Beginning at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 89 and AZ Hwy 69; northwest to Iron Springs Rd., west and south on the Iron Springs-Skull Valley-Kirkland Junction Rd. to U.S. Hwy 89; continue south and easterly on the Kirkland Junction-Wagoner-Crown King-Cordes Rd. to Cordes, from Cordes southeast to I-17 (Exit 259); north on the southbound lane of I-17 to AZ Hwy 69; northwest on AZ Hwy 69 to junction of U.S. Hwy 89 at Prescott; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe.
Overview: A small population of elk exists in and around Skull Valley and Kirkland Creek. Portions of Units 17B, 20A and 20C (Skull Valley/Kirkland Junction Hunt Area only) is a Limited-Opportunity hunt which now includes some areas of Unit 17A. Please read Elk Note No. 27 for hunt area description. All the elk in the Skull Valley/Kirkland Hunt Area are on Private Land. Permission to access private land must be obtained from the landowner(s).
Overview: Javelina are widely distributed throughout Unit 20A. They can be found in Ponderosa Pine forests, but the higher javelina density areas are in the lower elevations. Successful hunters have found javelina by pre-scouting an area, utilizing binoculars and spotting scopes, staying in areas where there is sign, and staying downwind from the javelina after they've been located. Pre-scouting an area is a good idea because javelina do not often move from their home range. If you locate them a week before the season, and the weather remains the same, there is a high probability they will be in the same place on opening day. Utilizing binoculars is a must and a spotting scope is recommended. Javelina blend in so well with their surroundings that unless they move they are hard to detect. These items will save a person a lot of walking. If you find an area with tracks and rooting, be patient, the javelina are probably not far away. If patience is not your virtue, check out this area at a different time later on. Once you locate the javelina and they are not running, establish which direction the wind is blowing. Plan your stalk downwind, move quietly, and when you are close enough to feel comfortable with your ability, have at it. Once the javelina is dead, don't forget to tag it. Javelina have a gambrel just like deer. That is where the tag goes. If it's warm during the season, you must get the hide skinned from the meat. Also, there is a scent gland located on the lower back. This does not need to be cut out because it comes off with the skin. However, care must be taken not to touch this gland during the skinning process because the scent is easily transferred to your hands and from your hands to the meat, tainting it severely.
Areas: North - Copper Basin is located east of Skull Valley. The Copper Basin Road is accessed in Skull Valley between the railroad tracks and the Skull Valley Café. This road will take you east 12 miles to Prescott. There are several roads which fork off Copper Basin Road that go into prime javelina country. There are posted areas by Phelps-Dodge. Because of the vegetation, visibility is poor, and you should glass open areas often. Habitat type: scrub oak and prickly pear cacti.
South - S.A. Hill is located northwest of Cleator and can be accessed by S.R. 59 to F.S. 259B. F.S. 259B doesn't go all the way to S.A. Hill, but there is a lot of good country before it ends. Hunters can improve their odds significantly if they do a little walking and glassing. Visibility is very good. Habitat type: prickly pear cacti.
East - Turkey Creek is located south of Brady Butte and can be accessed by Highway 69 and Mayer. Take State Route 177 south to Forest Road 202 (Bull Road). Go south to Turkey Creek. All along this route there are high points from which to glass. Habitat type: prickly pear cacti, scrub oak.
West - Hassayampa River is located south of Wilhoit. Located just east of Wilhoit, it can be accessed by Highway 89 and Forest Road 72. Take Forest Road 72 south to the Hassayampa. The road parallels the river for several miles and comes out on Wagoner Road. There are several little drainages and canyons that come into the Hassayampa River. Visibility is dependent on which side of the canyon you are on. Habitat type prickly pear cacti, pinyon pines, and scrub oak.
Overview: Mountain lions are distributed throughout Unit 20A. The majority of the lions are taken with the aid of dogs. A few are taken by calling, or incidental encounters while hunting another species. Some lions have been taken in accordance to the depredation laws. The best time to hunt a lion, especially with dogs, is after a snowstorm.
Areas: Turkey Creek is located south of Mayer. Take State Route 177 to Forest Road 202 and go south to the creek. Copper Basin is located east of Skull Valley. Take the Copper Basin road located between the railroad tracks and Skull Valley Café. Phelps Dodge owns some land within the basin and they do have it posted.
Big Bug Mesa can be accessed by going south on the Walker Road to Forest Road 670. This leads to a five-point intersection that is signed with directions to Big Bug Mesa.
Overview: Mule deer are distributed throughout Unit 20A. The terrain includes Ponderosa pine in the higher elevations, juniper and pinyon in the mid-elevations, and scrub oak and Sonoran desert in the lower elevations. Hunters in the high elevations need to move slow and locate trails that show sign of use. If sitting along a trail, keep in mind the wind direction. Hunters in the mid and lower elevations need to a high point overlooking canyons and washes. A good pair of binoculars is a must. A good spotting scope is helpful. Glass in the early morning and late afternoon hours. The majority of Unit 20A is Prescott National Forest, hence, access is permitted. Be aware that within the forest boundaries are parcels of private land. If they are posted you are required to obtain permission prior to hunting. Remember the 1/4-mile rule around houses. The weather in Unit 20A can change severely overnight. This means the road conditions can drastically change. Most roads are not maintained, so take heed if the weather changes. It is a good idea to obtain a Forest Service map of the area, and let someone know where you'll be camped. Before you leave, clean up the area and please take the trash with you. Leaving trash in a plastic bag at your campsite is littering.
