Arizona Mule Deer Pronghorn Elk

Unit 3A (St. Johns)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Elk

Unit 3A covers the flat grasslands and juniper woodland near St. Johns in eastern Arizona. The checkerboard pattern of state, BLM, and private land creates a unique mosaic of open-terrain mule deer habitat. Bucks here thrive in the low-elevation sage and juniper country, and the wide-open terrain makes for classic Western glassing. Public land access requires careful navigation of the ownership patchwork.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 3A.

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Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 3A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 3A

Mule deer in Unit 3A inhabit the open grasslands and juniper breaks surrounding St. Johns.

Grassland Flats

The broad, open grasslands east and south of St. Johns hold deer year-round. Bucks use the scattered juniper pockets for bedding and feed on the sage and grass flats at first and last light. Glass from elevated terrain or road pulloffs to pick apart the open country.

Juniper Breaks

The juniper woodland areas provide bedding security and thermal cover. Bucks tuck into the denser juniper stands during midday and feed along the edges where juniper meets open grassland. These edges are the prime glassing zones.

Drainage Bottoms

The shallow drainages and dry washes that cross the unit hold scattered deer, especially in areas where brush and forbs concentrate along the drainage margins. These corridors funnel deer movement between bedding and feeding areas.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 3A

Unit 3A is built for glassing and spot-and-stalk hunting across open, rolling terrain near St. Johns.

Vehicle-Based Glassing

The ranch road network and county roads that cross the unit allow efficient vehicle-based glassing. Drive to elevated points, set up your spotting scope, and methodically glass the grassland flats and juniper edges. Cover multiple vantage points throughout the day.

Juniper-Edge Stalks

Bucks bedding in juniper pockets can be approached using terrain rolls and scattered brush for cover. Wind is critical in this open country — use the persistent breezes to your advantage and plan stalks with wind in your face.

Water Ambushes

In dry years, the scattered stock tanks and earthen catchments across the grasslands become critical gathering points. Set up downwind of an active water source in the afternoon and wait for bucks to come to water before dark.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Unit 3A mule deer hunts produce solid success rates in the 35-50% range for rifle hunters. The open terrain makes locating deer easier than in heavy-timber units. Buck quality is respectable for the area, and the wide-open grasslands reward dedicated glassers.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	60	2,335	2.1%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	10	1,392	0.7%
Rifle— Early Rifle	20	328	4.6%
Archery— Early Archery	40	441	6.8%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 3A mule deer tags are competitive but slightly more accessible than Unit 1. Expect to need 8-15 bonus points depending on weapon type. Archery tags may draw with fewer points. The unit's quality-to-accessibility ratio makes it an excellent mid-point target for Arizona mule deer applicants building points.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 3A

The open grasslands and sage flats near St. Johns provide ideal pronghorn habitat in Unit 3A. The flat, expansive terrain makes for classic Western pronghorn hunting with long-range glassing and spot-and-stalk approaches. Pronghorn numbers fluctuate with precipitation and forage conditions but the unit consistently produces quality bucks in the 70-80 inch class.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 3A

Pronghorn in Unit 3A concentrate on the open grassland flats where visibility and escape routes favor their survival strategy.

Central Grasslands

The core of the pronghorn range lies in the open sage and grassland flats surrounding St. Johns. Herds use the broad, flat terrain for feeding and can be spotted from miles away with good optics.

Water Sources

Stock tanks and earthen catchments scattered across the grasslands draw pronghorn daily, especially during dry periods. Locate active tanks with fresh sign and plan water-based ambush setups for afternoon hunts.

Southern Flats

The southern portions of the unit away from the main roads hold pronghorn that have less hunter interaction. These areas are worth scouting if areas near St. Johns are seeing pressure.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 3A

Pronghorn hunting near St. Johns is a test of patience, optics, and long-range shooting ability.

Long-Range Glassing

Set up on any elevated point and glass the grassland flats systematically. Pronghorn are visible at extreme distances in this terrain. Identify the largest buck in a group, then begin planning your approach.

