Beginning
at Ajo; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 85 to Why;
southeasterly on AZ Hwy 86 to the Tohono
O'odham (Papago) Indian Reservation; northerly
and easterly along the reservation boundary
to the Cocklebur-Stanfield road; north on
this road to I-8; westerly on I-8 to AZ Hwy
85; southerly on AZ Hwy 85 to Ajo.
Overview:
Desert Bighorn Sheep can be found throughout
unit 40A. Past rams harvested from
40AS have scored 145-175+ and from
unit 40AN 150-175+ (Boone and Crockett).
A pickup was believed to have scored
200+ according to local hunters.
I recommend hunters to scout early, to allow themselves plenty of
time to explore all areas and especially see as many sheep as possible.
In late August and into September the rams are in the rut; excellent
opportunity to observe several rams in fewer areas. Keep in mind
that the temperatures will range into the hundreds and that its monsoon
season. Between personally dehydrating and being stranded by flooded
washes, please use common sense and be prepared for desert survival.
The rams you may have observed in September will not necessarily
be there in December. Mature rams have been known to roam in small
bachelor groups or be solitaire; do not over look adjacent small
hills to a large mountain as your hunt approaches. The Department
completes sheep surveys by October. Note, not all
units are surveyed each year. Unit 40A will be surveyed this year.
A strategy for your hunt; round up friends prior to your hunt, to
scout out the unit. The more eyes helping you look will increase
your odds in finding them. A great time to carry a camera or video
camera. By late November, you should have a good feel where to start
your hunt. Hopefully you have in your mind the ram you plan to harvest
from your earlier scouting effort.
In locating sheep, I prefer to observe with an at least a 10 or 20
power binocular/scope first from the base of the mountain. This allows
sheep plenty of escape room and sheep that are there may stay and
watch you. Otherwise, a direct assault on the mountain will more
likely send sheep fleeing before you see them. As curious as sheep
are, they may watch you approach with out running. Make an indirect
approach, as if you're searching for your keys (avoid eye contact),
you'll surprise yourself how close you may get. Practice this technique
during your scouting effort. When you are on the mountain, stay with
in the first two-thirds of the way up; the third above you will still
provide sheep escape room. Regularly stop and sit and listen as you
use your binoculars. Chances are you'll hear sheep before you see
them, as rocks fall from the sheep's movements.
If drawn, guides and taxidermist will find you. I recommend you attend
the October sheep clinic held each year in Phoenix, sponsored by
Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, ADBSS. You can ask questions
in person to wildlife biologists, wildlife managers and various government
agencies that administer the land your hunt is on. If your not drawn,
I encourage you to participate as a helper in a sheep hunt.
Area: Unit 40AS is accessible by gates along the east side of S.R.
85 between Gila Bend and Why; the unit includes the Sauceda, Batamote
and Sikort Chuapo Mountains. Unit 40AN is accessible by gates along
the south side of I-8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield; the unit includes
the Sand Tank and Tabletop Mountains. The south and north
divider is the Sauceda Wash. The BMGR boundary will be posted and
have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several
federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley
and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Yuma U.S. Marine
Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements,
i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering
the range. To access the BMGR, you and all your party members 18
and older will require written permission through the Gila
Bend A.F.A.F., range operations 928-683- 6220/6200. Currently, you
have to view a video; it is about twenty minutes long and
well done. Thereafter, you'll sign a hold harmless document and obtain
a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law
enforcement or range security officer. Once these requirements are
met, you are required to call range security at 928-683-6220/6200
to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. Note: the
Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force Range
and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in
harms way. Tactical ranges where air to surface impacts occurs are
closed to public assess. Ranges A & B
are over flight areas open for recreation generally all year round
to the public after meeting the above requirements. One last note,
Area A has been relinquished back to BLM and January 17th, 2001
President Clinton signed the Sonoran
Desert National Monument proclamation that includes Area A. BLM is
now preparing a comprehensive management plan and will be conducting
public and inter-agency scoping meetings now and for the next few
years. Additional information can be found in issues of August 1995,
May 1997, and November 1997 of the Arizona Wildlife Views.
In November, temperatures will range from 80 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit
through out the units. Precipitation in November is high for the
area, accumulating as much as an inch. December and January weather
are similar, with less precipitation.
Overview:
In the month of January, a multi-unit
archery javelina hunt is open to units
40A&B and 39. Currently the javelina
population has declined significantly,
hunt success is low. I recommend early
morning scouting and taking time
to listen. Javelinas are very social
and vocal in the early mornings.
