Hunting

Game Management Unit 11M

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Species within this unit:

Antelope, Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Merriam’s Turkey

Unit 11M is a “Metro” game management unit and therefore restricted to hunting with  archery equipment for most species of wildlife.
As of 2019, in accordance with R12-4-303, it is unlawful to discharge an arrow, bolt, or hybrid device while taking wildlife within ¼ mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge, or building without permission of the owner or resident. Unit 11M is characterized by human development surrounded by USFS lands and one should expect high levels of human encounters while hunting in this Unit.  Please remember to be respectful and courteous of other forms of recreation.

USFS Camping and Campfire Restrictions near the City of Flagstaff:  The Coconino National Forest has implemented a camping and campfire closure surrounding the City of Flagstaff which encompasses most of Unit 11M.  Closure reference

USFS Travel Management Rule: The Coconino National Forest has implemented travel management rules resulting in changes to motor vehicle access on national forest lands. These changes include motorized big game retrieval, road closures and camping restrictions. The Travel Management Rule only allows motorized use on designated roads, trails and areas as identified on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps are available for free at Forest Service offices and here . Because of the Forest rule changes, motorized retrieval of wildlife, including all big game species, is not permitted on national forest lands in Game Management Unit 11M. For further information regarding the Travel Management Rule, please contact the Coconino National Forest.

Unit Boundaries

Beginning at the junction of Lake Mary-Clint’s Well Rd. (FH3) and Walnut Canyon (mp 337.5 on FH3); northeasterly along Walnut Canyon to the Walnut Canyon National Monument boundary; northeasterly along the northern boundary of the Walnut Canyon National Monument to Walnut Canyon; northeasterly along Walnut Canyon to I-40 (mp 210.2); east on I-40 to the 345 KV transmission lines 1 and 2 (mp 212 on I-40); north and northeasterly along the power line to FR 545 (Sunset Crater Rd.); west along FR 545 to the Sunset Crater National Monument boundary; westerly along the southern boundary of the Sunset Crater National Monument to FR 545; west on FR 545 to U.S. Hwy 89; cross US Hwy 89 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Rd.); southwesterly on FR 420 to the Transwestern Gas Pipeline; westerly along the Transwestern Gas Pipeline to FR 171; south on FR 171 to I-40 (mp 184.4 on I-40); east on I-40 to a point just north of the eastern boundary of Camp Navajo (mp 188.5 on I-40); south along the eastern boundary of Camp Navajo to the southeast corner of Camp Navajo; southeast approximately 1/3 mile to the forest road in section 33; southeasterly along the forest road to FR 231 (Woody Mountain Rd.); easterly on FR 231 to FR 533; southerly on FR 533 to U.S. Hwy 89A; southerly on U.S. Hwy 89A to FR 237; northeasterly on FR 237 to Mountainaire Rd.; easterly on Mountainaire Rd. to FR 700; southerly on FR 700 to FR 235K; southeasterly on FR 235K to FR 235; northerly on FR 235 to FR 235A; easterly on FR 235A to FR 235; easterly on FR 235 to Priest Draw; northeasterly along the bottom of Priest Draw to FR 235; easterly on FR 235 to FR 132; southeasterly on FR 132 to FR 296A; northeasterly on FR 296A to FR 296; northeasterly on FR 296 to FR 132; northeasterly on FR 132 to FH3; southeasterly on FH3 to Walnut Creek (mp 337.5 on FH3).

Pronghorn Antelope

With the implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule, motorized retrieval of pronghorn is not allowed on the Coconino National Forest.

Overview: Because the pronghorn hunt occurs in late August and early September, the pronghorn will be on summer range during the hunt. Remember that pronghorn permits are issued specifically for and are restricted to Unit 11M (NOT Unit 7, Unit 7 West, Unit 7 East, Unit 6A, Unit 6B or Unit 5B). Be sure you are familiar with the unit boundaries before going hunting.

Areas: Generally, pronghorn can occur in virtually all grasslands within the unit. The highest density of pronghorn will be found in the open grassland areas on the west side near Bellemont, the south and east sides near Walnut Canyon toward Winona and north of I-40 along the power line on the eastern edge of the unit. They can also be found regularly in grasslands within the forested areas. Pronghorn also move through but generally avoid moderate to heavy densities of woody cover in the pine and pinion-juniper types. Hunters should spend considerable time scouting prior to the season to locate herds. Volcanic cones and other high points in open grassland can afford hunters wide views for searching with binoculars and spotting scopes for antelope. Access these high points by foot, not by motorized vehicle off road.

