We came close but ended up short. Area: Gambels quail can be found in isolated areas in the unit. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River. The August and September seasons can be brutally hot, especially if you're coming from the Midwest. In Arizona, predation on deer is mainly by coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Pion Canyon Maneuver Site Colo. unit 142, FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. The general season is combined with Unit 4B. The only question is when. The Arizona Game and Fish Department continues to make efforts to improve access into areas through our Stewardship Programs in attempt to maintain current access and in some cases re-establish lost access. Residential development has increased in the Pearce/Sunsites area, resulting in a loss of areas to hunt. Go through town and take the exit for Highway 80 to St. David. For 2022, the state is making some interesting changes, and anyone interested in hunting the Grand Canyon State will want to be versed in these prior to heading out for their trip. Plan your Arizona big game hunt with interactive unit boundary maps before you apply. mule deer They were lost and half starved and also ate most of their food before the border patrol got there to take them. It just takes more effort on the hunters part. You must log in or register to reply here. by arizonaelitefreak Sun Aug 09, 2009 12:11 pm, Post Rifle and archery mule deer hunts. Please read and obey the landowners requests, and obtain permission before going afield. Pre-season scouting is a good idea in these areas. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Also, accessible habitat within the Mule and Dragoon Mountains can be far from existing road and extremely rugged. Both species can be found in agricultural fields near Richland, Sunsites, Elfrida, McNeal, and St. David, as well as in the desert areas near water sources. by arizonaelitefreak Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:19 pm, Post JavaScript is disabled. As befits Arizona's principal game animal, deer received some protection as early as 1887 when a four-month season of October 1 through January 31 was established by the territorial legislature. Its forehead is much darker than its face, while its throat, belly and inner leg are white. Along the west side of the Dragoon, access on the FS-687 road will travel from Middle March Rd. The Javelina often go into the populated areas causing problems for residents. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region V (520) 628-5376 Also, accessible habitat within the Mule and Dragoon Mountains can be far from existing road and extremely rugged. See the Access Information for details. Land around populated areas (Bisbee, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida, Sunsites, Richland, Dragoon, St. David, and Tombstone) has Javelina populations. The San Pedro River can be accessed near Benson, St. David, HWY 82, Charleston Road, and HWY 92. The department will also have a section on its website dedicated to the status of these units. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Oak woodlands grow on the steep, rugged Dragoon and Mule mountains at elevations of 5000 to 7000. Rifle: (willing to wait, but good chance to draw . The east side of the Mules can be accessed off the High Lonesome Road from Davis Road or from Highway 80. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Sportsmen must be aware that a large portion of the habitat in the Mule Mountains is inaccessible. Preseason scouting, preparation for the environmental conditions, and physical conditioning are important factors. Overall, the unit has approximately 125.5 square miles of whitetail deer habitat of medium to low density. Archery-Only Hunt: Bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, or crossbow if you possess a crossbow permit as allowed under R12-4-216. Be cognizant that these areas are populated, so you need to be at least 1/4 of a mile from occupied buildings or residents. by m gardner Sun Aug 09, 2009 1:42 pm, Post No trespass/hunting signs have been posted on private property on the Christensen Ranch. Check your email for a confirmation message. Deer Hunting Seasons & Areas, Any valid hunting or combination license EXCEPT a Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish and an Apprentice Hunting License. Larger herds can still be located, although hiking in or horseback are the only means of accessing such areas. coues deer. Access is gained from Highway 80 at Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road (south of Highway 80, east of Bisbee). Several canyon roads in the Mules go through private land and are posted and locked, so respect the ranchers wishes. 345, m.p. It is not a hunt where you will see a lot of deer, but there are always some great bucks there and we know how to find them. Larger concentrations of scaled quail tend to be found along the base of the eastern side of the Dragoon Mountains, and in the Cochise, Dragoon, and Sunsites/Pearce area, and along the Mexican Border. If you need your Hunter Education card before your hunt, get ahead of the game and register now. Another access point for the Mule Tails is from the Paul Spur Road, this road intersects Highway 80 about halfway between Bisbee and Douglas. Coat color is reddish-brown in summer, turning to a blue-gray in winter. See Access Information for details. In addition to off season scouting, use of trail cameras on trails and water sources can be helpful. 