Beginning
at Gila Bend; westerly on I-8 to the Colorado
River; southerly along the Colorado River
to the Mexican border at San Luis; southeasterly
along the border to the Cabeza Prieta National
Wildlife Refuge; northerly, easterly and
southerly around the refuge boundary to the
Mexican border; southeast along the border
to the Tohono O'odham (Papago) Indian Reservation;
northerly along the reservation boundary
to AZ Hwy 86; northwesterly on AZ Hwy 86
to AZ Hwy 85; north on AZ Hwy 85 to Gila
Bend; except those portions that are sovereign
tribal lands of the Cocopah Tribe.
Overview:
Bighorn sheep numbers have remained
stable over the past 2-3 years, with
a population estimate around 250 sheep.
Bighorn Sheep in the unit are distributed
throughout the mountain ranges, and
their movements are highly variable.
Hunting this unit can be quite a challenge.
The rugged terrain and arid conditions
will challenge even the best of hunters.
When hunting this unit, knowledge of
the area is paramount. Preparing well
in advance and scouting the area prior
to the hunt will pay off and make your
hunt much more enjoyable. Quality optics
and patience are a must. Rams in this
area of the state will often have a
unique red staining of their horns
as a result of rubbing against the
elephant trees that only occurthere
south of I-8 and west S.R. 85.
Areas: Unit 40B is broken into three hunt complexes for bighorn sheep.
The three hunt complexes are: Mohawk-Copper Mountains, Gila Mountains
north of Cipriano Pass, and the Tinajas Altas Mountains south of
Cipriano Pass. A large portion of Unit 40B, including the above mentioned
mountain ranges, are located within the Barry M. Goldwater Range.
To access the BMGR, individuals are required to sign a hold harmless
document and obtain an access permit good for one year. Access permits
can be obtained from the following agencies; BLM at the Deer Valley
and Yuma Offices (623) 623-580-5500 and (928) 317-3200, respectively;
Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field (928) 683-6220, Yuma Range Department
(MCAS-Yuma) (928) 341-3318, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife
Refuge (928 520) 387-6483. Note all off-road vehicles are required
to meet street legal requirements prior to entering the range. Entry
into portions of this unit may be subject to military closure; some
areas may be restricted to weekend hunting only. Four wheel drive
vehicles are recommended.
Mohawk and Copper Mountains: Both of these mountain ranges can be
accessed by exiting south off Interstate 8 at Avenue 40E (Tacna exit).
Once you are off the highway, several routes can be used to access
either mountain range. Access on the East Side of the Mohawks is
limited.
Gila Mountains (North of Cipriano Pass): To access the Gila Mountains,
exit off Interstate 8 at Avenue 29E (Welton exit) and travel north
to highway 80. On Hwy 80, head west to Ave 25E. Turn south on Ave
25E, the pavement will end and the road becomes the El Camino Del
Diablo. The Gila's are on the West Side of the Camino.
Tinajas Altas Mountains (South of Cipriano Pass): To access the Tinajas
Altas, the directions to access the Gila Mountains can be followed.
The Tinajas Altas are the next mountain range south of the Gila's,
approximately 15 miles south of I-8.
If drawn for one of these "hunts of a lifetime", it's recommended
that you attend the October sheep clinic held each year in Phoenix
and sponsored by Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, ADBSS. Wildlife
biologists will be on hand to answer questions in person and representatives
from various government agencies, which administer the land your
hunt is on, will also be present. Good luck!
Overview:
Javelinas occur in very low numbers
in this unit. Arid conditions and limited
habitat make most of the unit undesirable
for Javelina. When scouting for Javelina,
pay special attention to washes and
areas along the base of mountains,
as these are common areas to locate
Javelina. Javelinas are rarely seen
in this unit but they have been observed
in the Tinajas Altas Mountains during
aerial surveys and by individuals visiting
the area. Javelinas have also been
reported in Fortuna Wash along the
West Side of the Gila Mountains.
Areas: A large portion of Unit 40B is located within the Barry M.
Goldwater Range (BMGR). To access the BMGR, individuals are required
to sign a hold harmless agreement and obtain a range access permit
good for one year. Access permits can be obtained from the following
agencies: BLM at the Deer Valley or Yuma office (623) 623-580-5500
and (928) 317-3200, respectively; Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field
(928) 683-6237, Yuma Range Department (MCAS-Yuma) (928) 341-3318,
and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (928 520) 387-6483.
Note: all off-road vehicles are required to meet street legal requirements
prior to entering the range. Hunters should pay attention to range
boundaries when in the field.
Tinajas Altas Mountains: The Tinajas
Altas Mountains are located approximately 15 miles south of I-8.
Hunters should exit off I-8 at Ave 29E (Welton exit) and head north
to Hwy 80. Travel west on Hwy 80 to Ave 25E. Head south on Ave 25E.
