836	18.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	25	868	2.4%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	100	652	13.5%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	100	667	14.4%
Rifle— Early Rifle	280	191	89.5%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 27 mule deer tags require 5-10 bonus points for rifle. The remote access keeps application numbers reasonable relative to deer quality. An excellent value pick for Arizona mule deer applicants who are physically capable of backcountry hunting.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 27

Unit 27 covers the Blue Range and White Mountains country in eastern Arizona. The mix of ponderosa, mixed conifer, and canyon drainages holds a strong Merriam's turkey population. Tag numbers are generous relative to applicant pressure, making Unit 27 one of Arizona's most accessible spring and fall turkey hunts. We consider this a high-quality opportunity unit for hunters new to Arizona turkey.

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 27

Merriam's in Unit 27 use classic ponderosa and mixed-conifer country.

Blue Range Drainages

The Blue River and its tributaries hold strong turkey populations year-round. Roosting birds favor tall ponderosas along canyon edges.

Hannagan Meadow Country

The high country around Hannagan Meadow and adjacent openings supports flocks in spring. Gobbling carries well in the meadow-rim terrain.

Eagle Creek System

Eagle Creek and its tributaries offer productive spring turkey country with reliable water and diverse feed.

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How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 27

Run-and-gun and patient setups both work.

Roost Scouting

The evening before opening day, drive slowly and listen for gobbling at last light. Locate a roost, plan a morning setup 100–200 yards off the roost along a natural travel route.

Morning Calling

Start soft at first light with yelps and purrs. If birds answer from the roost, stay patient — let the bird fly down and commit. Aggressive cutting works on hot birds; subtle calling wins tough mornings.

Afternoon Strut Zones

After fly-down, toms drift to strutting areas in open parks or on rim edges. If morning setups fail, relocate to known strut zones and set up a stationary watch.

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Turkey Success Rates

Shotgun35%

Arizona Merriam's turkey hunts typically post moderate success rates in the 25%–40% range depending on conditions, calling experience, and roost-scouting effort. Unit 27 runs at or above this average given its strong bird density and forest habitat quality. Tom quality is representative Merriam's — light-tipped tails and 9–10 inch beards are common.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	375	141	66.0%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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With ~472 applicants over 3 years and ~749 tags offered across spring and fall hunts, Unit 27 draws with low point requirements. Many hunts draw with 0 or 1 bonus point. Arizona's weighted-random system, 20% 0-point pass-through, and hunter-ed bonus all favor accessibility here. Excellent first-turkey-tag target.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 27

Unit 27 in eastern Arizona contains a small but well-managed Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population in the Blue Range Primitive Area and surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest country. Unlike the desert bighorns elsewhere in Arizona, these are Rocky Mountain bighorns transplanted into the rugged canyon country of the Blue River drainage. Tags are extraordinarily rare — typically 1–2 per year — making this one of the toughest draws in North America. The physical demands of the Blue Range rival any sheep hunt in the West.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27

Blue Range bighorns inhabit the steepest, most rugged canyon country in the unit.

Blue River Drainage

The Blue River canyons and side drainages form the core range for the unit's bighorn population.

Cliff Bands and Escape Terrain

Rams bed on cliff shelves with commanding views; glass from opposite ridges.

Transplant Release Sites

Historic AZGFD release sites along the Blue River remain anchor habitat.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27

This is the toughest sheep hunt in Arizona. Plan for extreme physical effort.

Scouting and Locating

Begin scouting weeks before opener. Hike the Blue Range trail system and glass for rams.

Backpack Hunting

Plan to backpack into remote country and stay multiple nights. No motorized access in primitive-area zones.

Guided Support

Virtually all hunters hire a guide or knowledgeable packer — the Blue Range is unforgiving without experience.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Unit 27 bighorn success typically runs near 100% given the extreme effort permit-holders invest. Ram quality is outstanding with Rocky Mountain bighorns scoring 170-190 B&C regularly. Review the Success chart for current data.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle	2	725	0.1%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 27 bighorn sheep is among the toughest draws in North America. Under AZGFD's weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus, successful residents almost always hold 20+ bonus points. Non-resident odds are near-lottery. Apply every year for the random-component chance.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Very limited. Some dispersed RV-accessible sites near the unit boundary on forest roads. No developed RV campgrounds inside the unit.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on NF land and backcountry camp setups. Plan for primitive camping conditions.