Terrain-Based Stalks

Use washes, slight terrain rolls, and scattered juniper clumps to break up your approach. Pronghorn have exceptional eyesight — you need terrain features between you and your target for the entire stalk. Move only when the buck's head is down feeding.

Decoy Tactics

During the early season when bucks are still territorial, a pronghorn decoy can draw bucks into range. Set up the decoy on the edge of a buck's territory and position yourself within shooting range downwind.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn success rates in Unit 3A typically range from 60-80% for rifle hunters. The open terrain makes locating pronghorn relatively straightforward, and tag numbers are kept low enough to maintain quality encounters. Archery success is considerably lower at 15-30% due to the difficulty of stalking within bow range on open ground.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	5	805	0.5%	0
Archery— Early Archery	5	75	2.7%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Arizona pronghorn tags are competitive statewide. Unit 3A typically requires 5-12 bonus points depending on the weapon type. Rifle tags are hardest to draw. Pronghorn applications in Arizona should be treated as a long-term investment — apply every year and build your bonus points steadily.

Elk Hunting in Unit 3A

Unit 3A encompasses the central and western portions of the North Kaibab Plateau, covering dense ponderosa and mixed-conifer forest on one of Arizona's most celebrated elk ranges. The Kaibab is known for producing large-bodied bulls, and 3A represents the most accessible portion of the North Kaibab unit complex. With limited tags against several hundred applicants per hunt code, this is a significant bonus-point commitment for resident and nonresident hunters alike. The unit's well-maintained road network and high public-land percentage make logistics easier than many comparable Arizona elk hunts.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 3A

Elk in Unit 3A are distributed across the North Kaibab Plateau's ponderosa and mixed-conifer matrix. The plateau's relatively flat topography and productive forage base support one of Arizona's highest elk densities.

Open Meadows and Parks (7,500–9,000 ft)

The North Kaibab's open meadows and grassy parks are the primary elk feeding areas. Look for elk in the first and last hour of light on meadow edges near timber. DeMotte Park and the open parks along FR 22 and FR 461 are traditional hotspots.

Water Developments and Stock Tanks

AZGFD and Kaibab NF maintain numerous water developments throughout the unit. These concentrate elk during dry summer archery season. Map every water source before your hunt — elk within 1 mile of water during August archery are highly predictable.

North-Facing Timber (Rifle Season)

Once the rut ends and rifle season opens, bulls push into the thicker north-facing spruce-fir and mixed-conifer stands. Glass from high points into the dark timber and work the transition zones between timber types.

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How to Hunt Elk in Unit 3A

Unit 3A elk hunting is among Arizona's most rewarding. The plateau terrain, high elk density, and quality bulls make this a destination hunt worth the bonus-point investment.

Archery — Bugling and Water Holes

Early-season archery in August targets bulls at water developments. Set up a ground blind or hang a treestand near high-use tanks 2–3 days before the opener. Rut calling (bugling and cow calls) becomes effective mid-September as the peak rut approaches. The open meadows allow stalks at first and last light.

Muzzleloader — Transition Zones

Muzzleloader season typically falls in the early post-rut. Bulls have moved back into timber and are pressured. Focus on feeding meadow edges at dawn and transition zones between timber types. Spot-and-stalk in open parks produces consistent opportunities.

Rifle — Pressure and Patience

The late rifle season concentrates elk in the thicker timber. Work ridge-top glassing points early, then still-hunt through north-facing dark timber midday. Elk on the Kaibab use predictable travel corridors — scouting these before the hunt significantly improves rifle-season success.

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Elk Success Rates

North Kaibab elk hunts routinely produce success rates in the 50–75% range for rifle seasons, and lower but solid rates (25–40%) for archery hunts. Unit 3A's high elk density and quality bulls give hunters realistic opportunities across weapon types. The plateau's open character allows glassing and spot-and-stalk hunting that experienced hunters execute efficiently.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	5	5	60.0%
Rifle— Early Rifle	5	11	18.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	20	6	100.0%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 3A elk tags are some of the most sought-after in Arizona. Arizona's weighted bonus-point system means each point entered in your name once more in the draw pool — not squared — with a partial random component. Most rifle tags require 10–20+ bonus points depending on the hunt code. Archery and muzzleloader codes are somewhat more drawable. Apply consistently, accumulate points, and pursue the Hunter Education bonus to improve your draw position.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited developed sites. Some RV-accessible dispersed camping on BLM and state land near St. Johns.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping available on BLM parcels within the checkerboard. Flat, open ground makes finding sites easy. Verify land ownership before camping.