The pavement will end and the road will become the El Camino Del
Diablo. Continue south for approximately 15 miles, the Tinajas will
be on the West Side of the road. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Unit 40B is split east and west of the Mohawk Mountains. 40B East
consists 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. If you would like additional information
on the East Side contact Wildlife Manager Daniel Urquidez Home Office
928-454-2402 or at the Yuma Regional Office at (928) 342-0091.
Overview:
Mule deer occur in very low numbers
on the West Side of unit 40B. Arid
conditions and marginal habitat limit
deer numbers in the Unit. Because mule
deer densities are low in this unit,
hunters should plan on a hard hunt.
When scouting or hunting, be sure to
work the washes and along the base
of the mountains. Washes are good places
to cut sign. Hunters may also want
to find a high point and let your binoculars
or spotting scope do your walking.
The eastern part of the unit (40BW)
along the Mohawk Mountains is probably
your best bet to find deer. This area
tends to receive more precipitation
than other areas in the unit. As always,
patience and work are key.
Areas: A large portion of Unit 40B is located within the Barry M.
Goldwater Range (BMGR). To access the BMGR individuals are required
to sign a hold harmless agreement and obtain a range access permit
good for one year. Access permits can be obtained from the following
agencies; BLM at the Deer Valley or Yuma Office (623) 623-580-5500
and (928) 317-3200, respectively; Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary field
(928) 683-6220, Yuma Range Department (MCAS-Yuma) (928) 341-3318,
or the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (928 520) 387-6483.
Note all off-road vehicles are required to meet street legal requirements
prior to entering the range. Hunters should pay attention to range
boundaries when in the field.
Mohawk Mountains: Exit off I-8 at Avenue 40E (Tacna exit) and go
south. Several roads will take you to the Mohawks, probably the easiest
route would be to use the frontage road heading east along Interstate
8. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. This area is on the
BMGR.
nit 40B is split east and west of the Mohawk Mountains. 40B east
consists 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 S.R. 85. If you would like additional information
on the East Side contact Wildlife Manager Daniel Urquidez Home Office
928-454-2402 or at the Yuma Regional Office at (928) 342-0091.
Overview:
It's no secret that this unit provides
some of the best dove hunting opportunities
in the state. If you haven't hunted
the area before, be prepared for some
fast shooting and plan on sharing the
field with other hunters. Mourning
dove make up the majority of the harvest
but, depending on the weather, white-wings
may be plentiful. The most productive
areas are typically those adjacent
to agricultural fields (namely grain
and citrus) which provide food and
roosting sites. However, grain crops
in the Yuma Valley are not as common
as they once were during the dove season.
Areas providing excellent hunting one
year may not be as good the next because
the fields are farmed differently.
A little pre-season scouting can pay
off big. Also keep in mind that houses
tend to "spring" up from one year to
the next and it is unlawful to shoot
within a quarter mile of an occupied
structure. Be sure to obtain landowner
permission prior to hunting on private
land.
A good strategy is to scout the areas you are thinking of hunting
prior to opening day. You'll be able see where the doves are and
(if you get out early enough) see what routes the morning flights
take. It will also help to prevent you from driving around at o'dark-thirty
opening morning, trying to find a good place to set up.
Areas: Yuma Valley: Concentrate your efforts around citrus groves
and agriculture lands. Keep in mind areas along the Colorado River
as dove often water at the river after feeding and frequently roost
in the riparian vegetation.
Hunters should be aware of the Cocopah and Quechan Indian Reservations
within the Unit and, if hunting nearby, where the reservation boundaries
are. For more information, contact the Cocopah Tribal Police Department
at (928) 627-8857 or Quechan Tribal Fish and Game Office at (760)
572-0544.
Yuma Mesa: As with the Yuma Valley, concentrate your efforts around
the citrus groves and agriculture lands as dove usually occur in
higher densities in these areas. This area has a lot of birds, which
should provide excellent hunting.
Desert Areas: If you choose to get away from the crowds, some of
the desert washes and other areas providing water and/or roost sites
can also reward you with a productive flight and fewer hunters to
contend with.
Hunters should be aware that a large portion of Unit 40B is located
within the Barry M. Goldwater Range. Range permits are required to
access the area. To obtain a range access permit, contact the Yuma
Range Department (MCAS-Yuma) at (928) 341-3402, BLM at the Deer Valley
or Yuma Office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field (928) 683-6220,
or the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (928 520) 387-6483.
Note all off-road vehicles must meet street legal requirement prior
to entering the range.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the current Migratory Bird regulations
and up date yourself on season dates, bag and possession limits,
and legal shooting hours prior to going into the field. Packing out
all litter, including spent shell casings, is not only the right
thing to do, it's the law. By taking the time to bury feather piles
and remove a little of the trash that was already there, we can help
to maintain the hunting tradition, serve as good role models for
young hunters, and help to ensure that we're welcomed back when hunting
private lands.
