Top Hunting Places Near Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona, sits at over 7,000 feet in elevation and is surrounded by dense Ponderosa pine forests, high deserts, and volcanic terrain, making it one of Arizona’s most dynamic hunting regions. As the gateway to the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, Flagstaff offers access to prime big game and small game hunting zones across several Game Management Units (GMUs). Whether you're stalking elk in alpine forests or chasing turkey through oak thickets, Flagstaff is a hub for serious hunters seeking trophy game and pristine wilderness.

1. Game Management Unit 7 – Elk Country at Its Finest

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Location: Just northwest of Flagstaff
Game Available: Elk, mule deer, black bear, turkey, coyote

Unit 7 is legendary for its trophy bull elk, drawing hunters from across the country. The landscape features lava flows, open meadows, and forested ridges, offering excellent opportunities for spot-and-stalk or calling in close. This is a high-demand limited-entry unit, so you'll need to enter the AZGFD draw with preference points to secure a bull tag.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: Late August (Archery), September–November (Firearm)
  
• Bear & Coyote: Fall and Winter
  
• Turkey: Spring and fall seasons
  

Pro Tip: Hunt the edges of burned areas and old logging roads, where regrowth attracts game during feeding hours.

2. Coconino National Forest – Massive and Game-Rich

Location: Surrounds Flagstaff
Game Available: Mule Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Turkey, Small Game

Covering over 1.8 million acres, the Coconino National Forest is the primary hunting zone for locals and visitors alike. Units 6A, 6B, 5B, and parts of 11M offer a blend of pines, aspen groves, and rugged canyon country, making it ideal for both big game and upland bird hunters.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Deer: October–November (general), December (archery)
  
• Elk: September rut is prime time
  
• Turkey: April–May, October
  
• Cottontail/Rabbit/Squirrel: Fall through early spring
  

Pro Tip: Elevation and weather vary—check snowpack before heading deep into the woods in late fall.

3. Game Management Unit 6A – Accessible and Varied Terrain

Location: South of Flagstaff near Munds Park and Mormon Lake
Game Available: Elk, mule deer, turkey, black bear

Unit 6A is a popular area for its accessibility from Flagstaff and diverse terrain, from open prairies to dense Ponderosa forests. The elk rut in September attracts bowhunters looking for bugling bulls, and the spring turkey season is productive in the wooded foothills.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: September (archery), October–November (firearms)
  
• Mule Deer: November
  
• Turkey: Spring
  
• Bear: Late summer through fall
  

Pro Tip: Focus near watering holes and water tanks during dry spells—game concentrations skyrocket near these resources.

4. San Francisco Peaks – High-Elevation Big Game Pursuits

Location: Immediately north of Flagstaff (Unit 7E/7W)
Game Available: Elk, deer, black bear, mountain lion, turkey

The San Francisco Peaks are Arizona’s highest point and offer steep and heavily forested terrain ideal for seasoned hunters. While more physically demanding, the elk and deer quality is top-notch, and turkey populations thrive in the lower ridges.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: Late summer to fall
  
• Turkey: Spring and early fall
  
• Bear & Lion: Fall, based on harvest quotas
  

Pro Tip: Due to high elevation, weather changes rapidly—always bring layered gear and prepare for cold mornings, even in September.

5. Walnut Canyon and Anderson Mesa – Prime Archery Grounds

Location: Southeast of Flagstaff
Game Available: Mule deer, elk, turkey, coyote

These areas fall within parts of Unit 6B and 5B and provide a mix of piñon-juniper forests, volcanic buttes, and grassland clearings—ideal terrain for bowhunters and still hunters looking for challenging spot-and-stalk opportunities.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Mule Deer & Elk: Archery seasons in August and December
  
• Coyote: Open season
  
• Turkey: Spring
  

Pro Tip: Use quiet entry and wind direction to your advantage—this terrain doesn’t hide movement easily, especially in open areas.

6. Mormon Lake Area – High Density and Easy Access

Location: Southeast of Flagstaff
Game Available: Elk, deer, turkey

This region is well-known for its open meadows and marshlands, which attract wildlife throughout the year. It is a popular camping destination for hunters, and its mix of terrain makes it suitable for all experience levels.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: September–November
  
• Turkey: Spring
  
• Deer: October–November
  

Pro Tip: Glassing from meadow edges at dawn and dusk often reveals movement. Use a tree stand or natural blind if the area is pressured.

What You Need to Hunt Near Flagstaff, AZ

• Valid Arizona hunting license (resident or non-resident)
  
• Game tags or permits (AZGFD draw system or over-the-counter)
  
• Public land maps or GPS apps like OnX Hunt
  
• Cold-weather gear, especially for late fall and winter hunts
  
• Water, food, and emergency gear for high-altitude wilderness safety
  
• Bear spray or a sidearm in mountain lion and bear territory
  
• Hunting regs booklet to track dates, unit boundaries, and legal weapons
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Flagstaff Hunting Tips and Tactics

• Scout in advance: Use cameras, maps, and preseason hikes to find bedding areas, game trails, and water sources.
  
• Check draw deadlines: Trophy elk and mule deer hunts are limited-entry and highly competitive—build your points each year.
  
• Mind the weather: Snowfall can limit road access and change game behavior quickly.
  
• Altitude awareness: Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet—stay hydrated and acclimate if coming from lower elevations.
  
• Ethics matter: Respect private land, pack out trash, and avoid over-hunting pressured areas.
  

Conclusion

From the lush forests of the San Francisco Peaks to the volcanic plains of Coconino, Flagstaff is northern Arizona’s hunting crown jewel. With premier elk units, rugged deer habitats, and abundant turkey and predator populations, it's no surprise this region draws hunters from all over the West. With solid preparation, ethical practices, and respect for the land, your hunt near Flagstaff will be as rewarding as the scenery itself.