Arizona Elk Mule Deer Pronghorn Bighorn Sheep Turkey

Unit 9 (Coconino Plateau)

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

Unit 9 is a large unit west of Flagstaff covering the Coconino Plateau within the Kaibab National Forest, extending toward Seligman and Ashfork. The unit features pinyon-juniper woodland and open grassland parks from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, with Cataract Canyon cutting through the interior. Elk here use the PJ transition terrain and scattered ponderosa at higher elevations. Trophy quality is average but the unit produces consistent opportunity for hunters who understand the terrain.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 9.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Elk in Unit 9

Elk in Unit 9 use the Coconino Plateau west of Flagstaff, concentrating in the higher PJ and scattered ponderosa zones within the Kaibab NF.

Upper PJ and Ponderosa (5,500–7,000 ft)

The higher-elevation portions of the Coconino Plateau hold the best elk habitat. Focus on the ponderosa and PJ transition zones where feed and cover overlap. Meadow edges and open parks within the timber along the plateau are primary feeding areas.

Cataract Canyon and Drainages

Cataract Canyon and the associated drainage systems cutting across the plateau provide security cover for elk that are pressured. Bulls retreat into these steep, brushy canyons during periods of heavy hunting activity. Hunt the canyon rims and approach from above.

Water in Arid Terrain

Water is critical across the Coconino Plateau. Stock tanks, seasonal drainages, and springs scattered through the Kaibab NF concentrate elk movement. Find active water and you will find elk, particularly during dry fall conditions.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 9

Elk hunting on the Coconino Plateau requires adapting to drier PJ terrain and using the unit's vast size to your advantage.

Water-Based Strategy

Across this arid plateau, water sources are the single best focal point. Locate active stock tanks and springs within the Kaibab NF, set up trail cameras during scouting, and plan morning or evening ambushes near water. Elk visit water predictably in dry conditions.

Canyon Rim Glassing

Use Cataract Canyon and other drainages to your advantage. Set up on canyon rims at dawn and glass the draws and canyon floors where elk feed. The elevation advantage lets you spot elk movement while staying out of sight.

Distance-Based Tactics

Unit 9 is a large unit with road access primarily along I-40 and forest roads from the Seligman/Ashfork area. Focus on areas well off the main roads where elk see less pressure. The unit's size means you can find remote pockets with little competition.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery18%

Unit 9 elk success rates average 15-25% for rifle and 6-12% for archery. The lower-elevation terrain and moderate-to-high pressure keep success rates below premium units. However, the unit produces steady results for prepared hunters. Bull quality is average with occasional 270-290 class animals.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Early Rifle	24	3,663	0.5%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	250	1,366	12.5%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	350	846	27.8%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	350	385	46.0%
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	150	196	45.9%
Muzzleloader— Early Muzzleloader	20	1,597	1.0%
Archery— Early Archery	90	3,358	2.2%
Archery— Late Archery Nov	40	103	19.4%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 9 elk tags require 5-10 bonus points for rifle. The unit is moderately competitive. The vast size of the Coconino Plateau means you can find elbow room even with moderate tag allocation. Archery tags are more accessible. A reasonable mid-tier application choice for Arizona elk.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 9

Unit 9 offers mule deer hunting across the Coconino Plateau west of Flagstaff within the Kaibab NF. The pinyon-juniper woodland and grassland habitats between 5,000 and 7,000 feet support a healthy deer population. Bucks here thrive in the PJ and sage terrain near Seligman and Ashfork, using Cataract Canyon and other drainages for security cover.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 9

Mule deer in Unit 9 thrive across the PJ woodland and grassland habitats of the Coconino Plateau.

PJ Woodland (5,000–6,500 ft)

The pinyon-juniper woodland that dominates the Coconino Plateau is prime mule deer territory. Bucks bed in thick juniper stands and feed in the openings between PJ pockets. The rolling terrain provides glassing and stalking opportunities across vast country.

Canyon Rims and Draws

Cataract Canyon and the other drainages crossing the plateau offer security cover and browse diversity. Bucks use the canyon rim edges for bedding and move down into draws to feed. Glass canyon edges at first light for feeding deer.

