Unit 9 Turkey

AZMZHunter · Apr 14, 2011

Does anybody have any info on where the turkeys will be by the second week of May. I will be hunting there this year and have never hunted there for turkey before. Will they still be in the lower elevations by then or will they be back up by Grandview and Skinner?

muleymaniac · Apr 14, 2011

right off g&f webpage for unit 9

Overview: Merriam's Turkey can be found in the ponderosa pine/Gambel oak habitats of Unit 9. All of the turkey habitat in Unit 9 is located on the Kaibab National Forest, which has maps available for this area. You can obtain one of these maps by calling the Williams Visitor Center at 928-635-4061. The Grand Canyon National Park borders Unit 9 to the north and does NOT allow hunting. The boundary is fenced and well marked. In the late fall and throughout the winter, turkeys will use pinyon-juniper woodlands that are usually associated with some ponderosa pine stringers (drainages consisting of ponderosa pine trees). The Unit 9 turkey numbers have been declining since 1994. Little or no summer rains have resulted in poor recruitment (survival of poults). Unit 9 can be very dry and water is a critical factor. The best way to scout is to check for tracks at the waterholes. Hunters should also look for areas producing Gambel oak acorns, as this is where the turkeys will be feeding during the fall hunts. During the spring hunts, hunters should look for the greenest areas amongst the ponderosa pine habitats, as turkeys will slowly move to the high country, somewhat following the green-up.

Areas: The spring turkey season is for bearded turkeys only, and lawful methods include crossbows or bow and arrow as prescribed in Commission Rule R12-4-304, or shotguns shooting shot. The successful spring hunters will scout roost areas and listen for toms gobbling from or near their roosts. Calling is the most effective method as toms are actively seeking out females to breed. Areas and Forest Roads (FR) to consider include: Skinner Ridge (FR's 688, 305A, 2732, 304, and 343, Grandview and Hull Tank (FR's 301, 310, 307, and 2719), Camp 36 (FR's 301, 301A, 317, 902, and 684, Red Horse Tank to Skousen Tank (FR's 339, 310, 311, 320, and 2752), Ten X (FR's 302, 303, 688, and 2709.

gebudjr · Apr 15, 2011

miss the deadline this year but I give you what I got. I haven't been up there this year but I'm sure the road are all accessable. The two area's you mention have turkey this time of the year, from Granview to Lockett lake. I've even seen and heard them while at Russell tank. Skinner is a good bet two. PM sent and good luck.