Areas: North - Big Bug Mesa is located in the northeast portion of the unit. It is accessed two ways from Highway 69: from Highway 69 and Walker Road six miles south to Forest Road 670. Continue south five miles to signed intersection. The other way is from Highway 69 and Poland Junction, head south on Forest Road 58 through Breezy Pines to signed intersection. There are two non-maintained roads on the mesa. Both turn to slime with a little rain and can be dangerous if hauling a trailer. This area is very popular with archery and firearm hunters. Habitat type: Ponderosa pine.
South - Cellars Basin is located in the southwest portion of the unit. It is accessed from Highway 89 and Wagoner Road, 12 miles south on Wagoner Road to Forest Road 682. Follow 682 to Forest Road 682B. This accesses several two-track roads to different areas of the basin. There are no private land restrictions in this area. Habitat type: scrub oak and junipers.
East - Antelope tanks can be accessed by Interstate 17 and exit 259, two miles west to Cordes. North on State Route 259 to Forest Road 9218B. This road heads south then turns north connecting back to State Route 259. There are several high points along this route from which to glass. Habitat type: upper Sonoran desert.
West - Crooks Canyon is located east of the Wagoner Road and Forest Road 94 junction. Forest Road 94 parallels Crooks Canyon extending east to Palace Station. All habitat types within the unit are included along this route. Look to see which habitat type has the most sign then spend the majority of your time in these areas.
Overview: Tree squirrels exist in the higher elevations of the unit. The habitat type consists of Ponderosa pines.
Areas: Mount Union is located 11 miles south of Prescott along Senator Highway. There is a fire lookout tower on top and a summer camp and a few private residences along the road.
Thumb Butte is located west of Prescott. Stay on Gurley Street until you reach Thumb Butte Park. The road turns to dirt and there are several two-track roads that take off from this main loop road.
Towers Mountain is located north of Crown King. To access this area, take F.S. 52 out of Crown King. There are private property parcels on top.
Overview: Gambel's quail can be found throughout Unit 20A except for the higher elevations such as Towers Mountain and Mount Union. One of the prime areas to hunt quail with dogs is south of Mayer. This area is grassland, prickly pear cacti habitat. Be alert for rattlesnakes. Quail populations fluctuate in direct proportion to the amount of rainfall. Populations appear to be on the rise.
Areas: North - Between Wilhoit and Skull Valley. This area can be accessed at the junction of Highway 89 and Walden Road in Wilhoit. Take Walden Road north one mile and go across cattle guard to the right. This is F.S. 56. There are several washes to hunt and there are several two-track roads to take you in good areas. If you stay on F.S. 56 it will take you to F.S. 64 (Copper Basin Road), and you can come out at Skull Valley.
South - Cellars Basin is located in the southwest portion of the unit. It is accessed from Highway 89 and Wagoner Road, 12 miles south on Wagoner Road to F.S. 682. Follow F.S. 682 to F.S. 682B. This accesses several two-track roads to different areas in the basin. There are no private land restrictions in this area. Habitat type: scrub oak, juniper, and prickly pear cacti.
East - Areas between Mayer and Cleator: accessed by exiting Interstate 17 at milepost 259 to Cordes. Go south of Cordes to State Route 59, west to Cleator and F.S. 178. Go north on F.S. 178. This will take you all the way north to Mayer. There are several two-track roads that fork off from F.S. 178. Two of them go to game waters that are highly utilized by quail. Habitat type: prickly pear cacti, palo verde, scrub oak.
West - Crooks Canyon Road (F.S. 94). It can be accessed from Highway 89 and Wagoner Road. Take Wagoner Road south to F.S. 94. There are areas all along this road that have quail. Some areas are very brushy so a dog would come in handy. Habitat type: scrub oak, pinyon pines, juniper, and prickly pear cacti.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information Check
weather conditions
during fall hunts.
Early snowfall may
lead to closed roads.
Always be prepared
for winter weather.
During late hunts,
animals tend to stay
at lower elevations,
out of deep snow.
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Prescott,
Mayer, Skull Valley, Cordes Junction
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: I-17 to Hwy 69, I-17
exit 259, Crown King Road
From the West: Hwy 89 to Wagoner Road or Ironsprings Road
From the North: Ironsprings Road, Senator Hwy
From the South: Bumble Bee Road
Developed
Campgrounds Lynx
Lake (closed in winter)
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Camping
is allowed on Forest
Service lands throughout
the unit (2-week
limit).
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Elevations range from 1400' to 8,000'. Habitat types range
from Upper Sonoran desert, scrub oak, pinion-juniper, ponderosa
pine, to mixed conifer.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
3 - 928 692-7700
Prescott National Forest-Prescott Ranger District- 928 443-800
Operation Game Thief 1-800-352-0700
