Unit 05B (Heber/Overgaard)

Unit 5B elk center on the ponderosa parks and drainages of the Black Mesa Ranger District between Heber and Overgaard.

Grass Parks and Meadow Edges

The unit's numerous grass parks — open areas within the ponderosa pine forest — are reliable elk feeding areas at dawn and dusk. Focus on parks adjacent to heavy timber where bulls bed during the day.

Chevelon and Black Creek Drainages

The upper forks of Chevelon Creek and Black Creek provide water and travel corridors for elk moving between the plateau and lower country. Morning glassing of creek-bottom openings is productive during rifle season.

Northern Rim Edge

The northern edge of the unit near the Mogollon Rim provides dramatic glassing country with views into brushy drainages below. Elk concentrate on the rim edge during warm September archery season to access the cooler north-facing slopes.

Unit 5B hunting is primarily a plateau-style operation with good forest road access supplemented by foot hunting in productive drainages.

Road-and-Glass Strategy

The Black Mesa RD has an extensive forest road system. Drive to elevated vantage points at first light, glass open parks and drainage edges, then execute stalks on identified bulls. This mobile approach lets you cover the unit efficiently before investing in a foot approach.

Archery Rut Hunting

September archery in 5B targets rutting bulls in the forested parks. Use cow calls and locator bugles. The unit's compact geography means bulls can be found and called effectively from multiple locations in a single day.