Quick Tips
- Black bear feed on prickly pears in the fall
- Javelina are numerous
- Quality quail hunting in the fall and winter
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 70"-90" | 95"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 175"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
This huge unit borders the south side of the San Carlos Indian Reservation and spans more than 85 miles of the Gila Mountains, and other rugged ranges and desert terrain all the way down to San Simon. Hunters find desert bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer and a limited number of Coues deer here.
Rugged terrain holds some big Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, trophy class desert bighorns, a few big Coues deer and some mule deer. Mule deer numbers have been down in recent years due to predation and drought, but the forecast for the unit is good. Sheep hunting has traditionally been very successful in this unit.
Terrain
Rough and rocky desert mountains and canyons comprise most of the terrain, which is mostly open and has plenty of topography to allow for good glassing. Some high mountains are along the northern border. Ranges include the Gila, Peloncillo and Whitlock mountains. The Fisher Hills are on state ground in the southeast corner. The almost flat San Simon Valley runs across the southern border and includes the towns of Bowie and San Simon. Part of the Gila Valley, which includes the Gila River, is situated in the northern half of the unit near Safford, Pima and Thatcher.
Roughly 2,231 square miles
86.5% public land
Elevations from about 3,000-7,000 feet
Vegetation
High elevations have pinyon/juniper and oaks. Low elevations have typical Chihuahuan desert biosphere with cactus, desert scrub and grass. Along the Gila River are willows, cottonwoods and salt cedar.
Access
BLM and state lands comprise most of the unit although most of the low parts of the Gila Valley are private. The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the BLM, borders the San Carlos Indian Reservation and is called an oasis in the desert, with the Gila and San Francisco Rivers, along with the Eagle and Bonita Creeks running through it. Roughly 25 square miles of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are in the northeast corner.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roadways
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended during inclement weather
Good access on public roads
Private property near towns and along the Gila River restrict access
No vehicles allowed in Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness northeast of San Simon
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may camp on almost all public land. Lodging is in Safford-Thatcher, Clifton-Morenci, San Simon-Bowie and Duncan.
Developed campgrounds include:
Roper Lake State Park
Water
Flush toilets
Sewage disposal station
90 campsites (32 with water and electricity)
Mineral spring hot tub
Blackjack Campground in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Picnic tables
Barbecue pits
Vault toilets
No water
Riverview and Owl Creek campgrounds are in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
13 units at Riverview
7 units at Owl Creek
Tables, shade structures and grills
Bighorn sheep are commonly observed
Potable water at Riverview
Historical Temperatures
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