 This is another unit we listed the last couple of years as one of the 5 best in the state. It makes the list again this year and with a BANG! In fact, I believe 5A was at it's very best in 2009 for trophy size and looked to be doing very well in regards to the number of bucks we saw versus the number of tags G&F issued. The Hopi own a large chunk of the antelope habitat in the unit, but they allow access. All you have to do is sign in with them at their office in Winslow and you'll get your month (or so) pass and combination code for the locked gates. Once you're on the Hopi 3 Ranch the first thing you'll notice is that there aren't any antelope! Ha! The antelope are far and few between and sometimes very difficult to locate (and relocate). The Bar T Bar Ranch covers nearly the rest of the unit and is also very good for antelope, though you'll run into more trees and even fewer antelope. It isn't because there aren't as many antelope here, it's just that the trees make them harder to see sometimes. So far in the last few years of scouting 5A we haven't run into any access issues. In 2006 the AZG&F transplanted antelope from Unit 19A into Unit 5A. Several of those tagged animals are still alive, bucks and does alike. I'm not sure if this transplant is yet having any effect on the trophy size - it would seem that it would be too early for the new genetics to kick in. Hopefully the two gene pools were meant for each other and we'll see the fruits of this merger in the next few years. If this happens 5A may be on this list for quite some time! |
