Unit 15D

Glass the rim rock first, then the shade

AZGFD's tips are specific, and we agree with them. Concentrate on rim rock overlooking canyons, ridge tops, and benches among craggy rocks. After the morning feeding, sheep tend to bed in the shade under cliffs. So the plan is simple. Be set up on a glassing point at first light and look at the open feeding ground. Once the sun climbs, shift your optics to the shaded undercut rock and the cliff bases.

The guide says good binoculars and a spotting scope are highly recommended, both for finding sheep and for classifying rams. Take that seriously on a tag this hard to draw. Don't commit to a stalk until you've judged the ram.

Pick a vantage you can drive to

Much of the Black Mountains is designated wilderness, and the guide warns that vehicle access is limited and you should expect a lot of hiking. That means the roadside vantage points matter more than usual.

• Sitgreaves Pass: park, glass north and south, and keep an eye on the private ground flanking the highway.
• Boundary Cone Road (County Road 53): work the big peak on the left from the road before you decide where to walk.
• Ganado Road: it takes you to Secret Pass and, through the wilderness entry gate, toward Ram Spring. Beyond the gate you're on foot.

Wherever you glass from, the big days come after you spot a ram. The guide tells you to bring comfortable boots and extra water, because you'll probably hike a fair amount once you've found your sheep.

Water as a draw

Our data maps 59 springs and 158 tanks in the unit. Named springs include Warm Springs, Grapevine Canyon Spring, Silver Creek Spring, Whiskey Spring and Flag Spring, and the guide names Ram, Trough and Twin springs on the east side. The guide doesn't say which ones hold sheep, so treat them as places to check on a map, not as sure bets. Canyons with water, like Grapevine and Warm Springs, are reasonable places to spend a scouting day.

Guides, shot discipline and a realistic day

The guide notes that many hunters hire a professional guide or outfitter for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. It also says you have to be patient and willing to work extra hard for your ram. That's the honest picture. Expect a long glassing session, a decision, then a hard hike over steep rock.

One safety note from AZGFD: bighorns often silhouette themselves on ridge tops. It's not a safe shot unless you know your backstop. In country this steep, with private land and roads in places, that matters.

The packet lists a 75 percent rifle success rate and gives no breakdown by weapon, season or year. We can't give weapon-specific advice beyond that. Check AZGFD's current hunt guidelines and draw results for season dates and any access rules before you go.