80. One of the easiest ways to access the Mule Mountains is to take Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson continue down Highway 80 past Tombstone. Unit 30B is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, specifically in Cochise County. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. Some areas of the river are closed to firearms hunting. The Mule Tails are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. Number of Young: 2 Beginning at U.S. Hwy 191 and the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to I-10; northeasterly on I-10 to U.S. Hwy 191; southerly on U.S. Hwy 191 to the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, a series of wet winters resulted in an increase in fawn survival rates, and hunter numbers and the numbers of deer bagged increased accordingly until 1986, when nearly 86,000 hunters took 25,566 deer, of which 77 percent were mule deer. The Double U Ranch or Telles Ranch, is completely locked and no longer allows hunting. 30B is a hard unit. 7 posts Page 1 of 1 Return to "Rifle Hunting - Big Game" Jump to Whitetail deer also exist in these areas so be sure of the species. Access in unit 30B has been reduced over time due to the amount of private property in the area. IMPORTANT the mule deer and white-tailed deer are found in the same habitat types in this unit. The Redbird Mountains currently are inaccessible without landowner permission. The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest and can be accessed from the north at Dragoon. This was a great adventure and an experience. The Tombstone Hills can be accessed off of Highway 80 south of Tombstone, and the Charleston Road west of Tombstone. Arizona has fantastic mule deer habitat, although from region to region it might look vastly different. Typical mule deer antler configuration has each side branching equally into two main beams, each may fork into two tines. However, dont expect to see an abundance of any quail species in the district this season. Overview: Unit 30B has a relatively small population of whitetail deer in relationship to nearby units. Mule deer occur throughout the unit, with the majority being found on National Forest lands in the southern part of the unit. Due to the climate and elevation, the habitat types vary from oak woodlands in the highest elevations of the mountains, down to semi- desert grasslands, and Chihuahuan desert scrub in the valleys. HuntScore members shared hunt tips & contact info (where applicable): The ability to filter OTC units by residency and manner/sex, 1st choice license applications and licenses drawn, Draw odds for resident and nonresident applicants, Harvest stats by hunt_code, manner, season, sex, type, Average # of days between precip or snow event, Probability of other weather events (thunder, hail, etc) by by month. At lower, drier elevations, drop time is synchronized more with summer rains that bring on new plant growth. We specialize in Arizona unit 12B mule deer hunts. Drew a 30B tag for November 15th to 21st. Both Gambel and Scaled quail can be found in the unit, and fair populations of scaled quail can be found in the Tombstone, Gleason, Pearce, Cochise, Elfrida, Sunsites, and along the Mexican Border in desert scrub and transitional areas into semi-desert grasslands. The east side of the mountain is accessed off the Dragoon Road, Ironwood Road, and Middle-March Road. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) is also open to hunting. Antlers are composed of material similar to that of bone. 30B, 21, 6A (last December hunt) - Second choice. The most numerous, widespread and popular of Arizona's big-game animals are deer. Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? Aug 19 - Sep 8, 2022, Dec 9 - Dec 31, 2022, Jan 1 - Jan 31, 2023 . A fawn's spots will disappear in about two months and the young will stay with their mother until the following spring. Mule deer have white rump patches and short, narrow, black-tipped white tails. Mule Deer. Continuing down Highway 80 to Middle March Road, which is only a couple of miles north of Tombstone. Cochise Stronghold in Dragoon Mountains located west of Sunsites, Arizona. The quail populations have suffered from the past drought years, but due to current condition, the desert quail in the area are trying to respond favorably. It is recommended that sportsmen secure access into hunting areas prior to applying for a big game permits, or hunting in the unit. Bed sites are commonly used on a regular basis. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. Denied access in the Mule Mountains makes it extremely difficult to access these areas. The Sulphur Springs Valley is predominately private land, so obtain permission before going afield, and remember not to shoot within 1/4 of a mile of occupied buildings or residents. Approximately 2.5 miles south of Tombstone take Davis Road east to High Lonesome Road and south to access the east side of the mountain. Land around populated areas (Bisbee, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida, Sunsites, Richland, Dragoon, St. David, and Tombstone) has Javelina populations. Arizona mule deer hunts are offered throughout the state in a variety of habitats for both the Rocky Mountain and Sonoran Desert mule deer subspecies. Hunter Education classes fill up quickly. on the 47 Ranch access the mountain to Johnson, Abbott, Buck