The February HAM hunt was not recommended for the following year.
The hunt started in 1996, the initial trend showed about a 30% hunter
success. Last year's hunt success was about 11% and survey efforts
showed the herds have decline through out 40A.
Areas: Unit 40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side
of I-8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east
side of S.R. 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The BMGR boundary will
be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available
through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at
the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field,
Yuma U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza Prieta National
Wildlife Refuge. All off road vehicles will be required to meet street
legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment,
prior to entering the range. To access the Barry M. Goldwater Range,
you and all your party members 18 and older will require written
permission through the Gila Bend A.F.A.F., the security station
928-683- 6220/6200. Note the new changes to the BMGR Access
Program. Currently, you have to view a video; it is about
twenty minutes long and well done. Thereafter, you'll sign a hold
harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June
30th of the following year. The permit is to be presented upon request
to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Once
these requirements are met, you are required to call range security
at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure
from the range. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical
U.S. Air Force Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid
placing yourself in harms way. Tactical ranges where air to surface
impacts occurs are closed to public assess.
Ranges A & B are over flight areas open for recreation generally
all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.
One last note, Area A has been relinquished back to BLM and
January 17th, 2001 President Clinton signed the Sonoran
Desert National Monument proclamation that includes Area A. BLM is
now preparing a comprehensive management plan and
will be conducting public and inter-agency scoping meetings now and
for the next few years. Additional information can be found in issues
of August 1995, May 1997, and November 1997 of the Arizona Wildlife
Views.
Unit 40B is split east and west of the Mohawk Mountains. 40B East
is administered the same as 40A on the BMGR. However, 40B East BMGR
consist of only tactical ranges and no access will be granted, unless
you have official business. Hunting opportunities for javelina are
limited to the surrounding Ajo area. Ajo is located 40 miles south
of Gila Bend on S.R. 85. The U.S. Marines Corps Air Station, Yuma
at 928-341-3318 administers 40B west. If you'd like further information
on the west side contact Wildlife Manager Mike Sumner (Home Office
928-317-9706) or Yuma Regional Office at 928-342-0091.
Overview:
Sonoran desert mule deer during the
general rifle hunt can be found along
the mountain bases, low rolling hills
and throughout the network of desert
washes. The general hunter will usually
hunt along mountain bases and use the
higher elevation to increase visibility.
The more adventure some hunter will
work the low land washes; the hunter
will sign cut the washes looking for
sign of a large trophy buck. Hunting
the desert mulie is not an easy challenge;
the hunt will test your endurance and
persistence to continue hunting after
possibly going days without seeing
a deer. I find that when hunters congregate
in an area the bucks move on to adjacent
areas, while the does and fawns are
more prone to stay in the area. Mature
bucks may be found in small bachelor
herds or solitaire during the general
season, their visibility is low. However
during the rut when the bucks join
the does, visibility goes up with more
animals to spot. It has been my experience
that hunts during the rutting period
will increase your odds immensely.
These hunts are with primitive weapons
only, i.e. archery and/or muzzleloader.
Whitetail deer does not regularly come to mind in the Sonoran Desert;
however, there are a few small populations found in unit 40A. I have
seen several very nice pickups, too include a pickup that scored
roughly 122 1/2. I have known hunting camps from time to time take
both a whitetail and mule deer buck out of the same area.
I personally review a good field dressing video prior to going to
the field. This helps me organize my thoughts when the real work
begins after the animal is down. Remember before you take your shot
beware of your location to your camp and/or vehicle and also take
into account the weather.
In December, any antler deer muzzleloader hunt is open in the
units of 39/40A&B/ 41/42. For more information on Units 41 & 42
review their perspective mule deer hunt page or contact the regional
office at 928-342-0091. Wildlife Manager Lowell Whitaker manages
in Unit 41 (Home office 928-785-4589) and Wildlife
Manager Craig Heath (Home office 623-882-2140) manages in Unit 42.
In January, any antler deer archery hunt is open in a multi-unit
hunt too include units 39/40A&B.
In December, any antler deer
archery hunt is open in a multi-unit hunt too include units 39/40A&B.
December and January archery tags are available over the counter.
Areas: The area encompasses several wilderness areas, Sonoran Desert
National Monument and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, (BMGR). The wilderness
areas are the Tabletop, Estrella, Maricopa, Woolsey, and Signal Peak
Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management, (BLM), administers all
these wilderness areas. The Barry M. Goldwater Range is unique, because
Luke Air Force Base regulates access and activities on the Barry
M. Goldwater Range through its sister base the Gila Bend Air Force
Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend A.F.A.F.
