San Carlos Apache Recreation & Wildlife Department

Established with the mission "To preserve, protect and enhance wildlife populations on the San Carlos, for the benefit of the Tribe and for benefit of the ecosystem". The Recreation and Wild Department plays an important role in maintaining our lands and resources.  
    Bird watching and wildlife photography activities along with Hunting and Fishing guide information is available from the website or by contacting the department directly at: 928-475-2361. Elk tags for trophy elk hunts staged on the San Carlos Apache Reservation generates benefiting revenues for the Tribe’s Conservation Fund which is used for wildlife survey, research and habitat improvement projects.
    The San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Wildlife and Recreation Department manages its Dry Lake and Hilltop trophy elk herds which have produced some of the largest antler bearing elk in the world. The Department manages big game hunting by managing hunter densities and limiting permit sales. Past years the trophy elk tags are limited to three per hunt.
   The 1.8 million acres lying within portions of Gila, Graham and Pinal Counties, are remaining lands of the original San Carlos Apache Reservation established by executive order in 1871. Successful returning of territorial and habitat lands remains a contemporary goal. San Carlos is the largest Apache reservation and encompasses seven biotic regions ranging from desert to forest. Its wildlife resources include Rocky Mountain Elk, Coues-White Tailed Deer, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, Desert Big Horn Sheep, Javelina, Pronghorn Antelope, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Wild Turkey, predators and small game. These animal species are managed by expert field professionals of Apache decent. Combining today's modern advancements with inherent knowledge of our lands created effective management programs.  
     San Carlos is an excellent fishery destination that include both cold water and warm water fisheries. When full, San Carlos Lake is the largest lake in Arizona with 158 miles of shoreline. It contains state record holding Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie and Flathead Catfish. Talkalai Lake fed by sacred spring waters is home to monster largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. Picnic table surround the Southern and Northern equipped permanent charcoal grills for that catch of the day. The spring shad runs are a stable food source for many birds and wildlife living along the San Carlos river and waterways.           
    In addition to hunting and fishing, the San Carlos Apache Reservation offers a variety of year-round recreational and cultural opportunities for visitors. The San Carlos Apache Cultural Center is located in Peridot on U.S. 70 and features a display named “Window on Apache Culture” that shares information about the San Carlos Apache life and history. The Center also offers educational programs and demonstrations as well as special, traditional sunrise ceremonial visits for pre-arranged groups.
      Sportsmen interested in applying for one of the trophy elk tags or wanting information about the other hunting and fishing opportunities available and permit requirements on the San Carlos Apache Reservation should contact the Wildlife & Recreation Department at 1-928-475-2343 or 1-888-475-2344. The department’s fax number is 1-928-475-2701, their address is P.O. Box 97, San Carlos, Arizona 85550 you may visit the website, address is listed below with email information.
    Visitors wanting additional information about the other recreational opportunities offered by the San Carlos Apache Tribe can call the Administration Offices at (928) 475-2361 or check this website for updates and special events.

Apache Tribal Outdoor & Wildlife Department

www.SanCarlosRecreationAndWildlife

Phone: (928)-475-2343

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