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Trailer Access

County roads handle trailers. Side roads and two-tracks may require high clearance.

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Water

Carry all water. St. Johns has basic services for water fill. This is arid grassland country.

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Road Conditions

County roads are maintained gravel. Ranch roads and two-tracks vary from decent to rough. Generally passable for 2WD in dry conditions but 4WD is recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy. Open, flat to gently rolling grassland and juniper terrain. The challenge is closing distance on deer, not navigating terrain.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The checkerboard land ownership pattern can limit access and distribute hunters unevenly.

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Weather

Fall temps range 25-65°F. Significant temperature swings between day and night. Wind can be relentless across the open grasslands.

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Cell Service

Some coverage near St. Johns. Spotty to none in the backcountry grasslands. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

St. Johns (basic services — fuel, groceries). Springerville/Eagar (20 min east) for more services. Show Low (45 min) for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Unit 3A compare to Unit 1 for mule deer?

Unit 3A offers slightly easier draw odds and more open, glassable terrain. Trophy ceiling is a notch below Unit 1 but the wide-open grasslands near St. Johns make for a different hunting experience. Good option for hunters who want eastern Arizona deer without extreme point requirements.

Is there public land in Arizona Unit 3A?

Unit 3A has a checkerboard pattern of BLM, state trust, and private land. Public land access is available but requires careful navigation of ownership boundaries. Use the AZ Game & Fish Hunt Arizona app or a GPS mapping app to verify land status before hunting.

How big do pronghorn get in Arizona Unit 3A?

Unit 3A consistently produces bucks in the 70-80 inch range with occasional trophies pushing past 80 inches. The quality habitat and limited harvest allow bucks to reach maturity.

Can I hunt pronghorn with a bow in Unit 3A?

Yes, Arizona offers archery pronghorn tags. However, the open terrain makes closing within bow range extremely challenging. Spot-and-stalk to within 60 yards requires excellent use of terrain features, decoys, or water-source ambush setups.

Is the North Kaibab Unit 3A a good Arizona elk hunt?

Yes — Unit 3A is one of Arizona's premier elk destinations. The North Kaibab Plateau produces large-bodied, well-antlered bulls, and the elk density is among the highest in the state. The bonus-point requirement reflects this quality.

How many bonus points do I need for Arizona Unit 3A elk?

Rifle tags in Unit 3A typically require 10–20+ bonus points depending on the hunt code. Archery and muzzleloader tags are somewhat more accessible. Apply every year, accumulate points, and use Arizona's Hunter Education bonus to improve your draw position.

What is the best time to hunt elk in Unit 3A?

Archery in mid-September targets the peak rut with bugling bulls. Rifle hunters in October and November find elk concentrated in predictable feeding areas and timber after the rut. Water-hole hunting in August archery season is also highly productive on the plateau.

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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 1 — Expanded Hunt Information (May 2025) — 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 1 — 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
GMU 3A — 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 3A — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Canonical unit info page · accessed 2026-04-16
Kaibab National Forest — North Kaibab Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: Road network and MVUM, Dispersed camping regulations, Kaibab NF boundary · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 3A (St. Johns)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 3A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 3A

Grassland Flats

Juniper Breaks

Drainage Bottoms

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 3A

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 3A

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 3A

Central Grasslands

Water Sources

Southern Flats

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 3A

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 3A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 3A

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 3A

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 1 — Springerville Mule Deer

Unit 3A — St. Johns Pronghorn

Unit 4A — Mogollon Rim Mule Deer

Unit 19A — Paulden Pronghorn

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification