Arizona Elk Mule Deer Pronghorn Bighorn Sheep Turkey

Unit 6A (Mormon Lake)

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

Unit 6A encompasses the Mormon Lake area south of Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest. This ponderosa-dominated unit holds a solid elk herd with average trophy quality but consistent opportunity. The unit is popular due to its accessibility and proximity to Flagstaff, which means moderate hunting pressure along road corridors and better hunting in the backcountry timber.

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 6A.

📋

Elk Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 6A

Elk in Unit 6A are spread across the Coconino NF south of Flagstaff with concentrations around the Mormon Lake basin and adjacent forest.

Mormon Lake Basin (7,000–7,500 ft)

The meadows and ponderosa parks surrounding Mormon Lake hold elk year-round. During wet years when the lake holds water, the surrounding grasslands are magnets for grazing elk herds. Glass the open areas from forest road vantage points.

Timbered Ridges (7,500–8,500 ft)

The higher-elevation ridges south and east of Mormon Lake hold elk that retreat from road pressure. Dense ponderosa and mixed conifer timber provide bedding security while adjacent parks offer feeding opportunities.

Stock Tanks

Scattered stock tanks across the unit draw elk, especially during dry fall conditions. Active tanks with fresh sign are reliable ambush locations for both archery and rifle hunters.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 6A

Unit 6A elk hunting rewards hunters who avoid the road-corridor pressure and commit to working the timber.

Archery Rut Strategy

September bugling is productive in Unit 6A. Focus on meadow edges and wallows away from main forest roads. The rut peaks mid-to-late September. Set up before dawn near active areas and use cow calls to draw bulls into openings.

Rifle Season Approach

During rifle season, the most productive tactic is glassing the large meadow systems at dawn and dusk while still-hunting timber edges during midday. Elk in 6A are road-savvy — expect them to be 0.5-1 mile from any drivable road during daylight.

Late-Season Cold Pushes

Cold fronts and early snow push elk into more predictable patterns on south-facing slopes and around remaining water sources. Monitor weather and hunt the transitions — elk move actively during and after weather changes.

Pro Members Only

Unlock elk tactics for Unit 6A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Elk Success Rates

Unit 6A elk success rates average 18-28% for rifle and 8-14% for archery. The unit provides consistent opportunity without the extreme draw wait of premium units. Bull quality is average for Arizona, with most bulls in the 250-290 class. The occasional 300+ bull is taken by hunters who work the backcountry.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	2,002	15.7%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	2,110	14.6%	0

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 6A elk tags are moderately competitive. Rifle tags typically require 6-12 bonus points. Archery is somewhat more accessible. The unit's proximity to Flagstaff keeps application numbers higher than comparable units farther from population centers. Good option for hunters with moderate point balances.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 6A

Unit 6A holds a healthy mule deer herd across the mixed ponderosa and PJ woodland south of Flagstaff. The diverse habitat from 6,000 to 8,500 feet provides good year-round deer range. Trophy quality is average for Arizona, but consistent buck numbers and moderate draw requirements make this a solid choice for hunters looking for accessible public-land deer hunting.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 6A

Mule deer in Unit 6A favor the lower-elevation transition zones and browse-rich edges.

PJ Woodland Belt (6,000–7,000 ft)

The lower-elevation pinyon-juniper woodland holds the best deer concentrations. Bucks bed in thick juniper clumps and feed on adjacent browse species. Glass the woodland edges carefully — deer blend into the PJ remarkably well.

Meadow Edges Around Mormon Lake

The open parks and meadow systems around Mormon Lake hold deer that feed on forbs and grasses at dawn and dusk. Set up on elevated vantage points and glass the meadow perimeters.

Oak Brush Patches

Scattered oak brush patches throughout the unit concentrate deer, especially during fall when acorns drop. Find active oak brush stands with fresh sign and hunt the edges.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 6A

Mule deer hunting in Unit 6A combines PJ glassing with meadow-edge tactics.

Dawn and Dusk Glassing

Set up on elevated points above PJ edges and meadow perimeters. Glass systematically with quality binoculars and a spotting scope. Locate feeding bucks, watch them bed, and plan your approach.

Midday PJ Still-Hunting

During midday, slowly work through PJ pockets where bucks bed. Move quietly and use binoculars to scan ahead between short moves. Bedded bucks often let you pass within 50-80 yards if you move slowly.

Rut Activity

November rut increases daytime buck activity. Bucks cruise doe groups across open terrain, making midday hunting productive. Watch transition zones between bedding and feeding areas for cruising bucks.

Pro Members Only

Unlock mule deer tactics for Unit 6A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 6A averages 25-35%. The diverse terrain and moderate deer density provide consistent opportunity. Buck quality is average for Arizona with occasional 160+ inch bucks taken from the PJ transition zones.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	450	2,194	16.7%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	50	141	26.2%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	10	814	1.1%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	450	2,793	13.5%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 6A mule deer tags require 4-9 bonus points for rifle. Archery is more accessible. This is a solid mid-tier application choice for Arizona mule deer hunters who want reasonable draw odds without sacrificing deer quality significantly.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 6A

Unit 6A's open grasslands and meadow systems around Mormon Lake provide suitable pronghorn habitat in the Coconino NF region. Pronghorn numbers are moderate and fluctuate with precipitation, but the unit consistently offers tags for hunters willing to build bonus points. The open terrain makes for quality spot-and-stalk pronghorn hunting within easy reach of Flagstaff.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 6A

Pronghorn in Unit 6A use the open grassland parks and meadow systems in the Mormon Lake area.

Mormon Lake Meadows

The broad grasslands surrounding Mormon Lake hold the primary pronghorn concentration. These open flats provide the visibility pronghorn prefer. Glass from the road margins overlooking the lake basin.

Grassland Parks

Scattered open parks within the ponderosa belt hold small herds of pronghorn. These parks can be less pressured than the main Mormon Lake area and may hold mature bucks that have been pushed from open country.

Water Sources

Stock tanks and seasonal water in the grasslands concentrate pronghorn, especially during dry periods. Identify active water sources for ambush opportunities.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 6A

Pronghorn hunting around Mormon Lake follows classic open-country spot-and-stalk tactics.

Vehicle-Based Scouting

Use forest roads bordering open areas to locate herds. Glass from elevated pulloffs and identify mature bucks before leaving the vehicle.

Terrain Stalks

Use shallow drainages, terrain rolls, and scattered brush to approach located bucks. Keep the wind in your face and use terrain features to stay out of sight during the approach.

Water Ambush

Set up near active stock tanks in the afternoon. Pronghorn visit water predictably and a well-positioned ground blind or natural cover setup can produce close-range opportunities.

Pro Members Only

Unlock pronghorn tactics for Unit 6A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn rifle success in Unit 6A ranges from 55-70%. The open terrain makes locating animals straightforward when herds are present. Archery success is lower at 15-25%. Buck quality is average for Arizona pronghorn units.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Early Rifle	12	1,548	0.6%	0
Archery— Early Archery	5	175	2.9%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 6A pronghorn tags require 5-10 bonus points for rifle. The unit is moderately competitive due to its convenient location near Flagstaff. Apply consistently and build points for a reasonable draw timeline.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 6A

Unit 06A is an Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) bighorn sheep unit. Sheep tags in Arizona are among the most coveted Western tags, with very limited permits awarded through AZGFD's weighted-random bonus-point draw. Applicants accumulate bonus points that increase their odds each unsuccessful year. Review AZGFD hunt guidelines, regulations, and the draw results page for current season dates, weapon rules, and historical odds before applying.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 06A

Bighorn sheep hold in rugged, steep terrain with good visibility and escape cover. In Arizona sheep units, that means rocky canyons, cliff bands, and broken ridgelines. Focus your scouting on south-facing slopes in cold months and shadier north-facing slopes during warmer weather.

Water is a major concentrating factor in desert sheep country. Known guzzlers, springs, and seasonal drainages hold sheep during dry periods. Coordinate with the AZGFD regional office for current water and habitat notes before your hunt.

How to Hunt Unit 06A

Sheep hunting in Arizona is a glassing game. Get high, get comfortable, and pick apart distant slopes with quality optics on a tripod. Plan your stalk carefully — a single spooked ram can leave a basin and not return for days.