and Dry Canyon (look for the Access Signs). Mearns quail are harder to find because of the nature of the quail and because they are found in much smaller concentrations in this unit. To hunt deer in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a deer tag. Thanks for any input. Mearns quail are harder to find because of the nature of the quail and because they are found in much smaller concentrations in this unit. After a gestation period of about 190 days, the does give birth to spotted fawns, often twins. Both species can be found in agricultural fields near Richland, Sunsites, Elfrida, McNeal, and St. David, as well as in the desert areas near water sources. These populations are isolated to the Dragoon and Mule Mountains and the San Pedro River (SPRNCA). Foot access and limited vehicular access is allowed into Dry and Abbott Canyons on the 47 Ranch. ; F-110-125lbs. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A map of the area can be obtained at a Forest Service Office or map store. Terms of Use | Sparse densities of deer do occur north of the Forest. State Route 191 runs through the valley and establishes the east boundary of the unit, and I-10 designates the north boundary. 702.847.8747 In this Episode we head down to the dry desert hills of Arizona in search of a monster mule deer. Prospects in the near future are even more discouraging, but mule deer are "boom and bust" animals. 30B. Go through town and take the exit for Highway 80 to St. David. There are several dirt roads leading out into the desert or to the river. The west side of the Gunnisons are not accessible by vehicle. Also, several ranches have been developed also restricting hunting near and around them and access through the areas. Hiking across state land will access the upper parts of the canyons. In some cases, no signs are posted on the boundaries, however trespassing is enforced. No one under age 10 may hunt big game in Arizona. Seems state law says you can't refuse them water if they ask and they know that. The Dragoon Mountain Ranch does not allow access on the ranch/housing development, which covers the majority of the west slope of the Dragoons down to S.R. Overall, the bear population is considered low and limited to the upper elevations of the Dragoons and to a lesser extent, Mule Mountains. Talking to the locals in these areas might give an archery hunter some good tips on where to find the Javelina. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River, but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. This area is becoming developed so be aware of the residences in the area. However, they will also feed in the bottoms where the spring growth will first come up. Go Pro to see what they had to say! Restricted access is posing a problem, particularly in the Mule Mountains. The Mule Deer Working Group (MDWG) was established by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' (WAFWA) president and directors in 1997 to address concerns about a long-term decline in mule deer numbers at the time. 191 and the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to I-10 Exit 331; northeasterly on I-10 to U.S. Hwy. Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Be aware of the recent residential development in the Tombstone Hills south of the Charleston Road. 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). 1050. One of the easiest ways to get into the Mule Mountains is to take Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. Near the Bisbee Airport, there are dirt roads that will take you into the Mule Tails. Thanks for any input. Continue down Highway 80 past Tombstone. These units also have over the counter archery hunts available in August/September and December/January for an action packed spot and stalk desert mule deer hunt. Drive south on Warren Road towards Bisbee Junction. I had a Mule tag there last year and didnt see one. Contact us for any application or hunt questions. I had a Mule tag there last year and didnt see one. Before hunting either of the two species, consult to the Hunting Regulations Commission Order: 2 for distinguishing characteristics. Resident Draw -Tag ($58) Non -Resident Draw -Tag ($315) Guided Hunt ($3,575) The Arizona trophy mule deer draw takes place in May, the next draw deadline is June 13th, 2023. Cottontails can be found in washes and desert vegetation off of any access roads in the unit. These areas are considered critical access with extensive time being devoted to secure sportsmen access in the area, which has benefited many mule deer, javelina, quail, and dove hunters in the past. If a person is applying for a Youth-Only hunt and a regular hunt on the same application, the higher of the tag fees must be enclosed. These hunts are before . In 1961, an all-time high of 91,120 deer hunters took 35,897 deer. These populations are isolated to the Dragoon Mountains and the southern end of the Mule Mountains near Bisbee. Access along the east side of the Mountain exists at the Golden Rule Road, off the Dragoon Road. 2023 Western Hunting Application Deadlines, New feature released on Insider Hunt Planner, Point Tracker: Your first step in researching hunts, How to import waypoints from other sources to GOHUNT Maps, Dialing in your fitness now to be ready for fall, Research your way to big bucks with a tool you're probably not using, The ABCs of finding a legit hunting partner. As the populations rose, doe and "any-deer" hunts were