2022 Best Sheep Units

The Best Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Units (2022)

The Best AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunts

Arizona Mexicana Desert Sheep Units:

Unit 24BS is consistently producing the big old rams & the 2021 season average score was 179″ & 11 years old.  2 tags will be offered for the 2022 season.  This unit is basically only avaible to MAX bonus point holders & you will WASTE an application if you apply for this tag with sub-max points.

Unit 22S is probably the most well known for producing giant desert rams but it’s a very popular choice for all the right reasons.   Last season the average score was 179″ & 9.5 years old.  2 tags will be offered for the 2022 season. This unit is basically only avaible to MAX bonus point holders & you will WASTE an application if you apply for this tag with sub-max points.

Unit 40B Gila Mountains produced a very large ram last year & some good rams that made it thru.  Last season the average score was 164″ & 7.5 years old.  4 tags will be offered for the 2022 season, so this is a good unit for non-residents looking to draw a sheep tag in Arizona.

Unit 40B Tinajtas Altas Mountains has some good genetics & older rams in the unit.  The 2021 season yield was an average score of 163″ at 9.5 years of age.   2 tags are being offered for the 2022 sheep season, so hunting pressure won’t be an issue.

Honarable Mentions: 

Unit 24BN, Unit 28, Unit 41E, Unit 41W, Unit 44BN 

 

2022 Best Sheep Units

Arizona Nelsoni Desert Sheep Units:

Unit 16A/18B is at the top of the list for these units right now.  Last season the average score was 169″ & 8 years old.  There will be 2 tags offered for the 2022 season.

Unit 12BE has snuck up on everyone as a new unit that produced a couple big rams last year.  The age class is still of concern & the tag numbers have increased for the 2022 season. Last season the average score was 164″ on the first hunt & 172″ on the second with a 6.7 age average. There are two hunts with the first having 3 permits & the second having 4 permits, so this is a good non-resident choice for a chance at a tag.

Unit 15D has dropped off dramatically from the glory years.  Last season the unit was split but due to a severly decreased population in older age class rams the hunt is now unit wide with only 4 tags being offered.  The average score was 159.5″ & average age was 7.7 for the 2021 season.  FYI-this unit typically has the MOST applications for any Arizona sheep unit so it’s extremely hard to draw.

Unit 16AN is a very tough hunt but still has potential to produce book rams.   The population seems to be on a downward trend because of drought & predation.   Last season’s numbers were an average score of 151″ & average age was 6.5 years old.  There are once again 2 tags for this unit but beware you may not see many sheep.

Honarble Mention:

Unit 13BN & Unit 15C

Applying for an Arizona Desert Bighorn hunt?

Keep in mind a number of factors go into our top choices for ranking these Arizona Bighorn Sheep Units/Hunts.  If you are wanting to go on a desert bighorn sheep hunt with us PLEASE contact us prior to applying.

The Best Arizona Mule Deer Units (2022 Hunts)

Arizona’s Best Units (2022 Mule Deer Hunts)

 

Arizona has some great top tier mule deer units & here are the best Arizona Rifle Mule Deer Rut Hunts for the 2022 season:

  • Unit 13B (Arizona Strip)  Dates: 11/4-11/13 *Best genetics in the state of Arizona but the age class is down slightly from years past.  Most serious hunters will hunt for 190+ bucks with a handful of bucks being taken over 210″.    There are 70 tags being given (-10 from 2021) & the dates are toward the beginning of the rut, so pray for cold weather.
  • Unit 13A (Arizona Strip) Dates: 11/11-11/20 * Great genetics but not as much deer habitat as you would think for a unit of it’s size.   Most serious hunters will hunt for 190+ bucks with a few bucks being taken over 200″.  The dates are in a great spot to hit the rut & there are only 40 tags this season (-10 from 2021).
  • Unit 12AW (Kaibab) Dates: 11/18-11/27 *Great genetics but the age class is down from the glory days.  You will see a lot of deer on this hunt & it’s a full blown rut mule deer hunt.   Very fun hunt with only 40 tags that can yield bucks over 200″ but most serious hunters will be foolish to not shoot a buck in the 190’s.
  • Unit 12BW Dates:  11/18-11/27 *Good genetics in this area which is less popular when compared to the above units.  180+ mule deer is a solid expectation for the more serious hunters but 190+ may be possible.  These hunt dates put this hunt in the middle of the rut, so older bucks will be more vulnerable.
  • Unit 10 Dates:  12/9-12/31 *Solid genetics & age class can make this a sleeper NEW hunt with only 15 tags.   Mule Deer SOUTH of the Grand Canyon rut later than the deer North of it, so the December dates are right during the middle of the rut!   180″ bucks will be great for this hunt with the possiblity of a few 190+ bucks.  FYI-Don’t expect to see a lot of deer as the numbers are low.
  • Unit 3A & 3C Dates:  12/9-12/31 *Solid genetics in this unit & some good bucks have been taken in the past. Mule Deer SOUTH of the Grand Canyon rut later than the deer North of it, so the December dates are right during the middle of the rut!  HEAVY snow can be an issue with these dates & unit.   180+ is a solid buck on this hunt with only 10 tags being offered.

 

Honorable Mention:

  • Unit 12AE Dates:  11/18-11/27
  • Unit 12B Dates: 11/18-11/27
  • Unit 7&9 Dates: 12/9-12/31
  • Unit 23 Dates: 12/9-12/31

 

 

200″ Arizona Mule Deer

Before you Apply for an Arizona Mule Deer Hunt!

There are many things to consider before you apply for an Arizona mule deer hunt, such as bonus points, trophy expectations & weapon type.  Therefor, if you are interested in going on an Arizona Mule Deer hunt with us, please contact us  prior to applying for the draw.