Access: The US Forest Service manages the vast majority of the antelope country in Unit 11M. There are also State Trust Lands managed by the State Land Department that are available for hunting by licensed hunters. Forest Service maps for the Coconino National Forest can be obtained from most Forest Service offices in the state and will cover most areas in the unit occupied by pronghorn antelope.

Be sure you do not enter any areas posted against trespass. Because the unit was designed around the Flagstaff metro area, there are some access problems because of subdivisions and private property. These developments are increasing across private lands. Be sure of your backstop when making a shot, houses, which seem to spring up overnight, can be obscured by vegetation or rolling topography. If an area is signed posted, avoid that area.

Other Concerns: Leave all gates as you find them. If they are open, leave them open. If they are closed, be sure to close them when you pass through them. Do not litter and do not drive off-road when hunting. These two activities are unlawful and very aggravating to land managers and private landowners. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in designated wilderness areas. There are several vehicle closure areas throughout the unit. Most of the areas are on the north side near and around Mt. Elden and southeast portion around Walnut Canyon National Monument. Remember that camping within ¼ mile of a water source is prohibited.

Black Bear

With the implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule, motorized retrieval of black bears is not allowed on Coconino National Forest lands.

Overview: The archery bear hunt in Unit 11M is combined with 6B and occurs in the early fall. Bears are opportunistic foragers, eating mast crops when they are available. Acorns, berries and prickly pear cactus provide favored food sources when abundant. Bears tend to invade trash receptacles when natural food sources are limited. Securing containers inside a garage or storage building or treating them daily with a dilute chlorine bleach solution are useful strategies to avoid habituating bears into garbage foraging patterns. A bear that consistently forages in garbage presents a risk to humans and frequently must be destroyed. A person who encounters a potential bear threat should assume as intimidating a profile as possible: make yourself seem as large as possible by waving arms or a coat and use sticks, rocks or anything available to scare the bear.

Look for bears by glassing lower elevation canyons. In the fall, bears move around a lot, trying to find food and gain weight for the winter. Bears like just about anything edible, including prickly pear fruits and bugs. They find bugs by turning over logs and rocks. Remember that bear baiting is illegal in Arizona. And, remember that taking a sow with cubs is prohibited. Care should be taken to watch for cubs near a potential game bear. Small bruins may not be readily visible in dense cover.

Areas:
In Unit 11M: In the fall, male bears can range over wide areas and may occur in any forested or woody habitats in the unit. The highest density of bears in Unit 11M will likely be located in the southeast portion of the unit near Walnut Canyon and on the north side on and near Mt. Elden.

In Unit 6B: Sycamore Canyon – Casner Mountain: This area can be accessed using Woody Mountain Road from Flagstaff or Red Canyon Road from Sedona. Most of the bear habitat is in National Forest wilderness. Bears can be observed on open slopes with stands of cactus when the prickly pears are ripe.

West Fork of Oak Creek: The north and south rims of the canyon offer bear observation opportunities. This area can be accessed by using Forest Road 535 and Woody Mountain Road (FR 231).

East Pocket – Bear Sign Basin: The upland portion of this area can be accessed by Woody Mountain Road (FR 231). The basin portion, part of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, must be accessed by foot or horseback from Dry Creek Road-Vultee Arch Road northwest of Sedona. Dense chaparral and cypress dominate the basin.

Access: The US Forest Service manages the vast majority of bear country in Unit 11M. There are other State Trust Lands managed by the State Land Department that are available for hunting by licensed hunters. Forest Service maps for the Coconino National Forest can be obtained from most Forest Service offices in the state and will cover most areas in the unit occupied by bears. Access high points by foot, not by motorized vehicle off road.

Be sure you do not enter any areas posted against trespass. Because the unit was designed around the Flagstaff metro area, there are some access problems because of subdivisions and private property. These developments are increasing across private lands. Be sure of your backstop when making that shot, houses, which seem to spring up overnight, can be obscured by vegetation or rolling topography. If an area is signed posted, avoid that area.

