Unit 43A -- Beginning at AZ Hwy 95 and the Bill Williams
River; west along the Bill Williams River to the Arizona-
California state line; southerly to the south end of Cibola
Lake; northerly and easterly on the Cibola Lake Rd. to U.S.
Hwy 95; south on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Stone Cabin-King
Valley Rd.; east along the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. to
the west boundary of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge;
northerly along the refuge boundary to the Crystal Hill
Rd.; northwesterly on the Crystal Hill Rd. to U.S. Hwy 95;
northerly on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Bill Williams River; except
those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Colorado
River Indian Tribes.
Overview:
Several years ago it was drawn to our
attention that the combined unit bighorn
sheep hunt was leaving an area in Unit
43A under utilized. This area contained
several large Class IV rams and was
in great condition. The department
restructured its hunt to allow one
Unit 43A permit that has proven to
be very successful. The primary area
of bighorn sheep density is in the
north end of the Dome Rock Mountains
on the north side of Interstate 10.
This area of land is managed almost
exclusively by BLM but caution must
be exerted because the Colorado River
Indian Tribe's boundary is northwest
of this mountain range and is not marked
clearly. Fortunately this occurs in
the flat country which is highly unlikely
to contain any bighorn sheep. Another
smaller herd of bighorn sheep are located
south of the Dome Rock Mountains in
the North and South Trigo Peaks mountains
that are located on the Yuma Proving
Grounds. Pre-hunt scouting is very
important to a successful hunt in this
unit. As with many wild animals, bighorn
sheep are migratory and will move from
one mountain range to another so it
is important that several trips are
made to locate the animals before the
hunt begins.
Areas: The north end of the Dome Rock Mountains is accessed through
the town of Quartzsite. From Main Street, take Kofa Avenue that is
located across from Pilot Gas Station. Travel north on Kofa Avenue
approximately 1.5 miles and you will notice to your left a road leading
into the desert. There are numerous wildcat roads branching from
the main road but stay on the main road. Travel four miles into the
desert and you will start to climb into Middle Camp Mountain. This
is called Marquitta Pass. This is a very rough road and four-wheel-drive
is needed. Take this road in approximately three miles that will
bring you into good bighorn habitat. Be aware that there is a lot
of private mining activity in the area and care should be taken not
to disturb their operation or property.
To access the North and South Trigo Peaks, take Highway 95 south
from Quartzsite to milepost 82 (Cibola Road). Travel west on this
road for about 30 miles. This will bring you to the base of the South
Trigo Peak. There are several unmarked roads that will take you back
around the peaks. It is suggested to purchase a map from BLM to help
in locating these roads. Once you have located this area you will
have to do some legwork. Hiking to the tops of the peaks and glassing
the area will be the most productive.
As expected, these animals live in some of the most rugged habitat
in Arizona. Care should be taken when hiking these mountain ranges.
The terrain is made up mostly of shale rock and is very hazardous
when hiking up and down. It is suggested more time be spent with
your spotting scope and binoculars than actual hiking around the
mountains.
Overview:
As with the entire state, Unit 43A
has experienced several extremely dry
years. This has directly affected the
deer herd in this unit pushing densities
to extremely low numbers. The substandard
habitat in the desert has forced many
of the mule deer into agriculture areas
to feed on the local alfalfa crop.
People hunting this unit will have
the greatest success if they hunt areas
where water is easily accessible such
as washes and drainages leading toward
the Colorado River. Hiking to the peaks
of the nearby hills and glassing the
low flat country leading to the river
will also be an effective method. In
addition to the river, there are numerous
wildlife waters in the area which get
heavy use during the hot summer months.
Glassing the areas around the north
and south Trigo Peaks along with the
west side of the Dome Rock Mountains
should be productive. In this unit,
as in any unit, you will have to do
your preseason home work and scout.
Areas: Unit 43A has numerous land ownership including BLM, State
Land, Yuma Proving Ground and private. It is advised to always know
what land you are hunting and camping on. Driving west bound on Interstate
10 take exit number 5, the Tom Wells exit, and drive south of the
freeway approximately five miles. This will bring you into the west
side of the Dome Rock Mountains. From here you will be able to glass
the lower valley area leading towards the Colorado River. In addition
there are numerous washes that are used as traveling corridors by
the deer.
Driving south on Highway 95 from Quartzsite to milepost 82, Cibola
road. Turn west and take this road approximately 30 miles west to
the north and south Trigo peaks. Be aware that this road travels
through the Yuma Proving Grounds which is managed by the army. Be
sure to obey all signs and posted notices. There are a couple of
unmarked roads leading back into the peaks but it is recommended
to put a little leg work in this area because there are several bowls
in the mountains that will not be observed from the road.
The Cibola area is probably one of the most popular spots in the
unit. This area is encompassed by the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge,
along with private land and many homes. There are two ways to get
to Cibola. First, take the Cibola Road from Highway 95. This is about
a 45-mile trip over a well maintained dirt road. Second you can go
into California at Blythe and follow the signs. From the Cibola area
there are many washes leading to the mountain range. As stated earlier,
these washes are used by the deer as travel corridors and hunting
them back to the west could prove to be very productive. For rules
and regulations that apply on the refuge, contact the Cibola National
Wildlife Refuge or stop by their headquarters in Cibola.
Major
Cities and Towns in or Near Game
Management Unit and Nearest Gas,
Food, and Lodging Quartzsite,
Ehrenberg, Blythe, CA, Parker
Major
Highways and Roads Leading To From
the East: State Hwy 95 From
the West: State Hwy
95
From the North: I-10
From the South: I-10
Developed
Campgrounds La
Posa long-term visitor
area is a semi-developed
camping area designed
for use by winter
visitors. Visitors
must purchase a long-term
visitor permit, which
is valid from September
15 to April 15.
Undeveloped
Campgrounds Camping
is allowed on State
Trust Land with a
hunting license or
recreation permit.
Camping is permitted
on BLM land with
a 14 day limit (campfire
permit is required).
Brief
Description of Terrain, Elevation,
and Vegetation
Elevations range from 2500 feet in the Mountains to 200 feet
in the valleys and foothills of the lower Sonoran Desert. The
unit is sparsely vegetated with Palo Verde, Creosote, Mesquite,
Ironwood and scattered with riparian areas along the Colorado
River
Government
Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Region
IV - (928) 342-0091
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - (928) 857-3253
Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office - (928) 317-3200