authorized. Arizona Remember, when hunting units with whitetail and mule deer; both species can be found in the same habitat types within the unit. Area: The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest so a forest service map will help you with the road system. A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. This was our first trip to Arizona to hunt mule deer and we had our work cut out for us! When fully grown, the antlers harden, the velvet dries, and is rubbed off. Be cognizant that these areas are populated, so you need to be at least 1/4 of a mile from occupied buildings or residents. Javelina, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Dove, Quail. Read about advertising on huntscore here. Generally they prefer the more rugged country. If you wish to hunt on the San Pedro River National Conservation Area, you should pick up a copy of the Bureau of Land Managements regulations, (Phone. Hiking from open areas will still get you into most of the Mule Mountains. Mule deer can be found in lower numbers along the San Pedro River (SPRNCA) floodplain, but the thick vegetation makes it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Get a free account to view the details! Scaled quail can be found throughout the unit in high desert grassland communities. Review past weather conditions in area you are considering for a hunt. Please identify the deer before taking a shot as whitetail are expanding into mule deer habitat. The Mule Tails are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. The Mule Mountains can be accessed off High Lonesome Road and Highway 80. Area: The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest so a forest service map will help you with the road system. The eastern side of the Dragoon Mountains, Cochise, and Sunsites can be accessed from Highway 191 south of I-10. Antlered mule deer. This area offers various hunting opportunities including waterfowl, big game and small game. The Lucky Hills Ranch has sportsmen/landowner respect signs posted at all access points along the Charleston Road. We also guide hunts for southern Arizona mule deer in units 27, 28, 30A, 31, and 32. During years of above average summer rainfall and normal winter rainfall, Mearns can be found in many areas in and around the Dragoon and Mule Mountains and in isolated areas between the Gleason Rd. The mule deer hunting is generally better in the units closer to the Mogollon Rim than down south by me as I understand (Coues deer are doing really well down here) but regardless I would caution you on the heat. As of April 1, 2022, all of the OTC deer seasons will now be enforced by harvest limits and hunters will be required to report their deer harvest 48 hours of taking their deer (details will be published in the 2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet and updated here when available). Remember, good landowner relations begin with you. There are 1 HuntScore subscribers that have hunted this unit. These hunts are before any of the adult rifle hunts and hunting pressure is light. The south and east side of the mountain can be accessed off the Dragoon Road at Manzora Road and the railroad trestle at the double green gates. Oct 28 - Nov 3, 2022 (19) 30B. Archery deer hunting was also beginning to provide a significant hunting opportunity. Hunters will be responsible for checking the status of their desired unit online or by telephone before hunting. From the North: State Hwy 80, U.S. 191 High desert grassland communities characterize elevations of 3500 to 5000 between the mountain ranges. Travel south a short distance and turn left on E. Touchstone Trail. Scores. This road travels toward the mountain, to Henry Canyon, and eventually connects to the Middle-March Road pending passable road conditions. Access is gained from Highway 80 at Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road (south of Highway 80, east of Bisbee). The amount of localized rainfall will determine the dove distribution in the unit. Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off of Highway 92 (this highway is the southern-most highway between Sierra Vista and Bisbee). It is important to remember that a large portion of the district is privately owned property, especially in the agricultural areas of St. David, Elfrida, McNeal, Double Adobe, Sunsites, and Richland. At higher elevations, the fawns are born early after the last spring storms to allow the young to grow large enough to withstand the winter storms. Each of these communities are just off of Highway 191. See Access Information for details. Staying on the Warren Road to Bisbee Junction will take you to the Border Road (the International Border between Arizona and Mexico) there are various access roads from the Border Road into the Mule Tails. Restricted access is posing a problem, particularly in the Mule Mountains. Game Management Unit 30b; Game Management Unit 31; Game Management Unit 32; Game Management Unit 33; Game Management Unit 34a; . The west side of the Dragoon Mountains can be reached by taking Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. I can't help you out, but welcome to MuleyMadness. 1051. Each of these communities are just off of Highway 191. To hunt deer during a General, Youth-Only, Muzzleloader, CHAMP or Archery-Only season, you must apply through a draw for a hunt permit-tag. Please try again later. Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas closed to hunting under A.R.S.