Quick Tips
- The climate is hot, temperatures are warm even in December
- Carry plenty of water
- Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate greatly in the desert
- Bring a shotgun for great duck, quail and dove hunting
- For mule deer, focus along the Colorado River between Ehrenberg and Cibola
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
Desert bighorn sheep and mule deer live in this long, narrow unit that borders California for more than 70 miles from Parker down the Colorado River to the southern tip of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Some of Arizona’s best waterfowl hunting takes place near Cibola.
Hunters enjoy high quality hunting for desert bighorn sheep and challenging hunting for desert mule deer. Navigating is challenging because the landscape is rough and rocky and includes desert flatlands to rugged mountain ranges. There is also good waterfowl hunting in the southern end.
Terrain
Most land is flat desert with dense riparian cover along the Colorado River. Small, rocky desert mountains rise in the center of the unit.
Roughly 942 square miles
59.2% public land
Elevations from about 200 to nearly 2,500 feet
Rocky desert mountains can be challenging to hikers
California and the Colorado River form the western boundary
Vegetation
The unit is sparsely vegetated with palo verde, creosote, mesquite and ironwood. Riparian areas are densely vegetated along the Colorado River.
Access
Most of the unit is open to public hunting and is managed by the BLM and the State of Arizona. Some private land in the lower elevations is near developed and agriculture areas, where access is limited. No public hunting is allowed on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in the northern half of the unit. Some land in the southernmost portion of the unit is part of Yuma Proving Grounds, where hunting access must be acquired from the military.
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads on BLM and state property. Lodging and services are in Quartzsite, Ehrenberg, Parker and in Blythe, California. La Posa Long Term Visitor Area is a camping area built for winter visitors. Visitors must purchase a long-term visitor permit, which is valid from September 15 to April 15.
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