Other Concerns: All hunters must contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department within 48 hours of taking a bear in person or by calling 1-800-970-BEAR. Additionally, within 10 days of taking a bear, the hunter shall present the bear skull, hide and attached proof of sex for inspection. If the bear is frozen before presenting it for inspection, the hunter shall prop the jaw open to allow access to the teeth. During the inspection a premolar tooth will be collected. (see the regulations for more information). The meat must be salvaged, as it is unlawful to allow game meat to go to waste.

When the harvest objective for female bears has been reached, the unit will be closed to bear hunting at sundown on the following Wednesday. It is the hunter’s responsibility to be sure the unit is still open. You can do so by calling 1-800-970-BEAR.

Leave all gates as you find them. If they are open, leave them open. If they are closed, be sure to close them when you pass through them. Do not litter and do not drive off-road when hunting. These two activities are unlawful and very aggravating to land managers and private landowners. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in designated wilderness areas. There are several vehicle closure areas throughout the unit. Most of the areas are on the north side near and around Mt. Eldon and southeast portion around Walnut Canyon National Monument. Remember that camping within ¼ mile of a water source is prohibited.

Elk

With the implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule, motorized retrieval of elk is not allowed on Coconino National Forest lands in Unit 11M.

Overview: Elk occur throughout Unit 11M the entire year. Remember elk permits are issued specifically for and are restricted to Unit 11M (NOT Unit 7, Unit 7 West, Unit 7 East, Unit 6A, Unit 6B or Unit 5B). Be sure you are familiar with the unit boundaries before going hunting.

Areas: During the hunting season, elk can be found throughout the unit, but are in higher densities on the west, south and east portions of the unit. Elk can also be found on the north side however, vehicle access is limited and you will have to pack your animal out. There are higher numbers of elk on the west side along Highway 89A near Forest Highlands and on the southeast side north of Walnut Canyon and south Continental. The area south of the Flagstaff Airport east of Mountainaire is also a good area to check for bugling bulls. It is important to remember unit 11M is a metro unit around Flagstaff and hunters should expect to see other people in the areas running, bike riding, walking their dogs, riding horses etc. Hunters should be considerate of others and realize they are not the only ones out there.

Access: The US Forest Service manages the vast majority of elk country in Unit 11M. There are also State Trust Lands managed by the State Land Department that are available for hunting by licensed hunters. Forest Service maps for the Coconino National Forest can be obtained from most Forest Service offices in the state and will cover most areas in the unit occupied by elk. Access high points by foot, not by motorized vehicle off road.

Be sure you do not enter any areas posted against trespass. Because the unit was designed around the Flagstaff metro area, there are some access problems because of subdivisions and private property. These developments are increasing across private lands. Be sure of your background when making a shot – houses, which seem to spring up overnight, can be obscured by vegetation or rolling topography. If an area is signed posted, avoid that area.

Other Concerns: Leave all gates as you find them. If they are open, leave them open. If they are closed, be sure to close them when you pass through them. Do not litter and do not drive off-road when hunting. These two activities are very aggravating to land managers and private landowners. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in designated wilderness areas. There are several vehicle closure areas throughout the unit. Most of the areas are on the north side near and around Mt. Elden and southeast portion around Walnut Canyon National Monument. Additionally, it is unlawful to park along the paved road from I-40 to the entrance of Walnut Canyon National Monument to access the forested areas on both sides of the road. It is recommended you park along Forest Road 303 and access the areas from there. Remember that camping within ¼ mile of a water source is prohibited.

Mule Deer

With the implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule, motorized retrieval of mule deer is not allowed on Coconino National Forest lands.

Overview: Mule deer occur throughout Unit 11M. During the hunting season, highest densities of mule deer will be found on previously burned areas around Mt. Elden south of the San Francisco Peaks. However, human densities are also high on the bums and mature bucks learn fast to escape into dense cover and usually leave the burns early during the hunt. The ponderosa pine areas along Walnut Canyon, south near the Flagstaff Airport and on the west side of the unit along Woody Mountain Road are good areas to find mule deer. The pinion-juniper habitats at lower elevations to the east contain some mature animals but their densities are relatively low and the thick brush makes hunting a challenge. Mature bucks also occur in and around Walnut Canyon but again, relatively low densities of bucks and thick woody vegetation render hunting difficult. The unit has few locations where use of binoculars is beneficial. Most bucks taken result from chance encounters between hunters and deer.

