Spanning over 750,000 acres across Arizona, the legendary Big Boquillas Ranch provides some of the best elk hunting opportunities in the American West. Known for producing trophy-class bulls, this massive cattle ranch opened limited public access through a fair chase hunting program in 2013. For hunters lucky enough to draw a tag, here’s an inside look at the prime areas to target trophy elk on the Big Boquillas.
The Lay of the Land
Before identifying the best spots for bugling bulls, it helps to understand the landscape and habitat of the Boquillas Ranch. Approximately 500,000 acres are private ranch land, while the other 250,000 acres belong to the Arizona State Trust This means about one-third of the ranch is public for hunting access.
The topography varies from wide open grassland valleys to steep rugged canyon country with elevations ranging from 3,500 to 7,500 feet. Vegetation includes grassland, chaparral, juniper, oak, pine, and pockets of ponderosa. Perennial streams and natural springs create riparian areas that attract wildlife.
The ranch terrain is extremely remote, rugged, and largely untouched. Hunters must be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry conditions. Vehicle access is limited to designated ranch roads.
Best Areas for Elk
With such an incredibly vast landscape, the Big Boquillas offers almost unlimited elk habitat. But some areas hold more consistent potential based on terrain, access, and historical patterns. Here are four zones to focus your scouting and setup a mobile hunting strategy:
1. 80 Mountain
Rising to 7,560 feet, this lone peak located in the southeast corner of the ranch provides a high-country hunting experience. Bulls migrate to the upper slopes and ridges in early autumn to bugle and rut. Dense oak and pine make good cover, while open meadows allow chance encounters. Glass frequently and still hunt for best success.
2. Buckskin Mountains
The high country along the eastern border of the ranch holds some of the best elk habitat around. Follow the major canyons like Milk Creek and Bronco Creek to find wallows. Set up calling stands where canyon fingers meet high meadows. Time it for the late September rut when big bulls come up to bugle and find cows.
3. Belmont and Big Boquillas Mountains
These two ranges intersect in the heart of the ranch, with peaks up to 7,400 feet. Bulls frequent the high ridges, meadow basins, and slopes of pine and oak. Use binoculars to scan openings early and late. The plentiful water and feed attract elk year-round.
4. Little Horn Mountains
Rising along the western side of the ranch, these remote mountains see less hunting pressure. Hike into the canyons to find bulls trailing cows in the early season. As winter nears, still hunt the upper slopes where elk congregate among thick timber.
More Tips for Success
In addition to focusing your hunt on these prime elk zones, here are a few more tips for tagging a Boquillas trophy:
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Scout thoroughly before the season using maps and rangefinders to identify wallows, rubs, and patterns.
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Time the peak of the rut in late September when bulls are most active and vocal.
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Pack for ultra remote backcountry hiking and camping in rugged terrain.
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Use calls sparingly as educated bulls get pressured. Bugles and cow calls can work well.
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Be in position pre-dawn when elk move back from feeding areas to bedding areas.
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Glass and still hunt near water sources like springs, seeps, and riparian habitat.
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Focus on transition zones between ecotones, like meadow openings in timber.
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Don’t overlook sleeper areas with less pressure but decent habitat like Little Horn Mountains.
With smart preparation, persistence, and proper expectations, the sprawling Big Boquillas Ranch provides every ingredient for a successful trophy elk hunt in truly epic country. Conduct thorough pre-season scouting to identify the best zones, and then hunt hard when your tag comes up. Following these tips will lead you to a massive bull and a lifetime of memories in the heralded Big Bo backcountry.
What’s up with UNIT 10 & The BIG Boquillas ranch?!?!
FAQ
Where are the elk in unit 10 az?
What is the biggest cattle ranch in Arizona?
Where is Boquillas ranch?
What is Big Boquillas Ranch?
The Big Boquillas Ranch, also known as the “Diamond-A,” covers more than half of Arizona Game Management Unit 10, a top destination for trophy bull elk and antelope hunting. The ranch welcomes hunters who have drawn a permit for hunts in Unit 10 but asks that they review and understand the access rates and ranch rules prior to arrival.
Where to hunt bull elk in New Mexico?
Hunt trophy bull elk in beautiful Northern New Mexico with well known professional outfitter Mark Harper and his team of experienced local guides. This is Elk Hunting at its best. New Mexico sports some of the largest bull elk in the west. Guided hunts for the seasoned hunter, to the less experienced, men and women alike.
Where to hunt elk in Texas?
ELK ELK — Good cow hunting opportunities. The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen. Check out the Texas Mountain area and Ratt Hole Ridge. Hunting pressure will push some bulls into the large expanses of pinyon-juniper.
Does the Big Bo Ranch have a hunting access program?
The Big Bo Ranch is 70% private property, leading us to introduce a hunting access program. In 2013, the Big Boquillas Ranch implemented a do-it-yourself Fair Chase hunting program, which faced some challenges initially. However, through collaborative efforts, improvements have been made every year since.