Overview: Javelina populations occur in a fairly low density throughout Unit 42. Localized populations of javelina in certain areas may give the appearance of high-density populations but these herds are very limited in number and geographical area. Often herds of javelina spend generation after generation in a very small area. These localized populations have found a niche that suits them well and they usually won't leave these areas. Locating these niche herds prior to hunting season can yield an outstanding hunting opportunity. Look for plant communities that are conducive to javelina in and around the many desert washes. When you find tracks, scat or other sign, it is just a matter of spending time glassing and the javelina will eventually show up.

Areas: Some of the best areas to find javelina are around a permanent water source. Unfortunately the more watered areas occur in the suburban and farming communities of the unit. If you plan to hunt an area that is on or adjacent to private lands you should consider asking permission from the landowner prior to the hunt. Talking with the landowners and farmers during scouting trips is a great way to learn about the local javelina and avoid conflicts with closed areas.

Other areas in Unit 42 to consider include any desert wash near any of the mountain ranges throughout the unit. Again with fairly low density populations, lots of scouting is required to find a good area. Areas with recent sign include Sols Wash (west of Wickenburg), G&F water catchment #969 (booklet of all catchments for sale at G&F) and the washes leading into the Hassayampa River.  The majority of the Hassayampa River bottom is private land so be aware of trespass issues and four-wheel-drive is recommended due to large amounts of sand. Once you locate a good area, the reward can last for years, as javelina home ranges are fairly small and fairly easy to define as your familiarity with the area grows.

Overview:Mule deer are found throughout Unit 42 but are often concentrated in areas depending on weather conditions. During dry years, look for deer concentrations in areas where spotty rain has fallen and has greened up the surrounding desert. These "green up" areas require ample pre-scouting to locate and to access them, so plan ahead and take changing weather conditions into account. During wetter years, deer can be located just about anywhere in the unit. In the low, flatter areas; look for deer in the many desert washes. In the mountainous portions of the unit deer can be found in just about any canyon or on any ridge, again rainfall patterns and resulting vegetative condition will usually dictate where the deer want to be and are likely to be found. Deer populations throughout Unit 42 are in the process of rebounding from the drought that Arizona has experienced over the past few years. If good summer rains are present this season followed by consistent winter rains as experienced last winter, the population should rebound significantly. Paying attention to plant communities that are important to deer diet, finding a good elevated area and using binoculars to glass, coupled with lots of pre-season scouting will produce the highest probability of finding deer.   Some of the largest bucks in the unit are found in the desert flats often overlooked by hunters.  These bucks are hard to locate and difficult to hunt.  If it is hot and dry, concentrate on G&F waters or livestock tanks.  Early morning you can locate deer leaving water and going to bedding sites.  During wet years bucks are often found away from the water sites where the feed and cover is better.



Areas: The White Tank Mountains deer herd has declined in recent years.  Most of this mountain range is closed to rifle hunting due to the presence of the Maricopa County Park system. Archery hunting is allowed but you must declare your intention to hunt upon entering the Park and you must pay a use fee at the entrance to the park located on Olive Avenue. There are a couple of areas in the White Tanks that are not within the confines of the Park that are privately held. These areas require written permission to enter and hunt from the owner of the property. There are very limited areas in the White Tanks that are public lands that are open to rifle hunting, but the bulk of the deer population is concentrated in the less severe habitat contained within the Park system. Hunting the public lands portion of the White Tanks could prove to be a very difficult and disappointing experience due to the low density of deer in these very limited areas. It's important to remember that it is the hunter's responsibility to make sure that he/she is in a legal area while hunting. A good topographic map of the area including land status is recommended.

Other areas that deer occur in Unit 42 include the Vulture Mountains just south of Wickenburg. Access to the Vultures from Wickenburg is west on Highway 60 to the Vulture Mine road. Turn south and follow this paved road about 3 miles until you reach a dirt road intersection at Vulture Peak road. Vulture Peak road has several side roads that intersect it in its route through the Vulture Mountains and any of these side roads will lead you into a good area to begin your scouting. The mountainous portions of Unit 42 in and around the Big Horn and Belmont Mountain ranges are other good areas to hunt. Access to these ranges is from Interstate 10. Take Interstate 10 west to 339th Avenue and go north to Indian School Road. Turn and proceed west for about 2 miles to the intersection of Indian School and 355th Avenue. Turn north and drive about 10 miles and you will be in the heart of the Belmont Mountain range. Again find a good side road that leads into the mountains and spend lots of time scouting the area. Access to the Bighorn Mountains is again from Interstate 10 west to Burnt Mountain. You can drive north until reaching the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness area. At that point all motorized travel is prohibited, and hunting must be done on horseback or on foot only. As in most areas, deer are most active during the earliest and latest periods of the day, so be prepared to get up before daylight and return to camp at dark.

Overview: Quail hunting opportunities in Unit 42 are ample during years when good winter rains produce good quail numbers. The 2009-2010 winter rains are on track to make this quail season one of the best in recent years.  Concentrate hunting efforts in desert washes where quail have the forage and shelter they enjoy. Another good bet is to look for mesquite trees that are adjacent to a perennial water source and you should find good quail hunting nearby. A good bird dog can be helpful in finding and retrieving downed birds.  Those without a dog need to move quickly or the covey will outrun you in the open desert.   

Areas: The highest density quail populations in Unit 42 tend to occur in the Vulture Mountains that are located just south of Wickenburg. To access the Vultures from Wickenburg, take Highway 60 west to the Vulture Mine road. Turn south and follow this road approximately 2-3 miles to the intersection of the Vulture Peak Road. The Vulture Peak Road has many side roads that all offer access into good quail habitat. Jackrabbit Wash runs through the central portion of Unit 42 and offers good quail hunting along its entire length. 

Quail hunting in the lower desert portions of the unit is more challenging. Again finding a water source with nearby mesquite trees and washes will improve your chances of finding quail. A well-trained pointing dog can be priceless when hunting quail. Listen for quail calls and be prepared to be surprised by breaking coveys while walking toward the calls.

Hunters should consider looking in the small washes as they drive through the hunting area for quail tracks.  Quail leave numerous tracks across washes and scratch marks in the sand.  If you find fresh tracks the quail are nearby.