Access: The US Forest Service manages the vast majority of mule deer country in Unit 11M. There are also State Trust Lands managed by the State Land Department that are available for hunting by licensed hunters. Forest Service maps for the Coconino National Forest can be obtained from most Forest Service offices in the state and will cover most areas in the unit occupied by mule deer. Access high points by foot, not by motorized vehicle off road.

Be sure you do not enter any areas posted against trespass. Because the unit was designed around the Flagstaff metro area, there are some access problems because of subdivisions and private property. These developments are increasing across private lands. Be sure of your backstop when making a shot, houses, which seem to spring up overnight, can be obscured by vegetation or rolling topography. If an area is signed posted, avoid that area.

Other Concerns: Leave all gates as you find them. If they are open, leave them open. If they are closed, be sure to close them when you pass through them. Do not litter and do not drive off-road when hunting. These two activities are unlawful and very aggravating to land managers and private landowners. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in designated wilderness areas. Remember that camping within ¼ mile of a water source is prohibited.

Merriam’s Turkey

With the implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule, motorized retrieval of turkey is not allowed on Coconino National Forest lands.

Overview: Wild turkeys occur throughout the ponderosa pine forest, mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests in summer. In winter the birds move to lower elevations and inhabit the ecotone between ponderosa pine and the pinion-juniper habitat type. Meadows and the edges of grasslands are important to hens with poults seeking insects and for turkeys seeking green herbaceous vegetation when mast is in short supply. The primary mast species in Unit 11M are ponderosa pine, juniper, pinion pine and acorns. When ponderosa pine seed is abundant, the birds can be found in fairly extensive stands of forests, but are more likely to be located near roadways and other openings when mast is in short supply.

Areas: Turkeys can be found in the highest densities along Walnut Canyon and along Woody Mountain Road toward the Navajo Army Depot.

Access: The US Forest Service manages the vast majority of the turkey country in Unit 11M. There are also State Trust Lands managed by the State Land Department that are available for hunting by licensed hunters. Forest Service maps for the Coconino National Forest can be obtained from most Forest Service offices in the state and will cover most areas in the unit occupied by turkeys. Access high points by foot, not by motorized vehicle off road.

Be sure you do not enter any areas posted against trespass. Because the unit was designed around the Flagstaff metro area, there are some access problems because of subdivisions and private property. These developments are increasing across private lands. Be sure of your backstop when making that shot, houses, which seem to spring up overnight, can be obscured by vegetation or rolling topography. If an area is signed posted, avoid that area.

Other Concerns: Leave all gates as you find them. If they are open, leave them open. If they are closed, be sure to close them when you pass through them. Do not litter and do not drive off-road when hunting. These two activities are unlawful and very aggravating to land managers and private landowners. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed in designated wilderness areas. Remember that camping within ¼ mile of a water source is prohibited.

Unit Summary

Archery only for big game species

Archery and shotgun shooting shot only for small game species

Climate Information

Other Pertinent Climate Information
Unit experiences heavy snowfalls during big winter storms which can be dangerous. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to stay informed about weather conditions, carry a sleeping bag in your vehicle, and keep matches with you at all times.

Cities, Roads & Campgrounds

Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging
Flagstaff, Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Sedona

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: I-40
From the West: I-40
From the North: State Hwy 89
From the South: I-17

Developed Campgrounds

Two KOA campgrounds, 1 located on the east side of Flagstaff on Highway 89 and the 2nd is located east of Williams on I-40.

Undeveloped Campgrounds

Camping is allowed on Forest Service administered lands  outside of Unit 11M.  Restrictions
Check USFS camping and campfire restrictions for Unit 11M.

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

Elevation ranges from 4,200′ to 9,283′ on Mt. Elden. The Unit is a “Metro” unit and characterized by human development surrounded by USFS lands.  USFS lands include Great Basin desert scrub at the lowest elevations in the northeastern corner of the unit, volcanic cinder cones, open grassland and pinion-juniper woodlands at elevations below the ponderosa pine belt.

Government Agencies and Phone Numbers

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region II – (928)774-5045
Arizona State Land Department – (928)774-1425
Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District – (928)526-0866
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – (928)556-7042
Wupatki National Monument – (928)679-2365
Walnut Canyon National Monument – (928)526-3367