Unit 39 may be accesses by numerous cattle gates along state route
85, State Route 85, between Gila Bend and Buckeye, as well as along
the north side of Interstate 8, Interstate 8, between Sentinel and
Stanfield. I recommend that you contact BLM at 623-580-5500 to obtain
wilderness area information regarding access and activities constraints.
Additional information can be found in February 1998's issue of Arizona
Wildlife Views.
Unit 40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of Interstate
8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the East Side
of State Route 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The Barry M. Goldwater
Range boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits
are now available through several federal governmental agencies as
follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force
Auxiliary Field, Yuma U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza
Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. All off road vehicles will be required
to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance,
and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the
Barry M. Goldwater Range, you and all your party members
18 and older will require written permission through the Gila Bend
A.F.A.F., the security station 928-683- 6220/6200. Note the new
changes
to the BMGR Access Program. Currently, you have to view a video;
it is about twenty minutes long and well done. Thereafter, you'll
sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year
permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. The permit
is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement
or range security officer. Once these requirements are met, you are
required to call a 1-800-number or range security at 928-683-6220/6200
to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. Note: the
Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force Range
and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in
harms way. Tactical ranges where air to surface impacts occur are
closed to public access. Ranges A & B are overflight
areas open for recreation generally all year round to the public
after meeting the above requirements. One last note, Area A has been
relinquished back to BLM and January 17th, 2001 President Clinton
signed the Sonoran Desert National Monument proclamation that includes
Area A. BLM is now preparing a comprehensive
management plan and will be
conducting public and inter-agency scoping meetings now and for the
next few years. You can be put on a mailing list for updates and
scheduled meetings through BLM at 623-580-5500. Additional information
can also be found in issues of August 1995, May 1997, and November
1997 of the Arizona Wildlife Views.
Unit 40B is split east and west of the Mohawk Mountains. 40B East
is administered the same as 40A on the Barry M. Goldwater Range.
However, 40B East Barry M. Goldwater Range consist of only tactical
ranges and no access will be granted, unless you have official business.
Hunting opportunities for mule deer are limited to the surrounding
Ajo area. Ajo is located 40 miles south of Gila Bend on State Route
85. The U.S. Marines Corps Air Station, Yuma (928-341-3318) administers
unit 40B west. If you'd like further information on the West Side,
contact Wildlife Manager Mike Sumner (Home Office 928-317-9706)
or Yuma regional office Regional Office at 928-342-0091
In November, temperatures will range from 80 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit
throughout the units. Precipitation in November is high for the area,
accumulating as much as an inch. December and January weather are
similar, with less precipitation.
Overview:
The 2003-2004 dove flights have
been very encouraging. It should be
a great season. Be a responsible hunter
and keep your harvested birds separate
from your fellow hunters’ birds.
Doves can be found throughout the units
where open water and/or agriculture
operations are located. A common hunting
practice is to set up near water or
agriculture fields at day break and
take your shots as they fly by. Caution
to all hunters about hunting near a
baited field, this is a federal offense.
Therefore, hunt fields that follow
normal farming operations.
It is your responsibility to scout
your hunting area to assure it is not
baited. Note that in these units during
the first dove season (September) is
a morning hunt only; this hunt also
has a white - winged dove limit. A
new change, the first season (September)
will include a junior hunt in the afternoon
for
persons up to and throughout the calendar
year of their 17th birthday. Junior
hunters that participant in the morning
are still restricted to the daily bag
limit, so if they choose to hunt in
the evening their morning birds count
as part of their daily bag limit. When
the second hunt season (November) starts,
you'll note that the hunt is open all
day and is restricted to mourning doves
only. Junior hunters check with the
Arizona Game and Fish Department in
Mesa (480-981-9400) about a special
dove hunts on the Robbins Butte
Farm near the Gila River and S.R.85
If you what to avoid the congestion of hunters along a farm field,
another alternative is to locate a remote stock tank that maintains
water year round. These stock tanks provide good to excellence hunting
opportunities.
Areas: The area encompasses a wilderness area, the Sonoran Desert
national Monument, and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, BMGR. The wilderness
area is the Tabletop Mountains and the Bureau of Land Management,
BLM, administers this wilderness area. A note, January 17th, 2001
President Clinton signed the areas of the Sand Tank and Tabletop
Mountains to be included into the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
The BMGR is unique, because Luke
Air Force Base regulates access and activities on the BMGR through
its sister base the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend
A.F.A.F.