Water Draws

Stock tanks and seasonal drainages on the plateau concentrate deer. During dry periods, these water sources become essential gathering points for locating deer in the vast PJ country.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 9

Mule deer on the Coconino Plateau are PJ-savvy and require patient, detail-oriented hunting.

PJ-Edge Glassing

Set up on elevated terrain at dawn and glass the PJ edges and grassland openings carefully. Bucks feed on the juniper margins and are often visible for only brief windows. A quality 10x42 binocular is essential for picking apart the cover.

Still-Hunting Draws

Work slowly up canyon draws during midday, glassing ahead frequently. Bucks bed on points and benches above the draw floor. Move 20-30 yards between stops and use the canyon terrain to stay below the deer's line of sight.

Rut Cruising

November rut activity puts bucks on their feet during daylight. Watch for bucks cruising between doe groups across open ridges and saddles. Hunt all day during peak rut — midday encounters are common.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

Rifle success for mule deer in Unit 9 averages 20-30%. The vast PJ plateau and canyon terrain make locating deer challenging but reward skilled glassers. Buck quality is average with occasional 150-165 class bucks from the PJ country.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	1100	2,615	30.1%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	10	39	15.4%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 9 mule deer tags require 3-7 bonus points for rifle. The unit is moderately accessible and offers a reasonable draw timeline for Arizona mule deer. Good option for hunters looking for public-land deer without waiting decades for a premium unit tag.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 9

Unit 9 is a north-central Arizona pronghorn unit covering the country south of Flagstaff, managed under AZGFD hunt guidelines. Pronghorn tag quotas are tightly controlled and set annually based on population surveys. Draws use Arizona's weighted random bonus point system.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 9

Pronghorn in Unit 9 use open grassland, sagebrush flats, and meadow systems across the Anderson Mesa and surrounding country. Focus scouting on open country with good visibility, water sources, and fence crossings where pronghorn concentrate.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 9

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle82%

Archery48%

Arizona pronghorn hunts typically produce strong rifle success. Review the AZGFD annual hunt arizona report for current Unit 9 harvest statistics.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	20	1,304	1.0%	0
Archery— Early Archery	5	73	4.1%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Pronghorn tags in Unit 9 are limited and draws are competitive. The weighted random bonus point system rewards point accumulation. Residents receive 90 percent of tags.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 9

The 9/10 combined bighorn hunt covers the Kaibab Plateau rim country and Marble Gorge cliffs on the north side of the Grand Canyon — legendary desert bighorn country along the Colorado River. With only 1 tag per year against ~315 recent 3-year applicants, this is the deepest bighorn draw in Arizona. The terrain is extraordinary: 3,000-ft cliff systems, side canyons with permanent water, and classic shelf-and-ledge bighorn topography. Per AZGFD, this hunt typically produces a 175+ B&C ram thanks to minimal pressure and exceptional habitat.

Where to Find Bighorn in the 9/10 Complex

Rams hold in the cliff systems above and below the Kaibab rim, with water-driven concentration in the tributary canyons.

Marble Gorge Rim

The eastern cliff systems dropping into Marble Gorge hold the unit's premier ram groups. Glassing setups on the rim give 1,000-ft elevation advantages.

House Rock Canyon System

Side drainages feeding House Rock Valley and ultimately the Colorado River hold rams year-round thanks to permanent water in the deep canyons.

North Kaibab Rim

Edge country north of Grand Canyon National Park picks up migrating rams. Coordinate with AZGFD on current-year ram distribution.

How to Hunt Bighorn in the 9/10 Complex

This is as serious a desert bighorn hunt as exists in Arizona. We plan a 10-14 day hunt window with heavy outfitter and AZGFD coordination.

Pre-Hunt Scouting

We start scouting the week results publish. The AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society and AZGFD biologists routinely locate target rams for tag holders over the fall.

Boat and Overland Access

Lee's Ferry gives boat access to the Colorado River corridor. Overland access via the North Kaibab and the rim roads off Highway 89A.

