Quick Tips
- Be in shape to reach excellent Coues deer habitat
- High-quality optics and patience help greatly to see big Coues deer
- Javelina are widely spread at low and middle elevations
- Some private landowners may allow access if asked
- Quail hunting in fall and winter
- Dove hunting in fall
- Patagonia Lake has good largemouth bass fishing
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-100" | 100"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is next to the Mexico border crossing of Nogales, so hunters could encounter illegal immigrants. Terrain ranges from flat and rolling desert as low as 2,000 feet in elevation to rugged, steep mountain wilderness almost 7,500 higher. Mule deer live in lowlands, while Coues whitetail deer live higher.
A top destination for hunters seeking trophy size Coues deer. This unit also has some mule deer. Hunting in high terrain can be physically challenging.
Terrain
Terrain varies from flat and sloping desert grasslands and washes to rugged canyons ascending into steep mountain slopes. Hiking in the Mount Wrightston Wilderness in the Santa Rita Mountains is strenuous. The state-managed 52,000-acre Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area is mostly flat desert land that is open to hunting and holds mule deer and javelina.
Roughly 690 square miles
60.8% public land
Elevations from 2,000 feet in the north to 9,453 on Mount Wrightston
Vegetation
Desert scrub, cactus, chaparral and grass grow on Sonaran desert lowlands with willows and cottonwoods along creek beds. Desert grasslands and chaparral are at middle elevations, while ponderosa pines and oaks grow in the mountains.
Access
Coronado National Forest and state land comprise most of the northern two-thirds of the unit, but low-elevation private property may impede public access in some areas. Access from the west is at Amado and Sahuarita exits off Interstate 19. Other public access is found along Highways 82 and 83. Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area is reached from I-19 at the Sahuarita exit. Turn east past the Old Nogales Highway to Santa Rita Road (Forest Service Road 505). From Tubac south to Nogales and into the mountains is private, and hunting is by permission only. Some landowners have been known to grant permission.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Designated wilderness is open to foot and horseback traffic only
Camping and Lodging
Remote camping is allowed on Coronado National Forest and state lands. Lodging is in Tucson, Nogales, Patagoniae and Sonoita.
Developed campgrounds:
Patagonia Lake State Park about 12 miles east of Nogales
Bog Springs in Madera Canyon
Madera Canyon Campground
Round Up in Madera Canyon
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