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+ (Boone and Crockett) and from unit 40AN 150-175+. A pickup was believed to have scored 200+ according to local hunters.
Currently the GMU is closed to bighorn hunting. The sheep population declined significantly. The department is taking measures to study the collapse of this population. The next scheduled survey is 2010.
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 preparing a comprehensive management plan and has conducted public and inter-agency scoping meetings and a final draft is expected to come out this year. 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.
A junior’s archery and muzzleloader hunt has been established in GMU 39 in the fall. The hunt was established to target the robust populations of javelina along the Gila River and Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. For more information contact the Wildlife area Manger Phil Smith or myself.
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 preparing a comprehensive management plan and has conducted public and inter-agency scoping meetings and a final draft is expected to come out this year. 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 Scott Fischer home office (928) 329-6517 or Yuma Regional Office at 928-342-0091. 928-317-9706) or Yuma Regional Office at 928-342-0091.
Overview: Currently most deer are staying near the Gila River and adjacent to agricultural fields, if you hunt these areas you will increase your chance for success, otherwise finding deer in units 39 & 40A will be difficult. 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 cut sign in the washes looking for 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, for example archery or muzzleloader.
White-tailed 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 white-tailed 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 GMU 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 Joe Sayer (Home office, not assigned yet, main office 928-342-0091) manages in Unit 41 and Wildlife Manager Craig Heath (Home office 623-882-2140) manages in Unit 42.
In December and January, the any antler deer archery hunt is open in a multi-unit hunt too include units’ 39/40A&B. Special note GMU 42 has been dropped from the December multi-unit archery hunt. 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 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 preparing a comprehensive management plan and has conducted public and inter-agency scoping meetings and a final draft is expected to come out this year. 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 Scott Fischer home office (928) 329-6517 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 2008-2009 dove flights have been steady. The introduction of Eurasian doves has increased opportunities to hunt year round. 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 over flight 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
