Quick Tips
- Try varmint calling for mountain lions
- A hunter can take two mountain lions a year in the Big Horn and Belmont Mountains
- High-quality optics are helpful
- Quail hunting can be good in fall and winter
- Quality dove hunting can be found around agricultural areas
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
West of Phoenix, this desert unit includes some suburbs of Wickenburg and some outlying residential areas on its eastern edge, a contrast to wilderness areas in the western side of the unit. Thanks to transplant efforts over the past decade, the sheep population has grown to allow hunting. There is one sheep tag for this unit so it is only open to residents.
Low numbers of desert mule deer live here, but there are some mature bucks. They are most vulnerable during the winter muzzleloader and late archery seasons. There are several mountain lions. Sheep terrain is less challenging to navigate. Expect weather to be warm to hot, even in winter.
Terrain
Terrain is primarily flat to gently rolling desert plains with several sharply rising desert mountain ranges. Hiking is not particularly strenuous, but weather can be hot.
Roughly 1,487 square miles
70.9% public land
Elevations range from 1,000 feet along the Hassayampa River to 4,018 feet in the White Tank Mountains
Vegetation
Lowlands are Sonoran desert with desert scrub, cactus, ironwood and creosote. Desert grasslands with mesquite grow at middle and high elevations.
Access
Hunting is allowed on BLM and Arizona state lands. Much of the east is private ground, especially the suburbs of Phoenix, where access is limited.
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
No vehicles allowed in Big Horn Mountains Wilderness
No vehicles are allowed in Hummingbird Springs Wilderness
White Tank Mountain Park is restricted to archery hunting
All city, county, and town parks are closed to hunting unless otherwise noted in the Commission Order
Camping and Lodging
Camping is allowed on BLM and state lands. Lodging is in Wickenburg, Buckeye, Tonopah, Aguila and Phoenix. White Tank Mountains Regional Park has a developed campground with showers but no RV hookups.
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