Unit 5A/5B (Sitgreaves - Heber)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Bison

This combined bison hunt covers GMUs 05A and 05B in Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) issues a very small number of bison tags through a weighted random draw with bonus points, making these among the most competitive tags in the state.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Bison Hunting in Unit 5A/5B

Where to Find Bison in Unit 05A/05B

Bison use open parks, meadow complexes, and timbered edges in the unit.

Open Parks

Natural meadows and parks are primary feeding habitat.

Timber Edges

Bison use timbered edges for cover during the heat of the day.

Water

Stock tanks and natural water sources anchor herd movement.

How to Hunt Bison in Unit 05A/05B

Locate herds first, then plan a careful stalk — these are large animals requiring heavy caliber rifles and a considered shot plan.

Locating Herds

Glass open parks at first and last light; sign is obvious where bison are present.

Stalking

Use terrain and wind to close distance; respect safe shooting lanes and backstops.

Logistics

Plan recovery logistics in advance — meat care from a bison is a major undertaking.

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Bison Success Rates

Recent draw and success trends are in the Draw Odds chart on this page.

Bison Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	2	246	0.0%
Rifle— Early Rifle	1	407	0.0%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	2	451	0.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	2	397	0.3%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	2	174	1.1%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	1	2,603	0.0%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	2	209	1.0%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

AZGFD issues a very small number of bison tags through a weighted random draw with bonus points. Review the Draw Odds chart on this page for recent applicant and tag counts.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Developed campgrounds are available on Forest Service lands within and near the unit.

⛺

Camp Sites

Dispersed camping is allowed on most National Forest lands subject to travel rules.

🛻

Trailer Access

Paved access handles trailers; interior roads vary.

💧

Water

Higher-elevation portions hold more natural water; carry water for camp.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Main roads passable with 2WD; secondary roads may need high clearance.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — timbered benches and meadow parks.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Very low due to small tag quota.

🌦️

Weather

Mild in early fall; freezing temps and snow possible late season.

📱

Cell Service

Limited in the backcountry.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Regional service towns provide fuel, groceries, and lodging.

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Unlock logistics for Unit 05A/05B

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are Arizona bison tags?

Bison tags are among the most sought-after in Arizona. AZGFD uses a weighted random draw with bonus points; tag numbers are very small.

Where do I see draw trends?

Use the Draw Odds chart on this page to review recent applicant and tag counts.

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Sources & Verification

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

AZGFD Hunt Guidelines — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season structure and hunt guidelines for Arizona big game, Unit boundary descriptions and hunt codes · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Legal weapons, bag limits, and tag requirements, License, tag, and draw application rules · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Weighted random draw with bonus points, Loyalty and hunter education bonus points · accessed 2026-04-17