Quick Tips
- The climate is hot and dry, hunt near water
- Carry plenty of water when hiking
- Dress in layers because temperatures change throughout the day
- Good quail and dove hunting
- Javelina are found across the unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Mule deer are low in number and Coues deer are scarce in this mostly public unit. Desert bighorn sheep hunting is offered within this unit. The main landmark is Picketpost Mountain, which is about 40 miles east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Weather is usually hot or warm.
Mule deer hunting is challenging because numbers are low, but some bucks reach maturity. Hunters have a slim chance of finding Coues deer. Expect a hot and dry desert climate.
Terrain
Flat desert terrain with some low mountains.
Roughly 1,181 square miles
85.1% public land
Elevations range from 1,450-5,500 feet
Low desert mountains
The Gila River drainage is along the eastern border
Hiking is not strenuous
Vegetation
Creosote brush grows in the desert lowlands with cactus and Mohave Desert scrub. Most land is at middle elevations and supports saguaro cactus, palo verde and grasses, yuccas, mesquite and catclaw. High land has some oak brush.
Access
Most land is state or BLM land and is open to hunting.
Dirt roads provide good access
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can help
Some private land impedes access
White Canyon Wilderness, managed by the BLM, is closed to vehicles
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads on state and BLM property. Lodging and services are in Oracle, Mammoth, Dudleyville, Winkelman, Hayden, Kearney, Florence, Florence Junction and Superior.
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