Forest Service responsibility is the management of habitat while the Arizona Game and Fish Department regulates and manages the wildlife. The National Forests are open to hunting but shooting is prohibited in some areas.
Primary species hunted are mule deer, elk, antelope, turkey and waterfowl.
Elk and deer season in particular draw large numbers of hunters. Hunting regulations are available from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and most sporting goods stores. A tribal permit is required in addition to an Arizona hunting license to hunt on the adjacent Ft. Apache or San Carlos Apache Indian Reservations. Wildlife observation has no closed seasons or bag limits.