Beginning
at the junction of I-10 and Tangerine road
(Exit 240); southeast on I-10 to Avra Valley
road (Exit 242); west on Avra Valley road
to Sandario road; south on Sandario road
to AZ Hwy 86; southwest on AZ Hwy 86 to the
Tohono O'odham (Papago) Indian Reservation
boundary; north, east, and west along the
reservation boundary to Battaglia road; east
on Battaglia road to I-10 (Exit 203); southeast
on I-10 to AZ Hwy 87 (Exit 211); north on
AZ Hwy 87 to AZ Hwy 287; east on AZ Hwy 287
to AZ Hwy 79 at Florence; southeast on AZ
Hwy 79 to its junction with AZ Hwy 77; south
on AZ Hwy 77 to Tangerine road; west on Tangerine
road to I-10.
Overview: This unit has the most javelina in Region 5. Look for javelina in the foothills of all the major mountain ranges, small hill complexes, and along the major washes. Javelina prefer the wash bottoms in flat terrain, although hunters who choose to hunt the hills may have an easier time locating them. Javelina herds are territorial so they stay in small areas and groups have a predictable daily routine where they forage, drink, and sleep. Javelina can be very elusive because of their small size. Look carefully in areas with javelina sign and tracks. Here are some tips for areas that traditionally have higher numbers.
Areas: West Silver Bell Mountains: Hunters have overlooked this area the past few years and it now contains the highest density of javelina in the unit. It is also the easiest place to locate javelina because of the open hilly terrain. Access from the Avra Valley Road or the Sasco Road.
Roskruge Mountains: This range has good javelina populations and lower numbers of hunters compared to other areas. Be sure to check maps before hunting to avoid crossing into the Tohono O'Odham Indian Reservation which runs through the center of the mountains from east to west and makes the western boundary of Unit 37A.
Access is from Highway 86 near the town of Three Points on the south end, from Sandario Road from the east, and the Arva road from the north. Hunt the broken and rolling hills throughout this area. In the flats hunt along the washes. There is an extensive network of roads throughout this area so remember to restrict vehicle travel to roads.
The Picacho Mountains: Hunt the washes and big canyons, as well as the flats and washes along the north and west sides of the mountains. Access is from I-10, Deep Well Ranch Road, and Houser Road. Access may be somewhat restricted by the C.A.P. canal along the SW side of the Newman Peak complex. There are also private property closures on the east side of Newman Peak preventing travel around the mountain.
Coolidge has good populations of javelina around some of the agriculture fields. Remember to respect landowner rights and ask permission before entering private property.
The Tortolita Mountains, Owl Head Buttes, Durham Hills, and Suizo Hills have good densities of javelina throughout. This area also receives the greatest number of hunters. The Owl Heads, Durhams, and Suizos can be reached by Park Link Drive off of the Florence Highway (79), and dirt roads heading west from Highway 79. The Tortolitas can be reached from dirt roads heading east from the I-10 frontage road (exit at Marana), from an access point at the county line on Highway 79 in Catalina or from Park Link Drive.
Overview: Desert mule deer are sparse throughout the unit. It will take several years of above average rainfall to get deer numbers back to previous levels. Look for deer in large washes close to the main mountain ranges. Expect locating deer to be difficult. Preseason scouting and lots of glassing are necessary for success.
Areas:The Silverbell Mountains and Samaniego Hills are easy to access and have fair deer numbers for low desert habitat. Hunt the arroyos and flats around the Silverbells and hunt throughout the Samaniego Hills. Access points include Redrock Road from I-10 exit 226 and Avra Valley Road exit 242. Hunting is allowed in the recently established Ironwood National Monument.
The Roskruge Mountains also have a fair deer population. Consult a map before hunting in the Roskruge Mountains so that you don't inadvertently cross into the Tohono O'Odham Indian Reservation that runs east to west through the center of the mountains and is also the western boundary of the unit. Access to the area isx from Ajo Highway near Three Points or from Mile Wide Road west of Sandario.
The Sawtooth Mountains have a small population of Mule Deer. Hunt in the foothills around the mountains for the best success. Access the Sawtooth Mountains by following Sunland Gin Road south from I-10 exit 200. Access on the north side of the Sawtooths can be made from the Harmon/Lamb intersection or follow Sunland Gin around to the east side of the mountain and access from the south.
Deer in the Tortolita Mountains prefer the desert cover in the flats rather than the mountain itself. Private property is scattered along the south and west sides of the Tortolitas preventing firearms discharge in those area. Access can be gained at the Pima/Pinal county line in Catalina on Highway 79, MP 97 on Hwy 79, from the I-10 frontage (Marana Exit), and from Park Link Drive (Red Rock Exit).
The Picacho Mountains have some deer along the east and south sides. Hunt the canyons and washes around the mountains. Access may be somewhat restricted due to the C.A.P. canal, but can be gained from the east on Deep Well Ranch road, and from the west by Houser road from Highway 87. West access can also be gained by taking the Picacho Pass exit off I-10, then going two miles north on the east frontage road. Cross the railroad tracks, go through the gate, and proceed 2 miles. After crossing McClennan wash, the road may be taken straight to access the west side or south to access the east side of the mountains.
Overview:. Rabbits are very prolific and populations will rebound quickly with good precipitation. In 2006, we had a rebound in rabbit numbers. Rabbits can be found through Unit 37A but are most abundant along edges of agriculture fields. Also, try along desert washes and in thickets of catclaw, hackberry or other heavy shrub areas. Hunt parallel to washes but not in them. Be especially observant around heavily vegetated areas or brush piles. In early mornings or evenings just before dark, rabbits can be observed from high points when they are coming out of cover to feed. This tactic is best used when hunting with .22 caliber rifles or pistols.
