Quick Tips
- Typical climate is hot in autumn and warm in winter
- Carry plenty of water
- Drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance
- Quail hunting can be good, so bring a shotgun
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 140"-155" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
There is access to the eastern portion of the Kofa Mountains north of Dateland. There is good mule deer habitat in that area and an opportunity to find bucks in the middle of the rut. The rut will progress as the season goes on. If you spot does, know the bucks will be nearby. Use optics to locate active bucks. The bucks should become more active as the rut approaches. Late archery hunting in desert regions can provide a rut hunting experience and a chance at a mature buck. This tag is sold over the counter and allows you to hunt many units and seasons.
Once a high number of desert sheep and a healthy mule deer herd lived in Unit 45A, but numbers have dropped significantly, most likely due to drought and predation. Trophy quality also has declined. However, large bighorn sheep can still be found in this unit.
Terrain
Rocky terrain and several sheer cliffs make for physically difficult sheep hunting. Elevations vary greatly in short distances.
Roughly 417 square miles
99.9% public land
Elevations vary from 700-3,100 feet
Rocky and loose footing in broken country
Vegetation
Palo Verde mesquite, catclaw acacia and ironwood grow throughout the unit with riparian desert vegetation growing along stream beds.
Access
The entire unit is in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, which is open to hunting by holders of sheep or deer tags. Before hunting familiarize yourself with regulations by visiting U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Be especially aware of regulations that dictate how weapons can be transported in vehicles. A scarcity of roads can result in lengthy hikes.
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along dirt roads. Lodging and services are in Quartzsite and Brenda. Privately owned developed campgrounds are in Brenda and Quartzite.
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