Top Hunting Places in Prescott, Arizona

Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s highlands, Prescott stands out as a hunting destination with cooler climates, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. With elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, Prescott offers an incredible variety of game, scenery, and seasonal access, making it a must-visit for hunters seeking both trophy opportunities and peaceful wilderness experiences.

Why Hunt in Prescott, Arizona?

Prescott is part of Arizona Game Management Units 17A, 17B, 19A, and 19B, each offering public land access, big game populations, and unique topography. From pinyon-juniper woodlands to ponderosa pine forests, this region supports everything from elk and deer to predators and upland birds.

Advantages of Hunting in Prescott:

• Mild summer climate for early season scouting
  
• Abundant public lands including Prescott National Forest
  
• Excellent access to both big game and small game
  
• Reliable game populations due to managed herds and controlled tags
  

1. Prescott National Forest – Expansive Access to Big Game

Covering over 1.25 million acres, the Prescott National Forest is the crown jewel of hunting in the area. Spanning multiple game units, this forest provides varied elevations, deep canyons, creeks, and thick cover, ideal for spot-and-stalk or treestand hunting.

Popular Species:

• Elk (Unit 8 & Unit 6A boundaries nearby)
  
• Mule deer and Coues deer
  
• Black bear and mountain lion
  
• Merriam’s turkey
  

Key Access Points:

• Senator Highway south of Prescott
  
• Camp Wood Road (19B access)
  
• Copper Basin and Groom Creek areas
  

Tips for Success:

• Scout higher elevations during early fall
  
• Use trail cameras and glassing knobs for late-season hunts
  
• Apply for limited draw tags early (elk and Coues deer)
  

2. Unit 19A – A Premier Zone for Whitetail and Predator Hunts

Game Management Unit 19A, just northeast of Prescott, is well-known for its trophy-quality mule deer and strong Coues deer presence. The area is a mix of rolling grasslands, volcanic hills, and pinyon forests.

What Makes 19A Special:

• Known for big-bodied deer and good genetics
  
• Excellent glassing conditions with sparse vegetation
  
• Low pressure in harder-to-reach areas
  
• Reliable predator populations for off-season hunting
  

Best Access:

• Perkinsville Road area
  
• North of Chino Valley
  
• Access roads west of Paulden
  

What to Bring:

• Long-range optics and rangefinder
  
• Silent boots or gaiters for creeping into bow range
  
• E-calls for coyotes and bobcats
  

3. Upper Verde River Area – Water-Drawn Game and Bird Variety

The Upper Verde River corridor, accessible from the north side of Prescott, provides one of the few perennial water sources in the region. This makes it a hotspot for migrating game birds, deer, and even javelina.

What You'll Find:

• Waterfowl and dove hunting along riparian zones
  
• Javelina herds drawn to riverbanks and mesquite groves
  
• Prime location for spring turkey hunts
  
• Light hunting pressure due to rugged terrain
  

Travel Advisory: A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, especially after monsoon season.

4. Mingus Mountain – Cool Weather and Dense Forest Game

Straddling the line between Prescott and Jerome, Mingus Mountain is a part of the Black Hills and a cooler climate haven for archery elk and Coues deer.

Why It’s Worth the Trip:

• Higher elevation and cooler temps attract summer game
  
• Excellent September elk rut bowhunting zone
  
• Quiet and often overlooked by casual hunters
  
• Accessible by Highway 89A with several forest road spurs
  

Hunting Tip: Focus on north-facing slopes and shaded draws during warm spells for elk and deer bedding areas.

5. Williamson Valley – Flatland Access and Small Game Galore

For hunters looking for easier terrain, the Williamson Valley area north of Prescott provides rolling hills and open fields. This is an excellent location for coyote calling, jackrabbit hunting, and birding.

Game You’ll Encounter:

• Mourning dove and Gambel's quail
  
• Cottontail and jackrabbits
  
• Coyote and fox during early morning or dusk hours
  

Bonus: With proximity to town, this makes a great quick hunt or scouting trip for newcomers.

Must-Have Gear for Hunting in Prescott

Due to varying elevations and climates, here’s what every Prescott hunter should pack:

• Layered clothing (mornings can drop below freezing in fall)
  
• High-quality boots with ankle support
  
• Hydration packs or filtration systems
  
• GPS + OnX or HuntStand apps
  
• Headlamps and backup batteries
  
• Coolers for post-harvest preservation
  
• Draw tags and hunter ID
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Ethical Hunting and Legal Requirements

Before stepping into the woods, be aware of Arizona hunting regulations:

• All hunters must have a valid AZ hunting license
  
• Apply early for limited-entry tags
  
• Always identify land ownership boundaries (State Trust Land requires additional permits)
  
• Respect seasonal closures and fire restrictions
  
• Pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles
  

Prescott’s Hunting Seasons at a Glance

 

Where to Buy Tags, Ammo, and Supplies in Prescott

Prescott is well equipped for visiting hunters. Check out these trusted shops:

• Sportsman's Warehouse – Full selection of firearms, archery gear, optics
  
• Prescott Valley Guns – Local experts with regional hunting knowledge
  
• Tim’s Toyota Center – Nearby OHV outfitter for accessing rough terrain
  
• Arizona Game & Fish Office (Prescott Field Office) – For maps, regs, and tag questions
  

Conclusion: Experience Arizona’s Hidden Hunting Gem

Prescott, Arizona delivers premium hunting experiences across every skill level and season. From dense forest elk pursuits on Mingus Mountain to predator hunts in Williamson Valley, it’s the perfect location for hunters who value public access, game variety, and pristine landscapes.

Whether you're applying for a coveted elk tag or looking for a peaceful afternoon calling coyotes, Prescott offers everything a true outdoorsman seeks—challenge, solitude, and abundant game.