Unit 27

[azhoundcrazy]

I'm going to be heading to 27 to try and catch my first lion. I was wondering if any deer or pig hunters been down there and know of any spots where you have seen any lions or sign and would be willing to share any info on where they were. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Kyle

[Snapshot]

I don't know much about lion hunting, but I do know Unit 27. Since the top 1/3 of the unit burned in the fire, I am not sure how much wildlife is currently in, or around, the burn area. I would concentrate efforts below the rim, down in the canyon country. Lots of Lions to be had, but lots of hard work. You could always talk to some ranchers down in the Blue River area. I bet they would be more than happy to share some info. Same goes for Eagle Creek. The Juan Miller road will take you east to the Blue River, lots of good country in there, especially the remote stretch of country along the New Mexico border.

 

This is Unit 27 lion info from the G&F regs

Mountain Lion

Overview: Mountain lions, also referred to as cougars, can be found throughout Unit 27. Annually, an average of 10 lions per year are usually taken through sport harvest. Roughly half of the yearly harvest is with the aid of hounds. While lucky hunters occasionally locate lions by still hunting or glassing, the most successful methods for hunting lions involve the use of predator calls or hounds.

 

Mountain lions may be called in using predator calls in the same manner as is used for calling coyotes. Longer calling sequences, up to 45 minutes, are recommended. Set up calling stands in rough canyon country with good visibility to spot approaching predators.

 

The most effective method by far for hunting mountain lions is trailing with hounds. While few hunters can afford to keep a pack of lion hounds for recreational hunting, many professional guides with seasoned hounds are available for hire for the hunter that is determined to bag a cougar. A list of licensed outfitter-guides operating in Unit 27 may be obtained by calling the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at (928) 333-4301. Forest Service maps can also be obtained by calling this same number.

 

Areas: To get to Unit 27, take Hwy. 191 south from Springerville, or, for hunters coming from the southern parts of Arizona, take Hwy. 191 north from Clifton.

 

Good areas to find mountain lion during the fall and winter months are located below the Mogollon Rim, or along the upper Blue River. Along the lower Blue River, excellent areas include Wild Bunch Canyon and Mud Springs Canyon. The canyons below Rose Peak also have good lion populations. Basically, any area that holds concentrations of deer or elk are prime locations for finding lions.

 

Two areas in the unit provide opportunities to harvest multiple lions annually. These areas are remote and rugged, and will require a hunter to work hard to gain access. The Bear Canyon and Pipestem areas of Unit 27 have multiple bag limits to facilitate the reestablishment of bighorn sheep into these areas. These areas are in prime lion country and can provide the hunter with a great opportunity.

 

Special Regulations: Lion hunters should be familiar with the following laws and regulations prior to going lion hunting.

 

All hunters must contact an Arizona Game and Fish Department office in person or by telephone at 1-877-438-0447 within 48 hours of taking a lion. The report shall include the hunter’s name, hunting license number, tag number, sex of the lion taken, management unit where the lion was taken, and telephone number at which the hunter can be reached to obtain additional information. Within 10 days of taking a lion, the hunter shall present the lion’s skull, hide, and attached proof of sex for inspection. If a hunter freezes the skull or hide before presenting it for inspection, the hunter shall prop the jaw open to allow access to the teeth and ensure that the attached proof of sex is identifiable and accessible. A premolar tooth will be removed during the inspection. Successful hunters are encouraged to contact the nearest Department office by telephone to coordinate inspections.

 

 

Most of Unit 27 will have a season of August 19, 2011, through May 18, 2012. The exceptions to this rule are the Pipestem and Bear Canyon multiple bag areas, which will remain open year-round. Refer to the current regulations for boundary descriptions and bag limit numbers. Due to a hunt guideline change, the mountain lion season will be year-round, unit wide starting July 1, 2012.

 

 

Legal lion is any lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spotted kittens.

[Snapshot]

One of the things about Unit 27, it has lots of lions. But the ironic part of it, is I have hunted there since the late 70's, and have hiked hundreds of miles, and have only seen 1 Lion. I have found alot of kills, tracks, sign, etc., I can only imagine the amount of Lions that have watched me as I have hiked through the terrain. I guess I am just not lucky enough to see them.

[countrykid]

I'm going to be heading to 27 to try and catch my first lion. I was wondering if any deer or pig hunters been down there and know of any spots where you have seen any lions or sign and would be willing to share any info on where they were. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Kyle

[countrykid]

I've hunted deer over there quite a bit and have seen a ton of lions. I would love to see there numbers down a bit. If you dont mind that I tag along I'll show you were we go but I don't want to post the area on the forum. you can text me if your interested tho. 480-seven seven two- 6353

[sjvcon]

Bow hunted the lower part of the unit a few years back ... they are definitely down in those canyons and rocky areas by the Blue.

[matthewp45]

There are no lions in there, well maybe a couple but I think they all walk in a straight line 24 hours a day 7 days a week. That is very rugged terrain I would highly suggest not to hunt alone. Beautiful place. But as I have heard many times before "Even in an area that has tons of lions sometimes it may take 10 days just to find one 6 hour old track. Good luck and be safe.