Retrieval Planning

The canyon country demands rope skills, packstock, or boat retrieval options. We plan the pack-out before the shot — some stalks require 3-day retrievals.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Unit 9/10 bighorn hunts run near 100% success given the pre-hunt support and a 1-tag allocation. Ram quality is among the finest in North America — 175-190 B&C class rams are taken most years. A true once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle	1	306	0.3%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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The deepest Arizona bighorn draw. Only 1 tag against ~315 recent 3-year applicants via the weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus. Most successful applicants hold 25+ bonus points; the random component means a low-point hunter occasionally wins. Plan to apply every year for life.

Turkey Hunting in Unit 9

Unit 9 spans the southern Kaibab Plateau and surrounding House Rock Valley country north of the Grand Canyon, running from the Kaibab National Forest onto BLM grazing allotments. Merriam's turkeys occupy the ponderosa pine ridges and aspen-fir drainages along the South Kaibab, with spring gobblers roosting in the big yellow pines near Jacob Lake and along FR 22. With ~130 tags across three years against 289 applicants, Unit 9 turkey is a realistic mid-odds draw and one of the more scenic Merriam's hunts in the Southwest. We treat this unit as a classic ponderosa-roost hunt where scouting pays off.

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 9

Unit 9 Merriam's turkeys cluster in the ponderosa ridges and drainage heads of the southern Kaibab Plateau.

Jacob Lake / FR 22 Corridor

The ponderosa country around Jacob Lake and along FR 22 holds roost flocks in big yellow pines. Glass meadow edges at first light and listen for gobbles from the drainage bottoms.

House Rock Valley Fringe

Where the plateau drops into House Rock Valley, transition drafts and pinyon-juniper benches hold scattered spring birds feeding on forbs and grass flushes.

Big Springs / Warm Fire Edge

The mosaic burn edges of the 2006 Warm Fire created openings that attract strutting toms. Focus on islands of surviving ponderosa flanked by fresh grass.

How to Hunt Turkeys in Unit 9

Unit 9 rewards classic ponderosa roost-tree scouting and patient calling in open pine country.

Roost Scouting

We spend the afternoon before opening day driving FR 22 and the secondary spurs at last light, listening for wing-flap and gobble. Mark the tree, slip in 250–300 yards before dawn, and set up in a natural blind.

Locator and Setup

After fly-down, crow calls and owl hoots cut through the thin plateau air. Work slowly between ponderosa benches and call softly every few hundred yards.

Mid-Morning Strut Zones

Grass meadows and burn edges become strut stages by 9–10 a.m. Set a jake-and-hen decoy pair in partial cover with clear shooting lanes out to 40 yards.

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Turkey Success Rates

Unit 9 spring Merriam's hunts typically post 30–45% success — slightly below the Flagstaff-area units because of lower road density and harsher weather at 7,500+ feet, but bird quality and solitude make it a premier Merriam's experience. Fall hunts (when offered) run 15–25% as flocks scatter.

Turkey Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Shotgun— Early Shotgun	50	112	38.4%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 9 turkey is a mid-odds draw. Arizona uses a weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus — 20% of tags go to max-point holders first, then 80% flow through a random weighted draw. With ~130 tags across three years against 289 applicants, residents typically draw with 1–3 bonus points. Nonresidents face a 10% tag cap and may need slightly more points. The hunter-ed bonus ticket adds a meaningful edge for first-time applicants.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited developed sites. Dispersed camping on Kaibab NF land. Some pulloff sites along forest roads.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Kaibab NF land across the Coconino Plateau. Flat, open sites in the PJ woodland are abundant.

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Trailer Access

I-40 provides paved access along the north side. Forest roads vary — many require high clearance.

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Water

Carry all water. Seligman or Ashfork for resupply. This is dry plateau country.

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Road Conditions

I-40 provides paved access. Forest roads off the highway range from graded to rough two-track. Some require 4WD. The unit is vast with limited road networks in the interior.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Gently rolling PJ plateau with steep canyon terrain around Cataract Canyon and other drainages.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The unit is large enough that pressure disperses. Interior areas away from I-40 access see less traffic.

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Weather

Fall temps 25-65°F at 5,000-7,000 feet. Significant temperature swings between day and night. Wind can be persistent across the open plateau.

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Cell Service

Some coverage near I-40 corridor and Seligman/Ashfork. None in the interior plateau and canyons.