Areas: Agricultural Fields located south of Arizona City and Coolidge may provide some good hunting opportunities. Be sure to check with landowners and farmers before hunting in their fields. Access from I-10 exit 200 and proceed south on Sunland Gin Road.
Silverbell Mountains and West Silverbell Mountains: Hunt in the thick Sonoran Desert habitat around the sides of the mountains. Access is west of I-10 from Red Rock Exit 226 (Sasco Road)
Suizo and Durham Hills in the Palo Verde and Ironwood habitat between Highway 79 and I-10 between Florence and Tucson. Access from Highway 79 (Florence Highway) south of Cactus Forest Road to Catalina from any dirt road heading west. Park Link Drive at about milepost 100 off Highway 79 opens all the desert north and south of that road between Highway 79 and I-10.
West and north flats of the Tortolita Mountains. Access from the east frontage road at the Marana exit. Several dirt roads head east toward the mountains. Also dirt roads going south off Park Links Road will lead to the Tortolitas. Be sure to respect residential areas and observe all postings.
Overview: Get permission from landowners before hunting on private property and be sure to pick up empty shotshell hulls and litter before leaving your hunting area.
Red Rock Feedlot: This is the most popular spot for dove hunting in the unit. Several groups of hunters will gather there so expect extremely crowded hunter densities. At 12:00 noon, the crowds disappear and it makes a good place for juniors only dove hunting. It is less crowded in the late season. The late season hunting time is usually best after 4 PM. Access from the Red Rock Exit on I-10 and go west about 5 miles. Do not shoot within ¼ mile of buildings.
Areas: Arizona City: Check the agricultural fields for dove movement patterns in the early morning and evening near dark. This will provide information about where doves are feeding then check for concentrations of birds in those directions. Access is from I-10 at Sunland Gin Road Exit 200. Proceed south along Sunland Gin Road.
Santa Cruz River: The Santa Cruz River from Avra Valley Road through Red Rock, Greene Canal, and Greene Wash along the Sawtooth Mountains to the Indian Reservation provides decent dove hunting opportunities. Areas near agricultural fields and water are the best bets. Access is from I-10 at Avra Valley exit 242, Red Rock exit 226, and from Arizona City.
Picacho Lake: Hunt the desert areas around the lake and along the Florence - Casa Grande Canal, especially near the mesquite trees at the north and east sides of the lake. Access can be obtained from Hwy. 87 south of Coolidge at Selma Highway. Turn east on Selma Highway and drive past the agriculture fields to the berm at the southwest corner of the lake.
Milligan Road Orange Groves: Hunt dove coming out of orange groves and grain fields at the end of Milligan road. Be sure to observe private property signs and pick up all shotgun shell hulls. Access can be obtained by taking the Picacho exit off Interstate 10 then heading north on Hwy. 87 approximately 1-2 miles. Go north past the Hwy 87 and Hwy 84 then turn east on Milligan road. Go east several miles until the road enters the orange groves. Do not enter the orange groves, but go north or south and hunt along the road.
Desert Stock Tanks: Topographic maps are your best sources for exact locations and access. Remember that these tanks are constructed for cattle use and your hunting should not keep cattle from water. Do not park close to the tanks and pick up your hulls and shell boxes.
Overview:. Quail are very prolific and populations will rebound quickly with good precipitation. Listen in the early morning for assembly calls. When a covey is broken, observe their directions taken. Give them time to stop then slowly move toward them to get in range. Quail calls also help to re-assemble birds near you.
Areas: Agricultural Fields located south of Arizona City may provide some good hunting opportunities. Be sure to check with landowners and farmers before hunting in their fields. Access from I-10 exit 200 and proceed south on Sunland Gin Road.
Silverbell Mountains and West Silverbell Mountains: Hunt in the thick Sonoran Desert habitat around the sides of the mountains. Access is west of I-10 from Red Rock Exit 226.
Suizo and Durham Hills in the Palo Verde and Ironwood habitat between Highway 79 and I-10 between Florence and Tucson. Access form Highway 79 (Florence Highway) south of Cactus Forest Road to Catalina from any dirt road heading west. Park Link Drive at about milepost 100 of Highway 79 opens all the desert north and south of that road between Highway 79 and I-10.
West and north flats of the Tortolita Mountains. Access from the east frontage road at the Marana exit. Several dirt roads head east toward the mountains. Also dirt roads going south off Park Links Road will lead to the Tortolitas. Access can be gained from the Rail X ranch road in Catalina. Take dirt roads going to the north. Be sure to respect residential areas and observe all postings.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information This
is a very hot, dry
unit. Travelers are
advised to carry
extra water and to
tell someone their
travel plans in case
they fail to return
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Coolidge,
Florence, Tucson, Marana
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: Hwy 79
From the West: I-10
From the North: State Route 87
From the South: Hwy 77
Developed
Campgrounds Picacho
peak campground managed
by the AZ State Parks.
Exit from I-10 at
Picacho peak.
Undeveloped
Campgrounds The unit is comprised of both BLM and State land. Contact the Beauro of Land Management or the State Land Dept for information on camping on public lands.
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Terrain varies from relatively flat desert plains to mesquite grasslands. Elevations range from 1500 feet to 4000 feet. Vegetation is lower Sonoran desert scrub, primarialy creosote, rising to upper Sonoran desert grassland comprised of rolling hills and mesquite grassland.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
V - (520) 628-5376
Arizona State Land Department - (520) 628-5480
Bureau of Land Management, Tucson Field Office - (520) 722-4289
