Quick Tips
- Use high-quality optics to find Coues deer
- Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge allows hunting but has vehicle restrictions
- A lot of Javelina live in this unit
- Bring a shotgun for Gambel and Mearns quail hunting
- Good largemouth bass fishing in Arivaca Lake
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-100" | 100"+ |
On The Ground
Known for having good numbers of Coues deer, this unit borders Mexico and includes the Tumacacori Mountains and several other ranges. It also holds desert mule deer, which live mostly in flatlands and low hills that are classic Sonoran desert landscape.
This unit has Coues deer in the mountains and mule deer in the low desert hills and flatlands. Mearns quail are also common. Expect to see U.S. Border Patrol agents and keep your camp and vehicles secure because several illegal immigrants enter the U.S. here.
Terrain
Grasslands, ravines and Sonoran desert are at low elevations. Hills and mountains vary from mildly steep to rugged and extremely steep. Hiking in some mountains can be strenuous, especially in hot weather.
Roughly 561 square miles
85.7% publlic land
Elevations range from 3,000 feet in the valleys to 6,200 feet at Atascosa Peak
Vegetation
Mesquite and grasslands along with Sonoran desert scrub and cactus are at low elevations. Oak, chaparral and ocotillo cactus grow at high elevations.
Access
Most land is public. Road access is good, but some low-elevation roads are closed by private landowners, so plan to hike to reach some good hunting areas. Hunting is allowed on state trust land, Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge and the Coronado National Forest.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Quail and predators are protected on Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge
Pajarita Wilderness is closed to vehicles
Some landowners allow hunters to cross private property to reach public lands
Camping and Lodging
Camping is allowed on Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge as well as state lands and Coronado National Forest property. Lodging is in Nogales, Amado, Arivaca and Rio Rico. Pena Blanca Lake Campground, which is 18 miles northwest of Nogales, has bathrooms and water but no electricity. An undeveloped campground at Arivaca Lake has an outhouse. Campers are limited to nine days per calendar month. Keep your camp secure, several illegal immigrants hike through this unit.
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