Javelina

Overview: Unit 25M, combined with Unit 26M and Unit 47M, and has an archery-only javelina hunt in January. Javelina hunters in 25M are required to have a valid hunting license and an archery-only nonpermit tag which may be purchased at any licensed dealer or department office. 

Areas: Javelina can be found throughout Unit 25M. Hunters should look for permanent water holding areas and fresh signs of Javelina activity. Unit 25M provides the opportunity of short half-day hunts for Javelina and deer because of its proximity to the Phoenix metro area. Hunting archery Javelina and deer at the same time is popular during this time of year. Habitat for Javelina is rapidly decreasing as the East Valley develops.  With this development come the added recreational pressures placed on the remaining open space at the periphery of the city. Hunters should check local ordinances before hunting within city limits to determine rules on use of archery equipment within city limits. When hunting with modern archery equipment in urban areas hunters need to be especially safety conscious to avoid hunting accidents.

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Mule Deer

Overview: Unit 25M has an archery only deer hunt in late December and January. Consult the current year’ fall hunting regulations for exact season dates. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a non-permit archery deer tag. Archery deer tags for Unit 25M can be purchased over the counter at any license dealer.

Areas: Currently, there is very little remaining mule deer habitat in Unit 25M due to the expanding human population and increased development. Hunters should check local ordinances before hunting within city limits to determine rules on use of archery equipment within city limits. Remember that all archery deer kills must be reported to the Department in person or by telephone at 1-866-903-3337 within 10 days of the kill.

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Dove

Overview: U25M has two dove hunts. During the early season, usually September 1-September 15, morning dove, white-wing dove, and Eurasian collard dove are in season. During the late season, usually mid-November thru early January, only mourning dove and Eurasian collard dove are in season. The early season is open from ½ hour before sunrise until noon for adults (juveniles can hunt all day). The late season is open from ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters 14 years of age and older are required to have a valid hunting license. Hunters 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid migratory bird stamp. Lawful methods for taking dove include: shotgun shooting shot, bow and arrow, falconry, or crossbow.

Unit 25M encompasses several incorporated areas including the cities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence and Apache Junction. Each of the cities has restrictions on discharging firearms within the city limits. Hunters should check with local municipalities each year on the city boundaries and weapon restrictions. In addition, hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all residences when hunting.  Hunters, please remember to pick up spent shell casings and other litter.  Hunting access on private lands has been denied due to excess littering.

Areas: Due to expanding development and annexations by local municipalities, available hunting areas within the unit are decreasing.  Unit 25M offers Dove hunters numerous dirt water tanks and agricultural areas where these birds tend to congregate.  The extreme northeast corner of Unit 25M offers decent populations of small game on the State Trust Land that has yet to be sold and developed.  Access on State Trust Land is permitted to those actively hunting with a valid hunting license.  Remember, it is unlawful to target shoot on State Trust Lands.    

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Quail

Overview: Quail season in Unit 25M is usually open from early October until early February (See Fall Hunt regulations for exact dates). Gamble’s Quail can be found throughout the unit. Hunters 14 years of age and older are required to have a valid hunting license. Lawful methods for taking quail include: shotguns shooting shot, handguns shooting shot, bow and arrow, falconry, and crossbow.

Unit 25M encompasses several incorporated areas including the cities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence and Apache Junction. Each of the cities has restrictions on discharging firearms within the city limits. Hunters should check with local municipalities each year on the city boundaries and weapon restrictions. In addition, hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all residences when hunting.

Areas: Unit 25M offers Quail hunters numerous dirt water tanks and agricultural areas where these birds tend to congregate.  The extreme northeast corner of Unit 25M offers decent populations of small game on the State Trust Land that has yet to be sold and developed.  Access on State Trust Land is permitted to those actively hunting with a valid hunting license.  Remember, it is unlawful to target shoot on State Trust Lands.