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Nearest Town

Seligman (very limited services). Ashfork (limited). Flagstaff (60 min east on I-40) for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 9 good for a first Arizona elk hunt?

Unit 9 is a reasonable starting point with moderate draw requirements and accessible terrain. However, the high hunting pressure and lower-elevation conditions make it more challenging than some alternatives. Hunters should be prepared for warm weather and arid conditions.

How does hunting pressure affect elk in Unit 9?

Elk in Unit 9 are highly conditioned to pressure due to proximity to population centers. They move away from roads quickly and use canyon systems for security cover. Success improves dramatically for hunters who distance themselves from road corridors.

Is Unit 9 a trophy mule deer unit?

Unit 9 is not considered a trophy unit. It offers consistent opportunity for average-to-above-average bucks in the 140-165 class. The value is in reasonable draw odds and accessible public land rather than record-book potential.

What is the biggest challenge hunting deer in Unit 9?

The vast PJ woodland and canyon terrain make locating and approaching deer challenging. The unit is large and deer can be widely scattered across the Coconino Plateau. Patience with optics, willingness to cover ground, and focusing on water sources are key.

How hard is the Unit 9 pronghorn draw?

Unit 9 pronghorn draws are competitive and typically require multiple bonus points to have a realistic chance under the weighted random system.

When is the pronghorn season in Unit 9?

Arizona pronghorn seasons are typically held in September. Confirm exact dates in the current AZGFD pronghorn regulations.

Is the 9/10 bighorn hunt the hardest to draw in Arizona?

Among the hardest. With only 1 tag per year against ~315 applicants via the weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus, expected wait is effectively lifetime. Apply every year and protect the loyalty bonus.

Do I need a boat for the 9/10 hunt?

Not required, but a boat from Lee's Ferry gives access to the Colorado corridor that overland approaches can't match. Many successful 9/10 tag holders combine overland scouting with boat-based retrievals.

How many bonus points do I need for an AZ Unit 9 turkey tag?

Residents commonly draw Unit 9 turkey with 1–3 bonus points. Nonresidents may need 2–4 given the 10% cap. Arizona's hunter-education bonus ticket gives certified applicants an extra chance.

When is the best time to roost turkeys in Unit 9?

The evening before opening day. Drive FR 22 and the secondary spurs from an hour before sunset until dark, listening for wing-flap and gobble in the big ponderosa drainages.

Is SR-67 open for the spring turkey season?

SR-67 to the North Rim typically closes mid-December and reopens mid-May. Spring turkey hunters rely on US-89A and FR 22 to access the southern plateau.

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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 9 — Expanded Hunt Information (August 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 9 — 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 structure, Pronghorn tag allocations · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Hunt Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Results & Bonus Points — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bonus point balances, Pronghorn draw outcomes · accessed 2026-04-17
2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Combined bighorn hunt structure, Tag allocation, Season · accessed 2026-04-17
Grand Canyon National Park — Boundary and Access Info — National Park Service · supports: Park boundary (no hunting inside), Boat access via Lee's Ferry, North Rim access · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Turkey Hunting — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Merriam's turkey distribution on the Kaibab Plateau, Spring and fall turkey seasons, Unit 9 tag allocation framework, Hunter-education bonus ticket · accessed 2026-04-17
Kaibab National Forest — North Kaibab Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: South Kaibab road network, Dispersed camping rules, Motor Vehicle Use Map · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 9 (Coconino Plateau)

Elk Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Elk in Unit 9

Upper PJ and Ponderosa (5,500–7,000 ft)

Cataract Canyon and Drainages

Water in Arid Terrain

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 9

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 9

PJ Woodland (5,000–6,500 ft)

Canyon Rims and Draws

Water Draws

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 9

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 9

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 9

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Bighorn in the 9/10 Complex

Marble Gorge Rim

House Rock Canyon System

North Kaibab Rim

How to Hunt Bighorn in the 9/10 Complex

Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Turkey Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Turkeys in Unit 9

Jacob Lake / FR 22 Corridor

House Rock Valley Fringe

Big Springs / Warm Fire Edge

How to Hunt Turkeys in Unit 9

Turkey Success Rates

Turkey Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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