Unit 3B

Show Low Creek provides a major drainage anchor for navigation and water, flowing through the unit's western sections. White Lake Divide, Lake Mountain, and Blue Ridge Mountain offer useful high points for orientation and glassing across the flats. The numerous lakes and reservoirs—including Trophy Lake, Woodland Reservoir, and White Mountain Lake—serve as both navigation checkpoints and water sources.

Point of the Mountain stands as a visual landmark on the southern skyline. Several named flats like Concho Flat, Morgan Flat, and Tenny Flat break up the forested terrain and provide open hunting country.

The unit spans moderate elevations across a ponderosa-dominated plateau with mixed conifer stands at higher sections. Terrain generally sits between 5,500 and 8,500 feet, with most country falling in the mid-elevation band favoring ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and scattered aspen. Habitat transitions from mixed conifer forest on ridges to more open ponderosa and grassland flats.

Several pronounced valleys like Round Valley and draws cutting through the plateau create distinct terrain breaks. Timber distribution is moderate—enough forest to provide cover and shade for game animals but sufficient open space for glassing and movement.

Nearly 2,800 miles of road network criss-cross the unit, providing connected, relatively straightforward access to most terrain. Major highways and forest service roads mean hunters can reach primary hunting areas without extensive foot travel. Proximity to towns like Pinetop-Lakeside and Snowflake channels hunting pressure toward accessible drainages and near-road country, particularly around the named reservoirs and established camping areas.

The flat terrain complexity keeps logistics simple—no technical navigation required. Strategic hunters can use the road network to bypass crowded zones and access less-hunted flats and drainages away from main travel corridors.

Unit 3B encompasses the high country plateau between Snowflake on the north and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation boundary on the south. Arizona Highway 77, US Highway 60, and AZ Highway 61 define much of its perimeter, with the Vernon-McNary Road marking the eastern edge along the reservation. The unit includes towns like Taylor, Concho, Shumway, and Pinetop-Lakeside within or near its boundaries, making it accessible from multiple directions.

This positioning places the unit at the transition between lower Mogollon Rim country and higher ponderosa forest zones.

Water is more abundant here than much of the surrounding plateau. Show Low Creek and its tributaries including Morgan Wash, Walnut Creek, and Billy Creek provide reliable flowing water. Multiple reservoirs and lakes—Trophy Lake, Woodland Reservoir, Section Twenty-nine Reservoir, Mexican Lake, and others—concentrate game movement in reliable locations.

Numerous springs like Dipping Vat Spring, Thompson Spring, and Peterson Spring supplement perennial sources. Seasonal creeks like Porter Creek and Brown Creek run after runoff. This water network simplifies hunting logistics and supports consistent wildlife presence throughout the year.

The unit supports diverse game: elk use the mixed conifer zones and valley bottoms, particularly during early and late season migrations through the draws. Mule deer populate the ponderosa and mixed forest, while white-tailed deer favor the more timbered sections. Pronghorn utilize the open flats like Morgan Flat and Concho Flat, especially Round Valley.

Black bear use higher timber and fruit-bearing terrain in late summer and fall. Mountain sheep inhabit the higher ridge systems, while javelina concentrate in lower-elevation oak and brush areas. Bison sightings are rare but possible.

Water sources concentrate animals, making reservoir and spring areas productive glassing points early and late in seasons.