I had the Dec 9-16th rifle tag last year & replied to the 22 N post from yesterday. There is really no secret spot that anyone ever told me about, however I saw bulls every day of my hunt. Get a Tonto NF map. Both sides of the control road had MANY hunters last year & they were getting bulls. The landfill area was pretty popular too. The FS road that goes northeast off of Houston Mesa Rd right out of Payson has some burn areas. The outfitters seem to like that area. There will be bulls up on the rim if you want to hike. I hunted every day & hunted different areas. I did a lot of walking & saw lots of elk, lots of bulls & a few coues bucks. The locals know where the big bulls hang out, but if you are willing to hike & get away from the hunting pressure you will see bulls. Hope this helps!! Good luck.