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Trailer Access

Not recommended for most of the unit. Forest roads are rough, narrow, and steep in places.

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Water

Limited and unreliable. Carry all water needed for multi-day backcountry camps. Some seasonal creeks may have water — filter and treat all sources.

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Road Conditions

Remote forest roads in variable condition. Many require high-clearance 4WD. Some roads may be impassable after rain. Scout access routes in advance.

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Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous. Rugged mountain terrain with steep drainages, heavy timber, and significant elevation changes. High fitness level required.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. Remote access and difficult terrain deter casual hunters. Expect minimal encounters with other hunters.

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Weather

Fall temps 15-50°F. Snow possible at higher elevations from October on. Monsoon moisture may linger into September. Prepare for variable mountain weather.

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Cell Service

None. No cell coverage in the unit. Satellite communicator is essential for safety.

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Nearest Town

Clifton/Morenci (limited services, 30-60 min depending on access route). Safford (1 hour) for more services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How remote is Unit 27 for elk hunting?

Very remote. Most productive areas require multi-day backcountry hunts with 3-5+ mile hikes from the nearest road. There is no cell service. Plan for self-sufficient wilderness hunting with satellite communication for emergencies.

Is Unit 27 worth the effort compared to easier units?

Absolutely — if you are physically prepared and enjoy backcountry hunting. The low hunter density translates to less-pressured elk, higher encounter rates, and above-average bull quality. The difficulty of the terrain is the price you pay for quality elk hunting with fewer people.

Can I drive to productive deer hunting areas in Unit 27?

Some roadside areas hold deer, but the best hunting requires hiking into remote drainages and ridges. Plan for backcountry access — the effort pays off in lower pressure and better buck quality.

What physical fitness level is needed for Unit 27?

High. Expect steep terrain with 1,000-2,000+ feet of elevation change in a day. Pack-out of a deer from remote areas is strenuous. Train for mountain hunting with loaded pack hikes before your trip.

Is Unit 27 a good first Arizona turkey hunt?

Yes. With ~472 applicants for ~749 tags across seasons, 27 is among the most accessible turkey draws in the state. Combine it with the 20% 0-point pass-through pool and most applicants can realistically draw.

Spring or fall — which is better in Unit 27?

Spring gets the marquee gobbling experience and higher hunter participation. Fall hunts have lighter pressure but require flock-busting or patterning tactics rather than calling gobblers. Our recommendation: start with spring for the classic experience, then try fall if you want a calmer hunt.

Are Unit 27 bighorns desert or Rocky Mountain sheep?

Rocky Mountain bighorns. AZGFD transplanted Rocky Mountain bighorns into the Blue Range starting in the 1980s, and the population has grown into a huntable herd.

How physically demanding is a Unit 27 sheep hunt?

Extreme. The Blue Range is among the most rugged country in Arizona. Plan for multi-day backpack hunts in steep canyon terrain with elevation gains exceeding 3,000 ft per day.

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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 27 — Expanded Hunt Information (February 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 27 — 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
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests — Alpine / Clifton Districts — USDA Forest Service — Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · supports: Forest access, Road network, Wilderness and Blue Range Primitive Area · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Bighorn Sheep Species Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Rocky Mountain bighorn transplants, Blue Range population history, Management plan · accessed 2026-04-17
2026 Arizona Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bighorn sheep hunt structure, Unit 27 tag quotas, Once-in-a-lifetime rules · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 27 (Eagle Creek)

Elk Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Elk in Unit 27

High Ridges and Basins (7,000–8,500 ft)

Eagle Creek Drainage

Remote Water Sources

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 27

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 27

PJ and Brush Transitions (5,500–7,000 ft)

Canyon Drainages

South-Facing Browse Slopes

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 27

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Turkey in Unit 27

How to Hunt Turkey in Unit 27

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 27

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27

Blue River Drainage

Cliff Bands and Escape Terrain

Transplant Release Sites

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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