Flagstaff resident Michael Cravens is a passionate outdoorsman. His admiration for the outdoors began at a young age growing up in the Ozarks of Missouri. This is where he first began fishing and trapping small animals, such as snakes and lizards. Soon after, he was introduced to hunting larger game by a childhood friend.
Today, Michael enjoys hunting turkey and fly-fishing Arizona’s rivers and streams. When he’s not immersed in nature, he spends time with his family and serves as the Advocacy and Conservation Director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, as well as Vice Chair of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Arizona Chapter.
We spoke with Michael to get his insights on hunting in the White Mountains, a beautiful region of Eastern Arizona known for its big game.
What makes the White Mountains and Eastern Arizona a unique hunting destination?
The region is fortunate enough to have ample public lands. It is also one of the best examples of wilderness in the state, mirroring habitats similar to those of the Rocky Mountains. It has very healthy wildlife conditions and landscapes that are exceedingly stunning.
What does someone who has never hunted in Eastern Arizona need to know?
It’s a big wilderness area — it can be easy to get lost. And the biggest difference between this region and others in the state is the ability to get hit with bad weather. For example, snow in winter or lightning storms in summer.
When is the most ideal time to hunt in this region?
Fall is a beautiful time, especially in the White Mountains. The skies are blue, the air is crisp. As for the time of day, you’ll need to be out before the sun is up. Most species are most active early in the morning and late in the evening.
What kind of game can hunters expect to find in Eastern Arizona?
It’s definitely big-game country. Elk hunts are extremely popular in this region, but hunters can also expect to find mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, lion, bighorn sheep, turkey and other upland and small-game species.
What are the hunting regulations in the region? What is permitting like?
The regulations in this region are the same as anywhere else in Arizona. There are a variety of hunts that are permitted as well as some that are non-permitted. The hunts that require a permit fall under a lottery system. Three times a year there are regulations that come out for different sets of species. Hunters must choose which species they want to enter the lottery for in hopes they get drawn for that tag. If they do, they can hunt that species. There are also many hunts that do not require a permit in which you can simply purchase a tag over the counter. Either way, opportunities to hunt are always available.
What are the challenges that hunters face in the White Mountains and Eastern Arizona?
Most of the time the weather is beautiful, but the area does have the capacity to quickly shift from good to bad. Navigation is another challenge one may face. This wilderness is unbounded, so it is essential to carry a location device when navigating it.
What is your most memorable hunting experience in the White Mountains and Eastern Arizona?
There are several! They are all great. Most occurred in the spring, taking the whole family to hunt for turkey, forage for mushrooms and fly-fish for native Apache trout — this species of trout can only be found here, in this region of the state.
Any gear or equipment recommendations for hunting in this region?
Navigation devices are a necessity. A great digital GPS tool for hunting is onX Maps, but it’s equally important to carry a paper map as a backup. Rain gear and a good pair of boots are essential, too, as well as adequate food and water.
If you decide to overnight, what are the best places to camp or stay in the area?
If you don’t need amenities, there are campgrounds everywhere. Due to the abundant public lands, finding a place to camp is never a problem. With that being said, you are not allowed to camp within a quarter mile of a water source. There are also lots of well-developed campgrounds in which you can camp for a small fee.
Header image credit: An Pham
Daniel King
Daniel King is a writer and Arizona native who is passionate about narrative. As someone who has spent his entire life in the state, Daniel has an appreciation for the grandeur of Arizona’s outdoors and enjoys exploring it whenever he can.
