Quick Tips
- Weather is brutally hot in summer and sometimes hot in fall and winter
- Hunt near water
- Carry plenty of water
- Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate greatly
- Bring a shotgun for quail and dove hunting
- Javelina are found throughout the unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-165" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
The main features of this desert unit are the Gila Bend Mountains and Signal Peak, namesake of the Signal Peak Wilderness, which is about 35 miles southwest of Phoenix. Desert mule deer and desert bighorn sheep are hunted here.
Mule deer are scarce although some bucks reach maturity. Desert sheep are hunted in two subunits. Subunit 39 west has more trophy class rams than Subunit 39 East. Expect a hot, dry desert terrain.
Terrain
Most land is rocky and flat, but low desert mountains and canyons provide variety. The Gila Bend Mountains, Signal Peak Wilderness and Woolsey Peak Wilderness take up most of the western half, while Sonoran Desert National Park, North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, Sierra Estrella Wilderness and Rainbow Valley are farther east.
Roughly 1,942 square miles
75.8% public land
Elevations from 450 feet along Gila River to over 4,000 feet in Sierra Estrella Wilderness Area
Day hikes can put hunters into sheep in some areas
Wilderness areas provide backpack hunting
Vegetation
Cactus and desert scrub cover much of the unit, which is desolate and barren in places. Riparian plants grow along the Gila River. Creosote, palo verde and saguaro cactus are found along major drainages and on low mountains.
Access
Most of the unit is open to public hunting and is managed by the BLM and the state. Private land at low elevations impedes access in places.
Wilderness areas are closed to vehicles
Dead end dirt roads can shorten hikes to reach some wilderness
Some places are remote and rugged
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads on BLM and state property. Motels are in Gila Bend, Sentinel, Buckeye and Maricopa. A Wheel Inn in Gila Bend is a developed campground.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5