Overview:
Gambel's Quail concentrations in the
unit can be highly variable. As with
many desert species, quail populations
are dependent on annual rainfall. Last
years rains boosted quail numbers,
but this year hasn't been quite as
wet. Hunters should expect to find
decent quail numbers this year, but
as with any type of hunting, pre-season
scouting to locate concentrations of
quail may be necessary. Agricultural
areas and areas with/around water would
be good places to start. If you hunt
in the desert, concentrate your efforts
in and around washes as these areas
typically provide good cover and food
supply. Walk the washes looking for
tracks and keep your ears open as you
may hear quail before you see them.
Often times a quail call can allow
you to get the birds to give away their
position. A good dog can be helpful,
especially after a covey has broken
up.
A large portion of Unit 40B is located within the Barry M. Goldwater
Range. Range Access permits are required to enter the range. Permits
can be obtained by the contacting any of the following agencies:
BLM at the Deer Valley or Yuma Office at (928) 317-3200; Marine Corp
Air Station in Yuma (928) 341-3318; Gila Bend Auxiliary Air Field
(928) 683-6237; or the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge at
(928 520) 387-6483. Note all off-road vehicles must meet street legal
requirements prior to entering the range.
Hunters are reminded to pick up a copy of current hunting regulations
to check bag and possession limits and season dates before going
into the field. Be sure to obtain landowner permission prior to hunting
private land.
Areas: The Yuma area has an abundance of agricultural fields. The
fringe habitat surrounding the fields usually holds good concentrations
of quail. Hunting this area with or without a dog should pay off.
Hunting along the Colorado River should be good as well. Much of
the river parallels farm fields, providing excellent habitat for
quail. Dense brush and stands of salt cedar in these areas are also
good places to find quail.
Hunting the desert country should provide for good hunting as well.
Areas along the Tinajas Altas Mountains and the Copper Mountains
are good locations to try. If you find water, you should find quail.
Hunters are reminded that quail may be widely dispersed so don't
limit you efforts to just these mountain ranges, if hunting these
areas doesn't pay off try some off the others areas on the range.
Overview:
Depending on the time of year, and
the weather up north, waterfowl hunting
in the unit can be productive. There
are not a lot of good feeding areas
through this reach to hold the birds
for extended periods, but on any given
day you may find quite a few using
the backwater areas or sand bars
as resting sites.
Areas: Mittry Lake is a common area for waterfowl hunters. Hunters
should be aware a portion of Mittry Lake is closed to entry/hunting
from November 15 through the second Monday of February. This area
serves as a resting area for waterfowl. Hunters should refer to current
regulations for specific information regarding the closed area.
The Colorado River below Laguna Dam to Mexico is also an area to
consider. There are access points above the confluence with the Gila
and some backwaters below Gadsden that can sometimes be hunted effectively
with a shallow draft john-boat or canoe and a small decoy spread.
Hunting with a trained dog is recommended to aid in retrieving birds
from the heavy cover found in these areas. Pay close attention to
your location here as portions of the river flow through Reservation
land and along the International Border with Mexico, and California.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the current season regulations
and practice your waterfowl ID skills, as the bag and possession
limits vary by species. Hunters are reminded not to shoot within ¼ mile
of an occupied structure or within city limits.
Other
Pertinent Climate Information Extremely
hot, dry summers;
mild winters. Intense
rain storms of short
duration come from
the south during
July-September. Occasional
high winds with blowing
dust can make travel
hazardous. Winter
storms come from
the west and are
less intense.
Cities,
Roads & Campgrounds
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Yuma,
Wellton/Tacna, Dateland, Gila Bend,
Ajo
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: I-8 From
the West: I-8
From the North: State Hwy 85, U.S. Hwy 95
From the South: State Hwy 85
Darby Wells Rd. in the Ajo area is the only county maintained
road in the unit. All other roads are unimproved dirt or gravel
two-tracks. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.
Caution: Barry M. Goldwater Gunnery Range encompasses much
of the unit. Access east of the Mohawk Mts. to Hwy 85 is restricted.
No access allowed except for official business. For access
to gunnery range area west of Mohawks, contact U.S. Marine
Corps Air Station in Yuma for required permit.
Developed
Campgrounds Numerous
commercial RV parks
in Yuma, Wellton,
and Dateland. The
Why Water Company
manages the Coyote
Howl Campground in
Why; no hook-ups,
but water, restrooms,
and showers are available.
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Camping
is allowed on BLM-administered
public lands in the
Ajo area.
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Elevation ranges from approximately 200' to 3200'. Terrain
consists of broad alluvial valleys and low rolling slopes cut
by large desert washes. North/south running mountain ranges
composed of granite and volcanic rock rise abruptly from the
desert floor. Vegetation is characteristic of Lower Sonoran
Desertscrub: creosote/bursage, paloverde/ironwood, cacti.
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
IV - 928 342-0091
Resident WM Dan Urquidez, Home
Office-928-454-2402
US Marine Corps Air Station - 928 341-3402
BLM Yuma Field Office - 928 317-3200
BLM Phoenix Field Office (for lands in Ajo area) - 623 580-5500
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge - 520 387-6483
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - 928 387-6849
