For 26M only - the majority of the unit is within city limits. Discharge of any firearm in this area may be limited by local city ordinance. Hunters will need to take great care to make sure they are not in city limits and more than 1/4 mi from residences.
Overview: Unit 26M, combined with Unit 25M and Unit 47M, has an archery only javelina hunt in January each year. The javelina hunt in Unit 26M is open from January 1 to January 25. Javelina hunters in 26M are required to have a valid hunting license and draw a permit tag for this season. Areas: Javelina can be found almost everywhere in Unit 26M. Hunters should look for permanent water holding areas and fresh signs of javelina activity. Unit 26M provides the opportunity of short half-day hunts for javelina and deer because of its proximity to the Phoenix metro area. Hunting archery javelina and deer at the same time is popular in Unit 26M. Huntable habitat for javelina is rapidly decreasing as the valley becomes increasingly developed. Hunters should check local ordinances before hunting within city limits to determine rules on use of archery equipment within city limits. When hunting with modern archery equipment in urban areas hunters need to be especially safety conscious to avoid hunting accidents.
Overview: Unit 26M has an archery only deer hunt in late December and January. Consult the current year’ fall hunting regulations for exact season dates. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a non-permit archery deer tag. Archery deer tags for Unit 26M can be purchased over the counter at any license dealer.
Areas: Currently, there is very little remaining mule deer habitat in Unit 26M due to the expanding human population and increased development. Hunters should check local ordinances before hunting within city limits to determine rules on use of archery equipment within city limits. Remember that all archery deer kills must be reported to the Department in person or by telephone at 1-866-903-3337 within 10 days of the kill.
Overview: U26M has two dove hunts. During the early season, usually September 1-September 15, morning dove, white-wing dove, and Eurasian collard dove are in season. During the late season, usually mid-November thru early January, only mourning dove and Eurasian collard dove are in season. The early season is open from ½ hour before sunrise until noon for adults (juveniles can hunt all day). The late season is open from ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters 14 years of age and older are required to have a valid hunting license. Hunters 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid migratory bird stamp. Lawful methods for taking dove include: shotgun shooting shot, bow and arrow, falconry, or crossbow.
Unit 26M encompasses several incorporated areas including the cities of Surprise, Peoria, El Mirage, Sun City, Youngtown, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Cave Creek and Scottsdale. Each of the cities have restrictions on discharging firearms within the city limits. Hunters should check with local municipalities each year on the city boundaries and weapon restrictions. In addition, hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all residences when hunting.
Areas: Due to expanding development and annexations by local municipalities, Unit 26M offers limited dove hunting opportunities, while participating in firearms seasons. The extreme northwest corner of Unit 26M offers decent populations of small game on land that has not yet be annexed by a local municipality.
Overview: Quail season in Unit 26M is usually open from early October until early February (See Fall Hunt regulations for exact dates). Both Gamble’s Quail and Scaled Quail have been known to occur in 26M; however, Gamble’s Quail are the most common. Hunters 14 years of age and older are required to have a valid hunting license. Lawful methods for taking quail include: shotguns shooting shot, handguns shooting shot, bow and arrow, falconry, and crossbow.
Unit 26M encompasses several incorporated areas including the cities of Surprise, Peoria, El Mirage, Youngtown, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Sun City, Cave Creek and Scottsdale. Each of the cities have restrictions on discharging firearms within the city limits. Hunters should check with local municipalities each year on the city boundaries and weapon restrictions. In addition, hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all residences when hunting.
Areas: Due to expanding development and annexations by local municipalities, Unit 26M offers limited dove hunting opportunities, while participating in firearms seasons. The extreme northwest corner of Unit 26M offers decent populations of small game on land that has not yet be annexed by a local municipality.
Other Pertinent Climate Information
Mild temperatures in winter; extreme heat in summer. Always take along plenty of water. Summer monsoon storms cause flash floods in washes; travel can be difficult.
Cities, Roads & Campgrounds
Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Surprise, Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale
Major Highways and Roads Leading To From the East: I-10, U.S. 60
From the West: I-10, U.S. 60
From the North: I-17, State Hwy 87
From the South: I-10, State Hwy 87
Developed Campgrounds
None. However, abundance of hotels, restaurants and other amenities in urban area.
Undeveloped Campgrounds
None.
Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation
Elevations range from 1,000' to 4,000'. Mostly urban landscape, with outlying areas comprised of lower Sonoran Desert habitat, creosote, mesquite, cacti. Many braided washes.
Government Agencies and Phone Numbers Arizona Game and Fish Department,
Region VI - 602 981-9400
Arizona Game and Fish Department,
Headquarters - 602 942-3000
Maricopa County Parks - 602 506-2930
Bureau of Land Management,
Arizona State Office - 602 650 0547
