Cherry Creek Lodge and Game Management Unit 23 of the Tonto National Forest are home to 11 different game species, ranging from black bears to quail. The different geographical variations around Pleasant Valley, from open plains and ravines to densely forested hills, allow the region to support a large quantity of game.
Lodge co-owner, Michael Lechter, is an avid hunter. That’s why he designed special features into Cherry Creek Lodge to meet every hunter’s needs. And after a long day out on the hunt, enjoy a drink or two by the fire or grab a seat at the bar, kick back and relax!
Archery hunters can’t resist a simulated hunt on our 10-station 3D archery course.
Southwest Outdoors owner, Pete Davis, has been hunting and guiding in Arizona for 30 years. Elk, Mule deer and Coues deer are the main species on the ranch, with an opportunity at javelina, bear, mountain lion, coyotes, fox, bobcat, ducks, geese, quail and turkey.
The following hunts are available at the Cherry Creek Ranch:
The first season for archery deer on our private ranch begins in late August and goes through mid-September. Hunting strategies during this time are spot and stalk, or in our tree stands/ground blinds.
The next archery deer season is the month of January during the rut for both species of deer. This season produces some of the biggest bucks as the rut has the deer moving throughout the day.
These tags are available over the counter with NO DRAW. These hunts take place on private land with no pressure from other hunters. Sometimes our hunters get an opportunity at bear and turkey, along with ducks, geese and quail on our private ponds.
Two rifle deer hunts are available. The first is in October, the second in December. These tags are draw-only, and if you’re drawn you can hunt on some of the best land in the unit—The Cherry Creek Lodge.
Some of the biggest bulls in the state come from this unit. Hunting on private land gives you the best advantage of harvesting a truly huge bull. Archery season in Unit 23 during the early hunts is possibly the best trophy hunting in Arizona. While staying at the lodge, you can hunt on unit 23 on the ranch or on public land.
The odds of harvesting a bull on the late archery hunt in unit 23 is, again, much higher. Without the pressure from other hunters, this can be a truly enjoyable hunt. This hunt is relatively easy to draw and staying at the Lodge is advantageous due to the inclement weather this time of year.
The late rifle hunts occur in November and December and are a good combination of a decent chance to draw a tag and the chance at quality bulls. Our clients have harvested over 350 bulls in the last several years.
Bear and mountain lion hunting, with or without dogs is a favorite here at the Cherry Creek Lodge/Tilting H Ranch. These tags are available over the counter with NO DRAW!
Bear season is in August and October with a choice of rifle or archery and can usually be combined with the archery deer season. Our methods of hunting include spot and stock, stand hunting or the use of dogs.
Check out Southwest Outdoors to see pictures of trophy bears. Mountain lion hunting with dogs is also done on the ranch. This hunt brings back the thrilling days of the past when lions were hunted on horseback with an energetic pack of dogs.
Spring turkey and other hunting opportunities are also available.
We offer guided predator hunts in the most diverse habitat in central Arizona. From high country pines to the upland desert where predator populations are high.
Gear up for some fast-paced action as our professional guides call in Coyotes, Fox, Bobcat, Bear and Lion.
Whether you are a beginning sportsman or an accomplished predator hunter wanting to expand your opportunities, our ranch is the prime location to hunt with us on horseback or ATV.
Please Contact Pete Davis at pete@CherryCreekLodge.com or by telephone at 928.462.4027 or 928.240.3436
Reserve your stay at Cherry Creek Lodge today!