Unit 40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of I-8
between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of
S.R. 85 between Gila Bend and why. The BMGR boundary will be posted
and have locked gate entrances. To access the BMGR, you and all your
party members 18 and older will require permission through the Gila
Bend A.F.A.F., at range operations 928-683-6220/6105. Currently an
environmental video is available to view on a voluntary basis. Prior
to access, you'll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year
access permit, to be presented upon request to any government law
enforcement or range security officer. The one-year permit is from
July 1 to June 30 the following year. Permits are now available through
several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer
Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Yuma
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife
Refuge. All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal
requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment,
prior to entering the range. In the works, a 1-800 number is being
set up for range users to call regarding access. Note: the BMGR is
an active tactical U.S. Air Force Range and these precautions are
necessary to avoid placing yourself in harms way. Tactical ranges
where air to surface impacts occur are closed to all recreational
activities. Ranges A & B are overflight areas open for recreation
generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.
Additional information can be found in issues of August 1995, May
1997, and November 1997 of the Arizona Wildlife Views.
Overview:
Expectations of this coming Gambel's
quail season is looking up. Earlier
this year, many coveys were observed.
Currently, the area has received some
November and January rainfalls and
the results have been significantly
more observations. Gambel's quail can
be generally found along large washes
and closely associated closely associated
to mountainsides. I recommend you acquire
a quail call to assist you in locating
coveys, as they call back.
Areas: The
area encompasses a wilderness area,
the Sonoran Desert national Monument,
and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, BMGR.
The wilderness area is the Tabletop
Mountains and the Bureau of Land Management,
BLM, administers this wilderness area.
A note, January 17th, 2001 President
Clinton signed the areas of the Sand
Tank and Tabletop Mountains to be included
into the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
The BMGR is unique, because Luke Air
Force Base regulates access and activities
on the BMGR through its sister base
the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field,
Gila Bend A.F.A.F.
Unit 40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of I-8
between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of
S.R. 85 between Gila Bend and why. The BMGR boundary will be posted
and have locked gate entrances. To access the BMGR, you and all your
party members 18 and older will require permission through the Gila
Bend A.F.A.F., at range operations 928-683-6220/6105. Currently an
environmental video is available to view on a voluntary basis. Prior
to access, you'll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year
access permit, to be presented upon request to any government law
enforcement or range security officer. The one-year permit is from
July 1 to June 30 the following year. Permits are now available through
several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer
Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Yuma
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife
Refuge. All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal
requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment,
prior to entering the range. In the works, a 1-800 number is being
set up for range users to call regarding access. Note: the BMGR is
an active tactical U.S. Air Force Range and these precautions are
necessary to avoid placing yourself in harms way. Tactical ranges
where air to surface impacts occur are closed to all recreational
activities. Ranges A & B are overflight areas open for recreation
generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.
Additional information can be found in issues of August 1995, May
1997, and November 1997 of the Arizona Wildlife Views.
In November, temperatures will range from 80 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit
through out the units. Precipitation in November is high for the
area, accumulating as much as an inch. December and January weather
are similar, with less precipitation.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information Temperatures
will range 30 degrees
+/- of the average
temperature. Be aware
that November rains
are not uncommon.
Summer climate is
extreme and harsh.
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Gila
Bend, Ajo, Stanfield, Why
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: I-8 From
the West: I-8
From the North: State Hwy 85
From the South: State Hwy 85
Developed
Campgrounds FAM
camp - Gila Bend
Air Force Auxiliary
Field (Active/Reserve/Retired
Military only) -
(928) 683-6211 Coyote
Howl R.V. Park -
Why S.R. 86 - (928)
387-9289 Saguaro
R.V. Park - Stanfield
I8/mile post 151
- (928) 424-3383
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Barry
Goldwater Range Area "A" and "B" (permit
required). BLM land
surrounds the gunnery
range.
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Creosote-Bursage communities are abundant. Saguaro-Paloverde
tree communities are concentrated to major washes and mountain
foothills. Mountain peaks vary from 2,400' to 3,000'.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department/Region
IV - (928) 342-0091
Resident WM Dan Urquidez, Home
Office-928-454-2402
Bureau of Land Management (Phoenix) - (602) 780-8090
Gila Bend A.F.A.F. Range Operations - (928) 683-6258
