Unit 3BN (Unit 3BN Elk)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

Unit 3BN is the north half of GMU 3B, covering country north of Interstate 40 between Holbrook and Chevelon Canyon in northeastern Arizona. The unit is a mix of pinyon-juniper, open grasslands, and scattered ponderosa stringers on the higher benches. Elk use 3BN as transition and wintering habitat moving south from the Rim country. With about 85 tags over three years against 81 applicants, 3BN elk is one of the more drawable elk opportunities in Arizona.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 3BN

Where to Find Elk in Unit 3BN

Elk in 3BN are distributed across pinyon-juniper mesas and scattered ponderosa ridges. We focus on water and the higher-elevation stringers.

Chevelon Canyon Rim

The north rim of Chevelon Canyon holds pockets of ponderosa and acts as a travel corridor between Rim-country summer range and winter country north of I-40.

Stock Tanks and Windmill Country

The unit is checkered with stock tanks across state and private sections. Active tanks pull elk reliably in dry stretches.

Pinyon-Juniper Benches

Transitional PJ with occasional ponderosa stringers between 6,000 and 6,800 feet holds bedded elk through the day.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 3BN

3BN is a glass-and-truck unit. We recommend posting on mesa edges at dawn and covering ground between glassing points through the day.

Spot and Stalk

Glass from two-track roads along mesa rims at first and last light. Bulls work between feeding meadows and bedding timber predictably.

Water-Source Ambush

In dry years, set up on a stock tank or windmill showing fresh sign — elk will cycle back every 24-48 hours.

Mid-Day Still-Hunt

Walk quiet PJ benches during warm afternoons — bedded bulls are vulnerable when you pick your route and move slowly.

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Elk Success Rates

Unit 3BN elk success typically runs 20-35% across rifle hunts. The unit is drawable and pressure is moderate, but the mix of pinyon-juniper and open grassland rewards glassing-oriented hunters. Bull quality is modest by Arizona standards but consistent.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	10	2	100.0%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	10	1	0.0%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	25	8	87.5%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	15	68	14.7%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	25	5	100.0%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Arizona's weighted bonus-point draw enters your name once per bonus point (plus loyalty and Hunter Education bonuses), not squared, with partial randomization. Unit 3BN is one of the easier Arizona elk draws — roughly 85 tags across three years against 81 applicants. Many hunts here can be drawn with zero or a few bonus points, and the Hunter Ed bonus is a useful edge.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Holbrook KOA and local RV parks along I-40 are the main options. No developed campgrounds inside the unit.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on state trust land (with valid permit) and scattered BLM parcels. Many interior sections are private.

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Trailer Access

I-40 and AZ-77 are fully paved. Interior two-tracks vary — small trailers OK on main county roads.

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Water

Very limited natural water. Holbrook and Joseph City for fills; bring extra.

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Road Conditions

County roads are graded; interior roads are dirt two-track that turn greasy when wet.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Flat to rolling mesa country.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate — drawable hunts pull steady pressure on the main access roads.

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Weather

October-November days 55-75°F, nights 25-40°F. Wind is relentless on the mesas.

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Cell Service

Service along I-40 and near Holbrook; none in the back sections.

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Nearest Town

Holbrook (full services). Winslow and Joseph City for secondary supplies.

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Permit Notes

Arizona State Trust Land recreation permit required for camping/access on state sections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 3BN a drawable Arizona elk unit?

Yes — 3BN is one of the more drawable Arizona elk units, with roughly 85 tags over three years against 81 applicants. Many hunts here go with zero or few bonus points.

Do I need a State Trust Land permit for Unit 3BN?

Yes — much of 3BN is State Trust Land, so you need the Arizona State Land Department recreation permit to camp or access those sections legally.

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Sources & Verification

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

2026 Arizona Pronghorn and Elk Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 3BN elk season structure, Tag quotas, Hunt area boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 3BN elk draw odds, Weighted bonus-point system, Hunter education bonus · accessed 2026-04-17
GMU 3B — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: GMU 3B habitat, Access points, Land ownership notes · accessed 2026-04-17