Quick Tips
- Typical climate is hot in fall and warm in winter
- Carry plenty of water
- Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate greatly in the desert
- Bring a shotgun for quail and dove hunting
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Long considered a top-quality destination for hunting desert bighorn sheep, this unit stretches from 30-120 miles west of Phoenix. Desert flatlands separated by washes and small, rocky mountain ranges hold a good number of sheep as well as a few quality mule deer.
Unit 41 produces some of the biggest mule deer in southwestern Arizona. Hunters who draw sheep tags for hunting in either subunit have a chance to take mature desert bighorn rams.
Terrain
Most of the unit is flat desert land with heavily vegetated riparian drainages. Several rough and barren mountain ranges rise from the desert. The western edge borders Kofa Refuge Wilderness, and the eastern tip is near Valencia/Buckeye about 30 miles west of the center of Phoenix.
Roughly 2,838 square miles
77.4% public land
Elevations from 400-3,000 feet
Hiking is strenuous in rocky desert mountains
The Gila River drainage is near the southern boundary
Vegetation
Flatlands are mostly barren but support creosote, ironwood, paloverde and saguaro cactus. The mountains have creosote and palo verde. Riparian washes are heavily vegetated in places.
Access
Most of the unit is open to public hunting and is managed by the BLM and the state. Some low-elevation private land is developed or agricultural and limits access to some public ground.
Some areas are rugged and are physically difficult to reach
97,880-acre Eagletail Mountains Wilderness is closed to vehicles
Also closed to vehicles is Muggin Mountains Wilderness, which covers only 7,711 acres
Tag holders can get permission to hunt on Yuma Proving Grounds
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads on BLM and state property. Lodging and services are in Gila Bend, Wellton and Yuma. Commercial RV parks are in Yuma and Wellton.
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