Because sheep tags are once-in-a-lifetime quality, most hunters benefit from scouting multiple weekends before the season or hiring a knowledgeable local guide. Be honest with yourself about fitness and pack weight — the country is steep and unforgiving.

Pro Members Only

Unlock Pro tactics for Unit 06A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Arizona sheep hunts historically post very high success rates relative to other Western big-game hunts due to tightly managed permit numbers. AZGFD publishes harvest data annually; consult their hunt reports for the most recent numbers on Unit 06A sheep harvest.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle	3	1,543	0.2%	0
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	2	1,200	0.2%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Arizona bighorn sheep draw odds are extremely long even at the top of the bonus-point ladder. The weighted-random system means a top-points applicant has better odds than a zero-points applicant, but never a guarantee. Check AZGFD's draw results page for unit-specific odds.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 6A

Unit 6A surrounds Flagstaff and covers much of the Coconino National Forest, including the San Francisco Peaks, Mormon Lake, and Happy Jack country. Merriam's turkeys thrive in the ponderosa pine forests at 6,500–7,500 feet. The unit is Arizona's top Merriam's destination and one of the most accessible spring turkey hunts in the West. With ~628 tags over three years against ~1,097 applicants, it's a moderate-draw unit with consistent opportunity.

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 6A

Unit 6A Merriam's turkeys use the ponderosa pine forests and meadow edges around Flagstaff.

Mormon Lake Area

The country around Mormon Lake and Kinnikinick Lake holds excellent turkey habitat — open ponderosa with scattered aspen and grass meadows. Glass meadow edges at sunrise.

Happy Jack / Upper Lake Mary

The Happy Jack area southeast of Flagstaff combines ponderosa and pine-oak pockets with year-round creek drainages. Turkey roost trees line the major drainages.

San Francisco Peaks Foothills

The aspen-ponderosa transition on the lower flanks of the San Francisco Peaks holds roost flocks. Access from FR 151 and the Schultz Pass area.

How to Hunt Turkeys in Unit 6A

Arizona spring Merriam's hunting in Unit 6A rewards roost-tree scouting and classic call-and-setup tactics.

Roost at Dusk, Hunt at Dawn

Drive forest roads at last light and listen for gobbles or wing-flaps as turkeys fly up to roost. Mark the tree, slip in 300 yards before daylight, and set up with a decoy spread.

Mid-Morning Locator Calls

After the roost-fly-down window, use owl hooters or crow calls to locate mid-morning gobblers. Move quietly through ponderosa benches and call softly every 200 yards.

Meadow Setups

Open parks and meadow edges are prime mid-morning strut zones. Set up with a jake-and-hen decoy spread in visible but partially concealed spots and call aggressively.

Pro Members Only

Unlock Turkey tactics for Unit 06A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Turkey Success Rates

Unit 6A spring Merriam's success typically runs 40–55%, one of the highest turkey success rates in the state. Strong bird populations, extensive roost habitat, and easy road access drive the numbers. Fall hunts (when offered) post lower success (20–30%) because birds scatter and are less vocal.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	150	242	20.2%
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	140	151	82.8%
Rifle— Early Rifle	139	150	86.0%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 6A turkey is a moderate-draw tag. Arizona's weighted bonus-point draw sends 20% of tags to max-point holders first and runs the remaining 80% through a random weighted draw. With ~628 tags and 1,097 applicants over three years, residents typically draw with 0–2 bonus points. Nonresidents face a 10% cap but can also expect reasonable success with modest points. The Arizona hunter-education bonus adds an extra ticket for applicants with valid hunter-ed certification.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Mormon Lake Lodge campground and several USFS campgrounds in the area. RV-friendly.

⛺

Camp Sites

Abundant dispersed camping on Coconino NF land. Lake Mary Road corridor has numerous pulloff sites.

🛻

Trailer Access

Lake Mary Road is paved. Forest roads vary from good gravel to rough.

💧

Water

Mormon Lake Lodge has water when open. Otherwise carry from Flagstaff.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Lake Mary Road (paved) provides main access. Forest roads range from maintained to rough. Some may close after heavy rain or snow.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Rolling ponderosa terrain with some steeper ridges at higher elevations.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Popular unit due to Flagstaff access. Pressure concentrated near roads.

