Quick Tips
- Expect hot temperatures, so hunt near water
- Carry plenty of water when hiking
- Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate greatly
- Be prepared to hike in rugged sheep country
- Bring a shotgun for quail and dove hunting
- Be patient when glassing for mule deer, which are scarce
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-165" | 175"+ |
On The Ground
A healthy number of desert bighorn sheep and a small number of mule deer live in this unit, which consist mainly of the dry, rugged canyons of the Black Mountains and borders California along the Colorado River south of Davis Dam. The rugged canyons of Black Mesa are found in the southern portion of the unit. The state issues more desert sheep tags to hunt here than in any other unit in Arizona.
There are few mule deer. The unit is divided into two desert sheep subunits: 15D North and 15D South. There are two sheep seasons each year are offered in subunit 15D North. Subunit 15D South is more rugged and was created in 2013 because it was overlooked by hunters.
Terrain
The rugged Black Mountains run the length of the unit from north to south, parallelling the Colorado River with most of the steep terrain starting about eight miles east of the river.
Roughly 875 square miles
62.4% public land
Elevations from 500 feet along the Colorado River to 5,216 feet on Mount Nutt
Low desert mountains with sandy washes and rocky slopes
Lots of springs
Backpacking is a good option in 15D South
Vegetation
Cactus and Mojave desert scrub, creosote, mesquite, palo verde and greasewood grow in low elevations.Turbinella oak and junipers and several species of brush grow in high terrain. Cottonwoods and willows surround some springs.
Access
Dirt roads provide good access throughout 15D North, with about 60% of the unit being open to the public and managed by the BLM and the state. 15D South will require more physical work to access.
No vehicles permitted in 27,660-acre Mount Nutt WIlderness
No vehicles allowed in 112,400-acre Warm Springs Wilderness
Dirt roads lead to the edge of the wilderness
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
A great deal of private land east of Kingman and near Big Bend
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads on BLM property. Developed campgrounds are at Katherine Landings and Davis Camp near Highway 68. Some hunters lodge in Kingman, Fort Mohave, Bullhead City, Arizona and Needles, California. Backpacking in overnight is a good option in 15D South.
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