![20180407_150644[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f27a3_80aa78de2c0e4cf0a4790aec3ad3565d~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg)
![20180407_161956(0)[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f27a3_4b10c0445ea74831b524b378799807cd~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg)
HUNTING IN GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA
The Tonto National Forest, Arizona, embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude (from 1,300 to 7,900 feet) offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forest.
​
As the fifth largest forest in the United States , the Tonto National Forest situated primarily in Gila County, Arizona is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the U.S. (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Arizona’s Hunting reputation is world renowned, and much of that has to do with Gila County and its rugged yet beautiful landscape.
This landscape is made up of 8 wilderness areas. It is in these wilderness ares that much of Arizona’s most desirable big game reside, such as world-class populations of elk and black bear, bighorn sheep (both desert and Rocky Mountain), white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, wild turkey and javelina. Smaller game, like quail, dove, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit are also abundant in this area.
​
Gila County is comprised of 4 Arizona Game and Fish Units: 22, 23, 24A and 24B. These units are part of the Region VI - Mesa Hunting District. In addition to these units Gila County also includes the San Carlos Native American Lands.
In order to hunt in any of these areas you’ll need a hunting license and the appropriate tags or permits for the animal(s) you will be hunting, which you can purchase from Arizona Game and Fish Department. Likewise, to hunt on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, you will need to purchase the appropriate permits and tags for the animal(s) you are hunting from the San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation and Wildlife Department. In designated areas on the reservation, non-tribal members are also required to hire an Apache guide.
​
Having a tested guide by your side can make your big game hunt that much more exciting and successful. Some of the best hunting guides in the world call this region of Arizona home. Trophy hunters come from as far as Europe to hunt with these guides, who may offer decades of experience and may have well over 1,000 hunts under their belt. They know this region and its game better than anyone.
​
​
​
Arizona’s Hunting reputation is world renowned, and much of that has to do with Gila County and its rugged yet beautiful landscape.
This landscape is made up of 8 wilderness areas. It is in these wilderness ares that much of Arizona’s most desirable big game reside, such as world-class populations of elk and black bear, bighorn sheep (both desert and Rocky Mountain), white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, wild turkey and javelina. Smaller game, like quail, dove, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit are also abundant in this area.
​
Gila County is comprised of 4 Arizona Game and Fish Units: 22, 23, 24A and 24B. These units are part of the Region VI - Mesa Hunting District. In addition to these units Gila County also includes the San Carlos Native American Lands.
In order to hunt in any of these areas you’ll need a hunting license and the appropriate tags or permits for the animal(s) you will be hunting, which you can purchase from Arizona Game and Fish Department. Likewise, to hunt on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, you will need to purchase the appropriate permits and tags for the animal(s) you are hunting from the San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation and Wildlife Department. In designated areas on the reservation, non-tribal members are also required to hire an Apache guide.
​
Having a tested guide by your side can make your big game hunt that much more exciting and successful. Some of the best hunting guides in the world call this region of Arizona home. Trophy hunters come from as far as Europe to hunt with these guides, who may offer decades of experience and may have well over 1,000 hunts under their belt. They know this region and its game better than anyone. Find a guide - Click Here
​
​
​
ARIZONA HUNTING RESOURCE CENTER
Provided by the Arizona Game & Fish Department
GILA COUNTY REGIONAL HUNTING UNITS
Region VI - Mesa Hunting District
FIND A LOCAL HUNTING GUIDE
Are you looking for a professional hunting guide in Gila County who knows the secrets to locating, hunting, and harvesting the largest and highest scoring big game animals in Arizona? If so we have you covered. Check out some of the best in the businesses.
Photo Courtesy - Herrera Outfitters - Payson, AZ
GILA COUNTY HUNT FORUM
Tell Us About Your Hunting Adventure
The Gila County Hunt Forum has been created as an online hunting resource. Please share your latest adventure with us including video, pictures and information.
Please refrain from the use of bad language, political views or anything else that is other than what is listed above. Offenders of these rules will be removed from the forum and blocked from future activity.