🌦️

Weather

Similar to Flagstaff area. Freezing nights in October. Snow possible by late October. Monsoon tail possible in September.

📱

Cell Service

Spotty at Mormon Lake. Better near Lake Mary Road. None in backcountry timber.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Flagstaff (30 minutes north). Full services available.

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for Unit 6A

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mormon Lake actually a lake?

Sometimes. Mormon Lake is intermittent and fills during wet years. When it holds water, the surrounding grasslands are excellent elk habitat. During dry years the lake bed is dry but elk still use the meadow systems around it.

How does Unit 6A compare to 5A for elk?

The units are similar in habitat and elk quality. Unit 6A has slightly less pressure than 5A due to being farther from Flagstaff's core, but both units produce average-to-above-average bulls. Draw odds are comparable.

How many bonus points for Unit 6A mule deer?

Rifle tags typically require 4-9 bonus points. Archery tags may be available with fewer points or as leftover tags in some years. A reasonable mid-term application target.

What is the best area for mule deer in Unit 6A?

The PJ transition zones between 6,000 and 7,000 feet consistently hold the best deer concentrations. Focus on edges where pinyon-juniper meets open grassland or ponderosa forest.

Are there enough pronghorn in Unit 6A to be worth applying for?

Yes, though numbers fluctuate with precipitation. AZ Game & Fish manages tag numbers to match population, so when tags are available, encounter rates are solid. Apply consistently and hunt during years with good forage conditions.

What gear do I need for pronghorn in Unit 6A?

A flat-shooting rifle capable of 300+ yard shots, quality 10x binoculars, a tripod-mounted spotting scope, and a comfortable shooting rest or bipod. Archery hunters should bring a ground blind and pronghorn decoy.

How do I apply for a Unit 06A bighorn sheep tag?

Apply through the AZGFD online draw portal during the posted sheep application window. Tags are awarded through Arizona's weighted-random bonus-point draw. Review the current AZGFD Hunt Guidelines before applying.

How does Arizona's bonus-point system work for sheep?

Each unsuccessful year you apply, you earn a bonus point. Your bonus points create additional random entries in the draw, improving your odds over time. Sheep is once-in-a-lifetime in Arizona — drawing a tag removes you from future sheep applications.

When does the Arizona spring turkey season open in Unit 6A?

Arizona's spring general turkey season typically opens in late April and runs into mid-May. Check the current AZGFD turkey regulations for exact dates — they vary year to year.

How many bonus points do I need for a Unit 6A turkey tag?

Residents often draw with 0–2 bonus points. The Arizona hunter-education bonus adds an extra ticket, which helps first-time applicants. Nonresidents may need 1–3 points given the 10% cap.

What's the best roost habitat in Unit 6A?

Big ponderosa snags near creek drainages and meadow edges. The Mormon Lake area and Happy Jack drainages produce consistent roost sites — scout during the day for whitewash and feathers.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr

Sources & Verification

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

GMU 6A — Expanded Hunt Information (April 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 6A — 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 Hunt Guidelines — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Hunt guidelines, Sheep permit allocation, Unit management objectives · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Legal weapons, Bag limits · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Draw results, Bonus point totals, Sheep draw odds · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Turkey Hunting — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Merriam's turkey distribution, Unit 6A ponderosa habitat, Spring and fall turkey seasons, Tag allocation and draw rules · accessed 2026-04-17
Coconino National Forest — Flagstaff Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: Mormon Lake and Happy Jack road network, Dispersed camping, Motor Vehicle Use Map · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 6A (Mormon Lake)

Elk Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 6A

Mormon Lake Basin (7,000–7,500 ft)

Timbered Ridges (7,500–8,500 ft)

Stock Tanks

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 6A

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 6A

PJ Woodland Belt (6,000–7,000 ft)

Meadow Edges Around Mormon Lake

Oak Brush Patches

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 6A

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 6A

Mormon Lake Meadows

Grassland Parks

Water Sources

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 6A

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 06A

How to Hunt Unit 06A

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 6A

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 6A

Mormon Lake Area

Happy Jack / Upper Lake Mary

San Francisco Peaks Foothills

How to Hunt Turkeys in Unit 6A

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 5A — Flagstaff Elk