Unit 01/02C (White Mountains South Combined)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

The 01/02C combined elk hunt merges GMUs 1 and 2C in the White Mountains, drawing nearly 3,900 cumulative applicants. This combination provides access to both the Springerville high country and the Unit 2C country bordering the Fort Apache Indian Reservation — a rich elk landscape with diverse terrain from high alpine parks to the mixed conifer drainages of the upper Salt River country. Bull quality is exceptional throughout the combined area.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 01/02C

Where to Find Elk in the 01/02C Combined Unit

The 01/02C combined unit spans the White Mountains from the Springerville high country south to the Unit 2C terrain bordering the Fort Apache Reservation.

Alpine Parks and Meadow Systems (Unit 1)

The parks and meadows of Unit 1 between Springerville and Alpine hold large bull concentrations through early October. This is the classic White Mountains elk country — wide meadows with bugling bulls in September, feeding animals at dawn through October rifle season.

Unit 2C Mixed Conifer (Reservation Border)

The Unit 2C country transitions from White Mountains ponderosa south toward the Fort Apache Reservation boundary. This lower, more broken country holds elk that receive less pressure than the popular Unit 1 areas. Mixed conifer drainages and scattered water sources concentrate animals during dry weather.

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How to Hunt Elk in the 01/02C Combined Unit

The combined unit's geography gives hunters flexibility to choose between the well-known Unit 1 strategy and the less-pressured Unit 2C country.

High-Country Unit 1 Approach

Standard White Mountains elk hunting — glass from elevated parks at dawn, call during September archery season rut, execute spot-and-stalk during rifle seasons.

Unit 2C Low-Pressure Option

When Unit 1 pressure builds mid-season, shift south to the Unit 2C country. The transition zone near the reservation boundary holds undisturbed bulls through the rifle season. Access from the south via the McNary area or tribal boundary roads where legal.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

The 01/02C combined elk hunt produces 45–65% rifle success. The geographic flexibility of the combined unit — spanning two distinct ecological zones — gives hunters multiple options when animals concentrate or pressure builds in one area.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts (n/p)
Rifle — General Rifle Oct antlerless (combined pool)	150	1,358	9.9%	—
Rifle — General Rifle Oct antlerless (combined pool)	150	1,358	9.9%	—

Data from 2025 draw results. Each row is one residency pool — read the label before the number. This agency publishes no point thresholds, so the Pts column stays blank and these are pool odds, not what a point total draws.

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Nearly 3,900 cumulative applicants. Expect 14–22 bonus points before drawing the 01/02C combined elk tag.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Water

Good in Unit 1 (White Mountains precipitation). Moderate in Unit 2C.

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Road Conditions

Hwy 191 and 260 provide paved main access. Forest roads require high clearance and 4WD.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate (Unit 1 high country) to moderate-difficult (Unit 2C broken country). Overall manageable without horses.

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Weather

September to November. Early snow possible in high Unit 1 country from late October.

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Cell Service

Limited — coverage near Springerville only. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Springerville/Eagar (full services). McNary (limited). Show Low 45 min west.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation with the 01/02C tag?

No. The AZGFD tag is only valid on state/federal land. The Fort Apache Indian Reservation requires a separate tribal hunting permit from the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The 01/02C tag covers the adjacent national forest land bordering the reservation boundary.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

AZGFD Big Game Draw — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Applicant counts, Draw odds · accessed 2026-04-18