Hunting

Cherry Creek Lodge and Game Management Unit 23 of the Tonto National Forest are home to 11 different game species ranging from the Black Bear to the Quail. A full list and description of game species can be found at the bottom of the page. Because of the different geographical variations around Pleasant Valley, from open plains and ravines to densely forested hills, the region can 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.

The lodge is equipped with a full set of gun and equipment lockers provided free of charge for our guests.

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!

The Arizona Game & Fish Department is the governing body concerning all licensing and the number of permits granted each year. Below is a chart of species and permits generally granted each year, as well as the respective hunting season.

Guest hunters of the lodge are required to show a valid hunting license and permit-tag for big game according to the Arizona Game & Fish standards. Licenses and permit-tags can be obtained from the Mesa Region VI office at:

7200 E. University Drive, Mesa 85207
(480) 981-9400

All applications have to be submitted in writing. Please call the regional office for information.

When applying for a permit please be sure to select Unit 23 North. For further current information on the 2008 hunting season, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department Web site at www.azgfd.gov.

Guided Hunts will be available soon at Cherry Creek Lodge. We are actively seeking and collaborating on a partnership with local wildlife guides. Be sure to check back for updates during the year as we finalize our partnership.

Game Species

There are 11 different game species registered by the Arizona Game & Fish Department in Unit 23. They are: Band-tailed Pigeon, Black Bear, Dove, Elk, Javelina, Merriam’s Turkey, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer, Quail, Tree Squirrel and White-tailed Deer.

The following descriptions and images have been taken directly from the Arizona Game & Fish Department Web site. All sourced material below is courtesy of the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Click on an image to view species information and tips!