Hunting

Game Management Unit 25M

Unit Boundaries

All of GMU 25M is closed to hunting (as described below) EXCEPT where specifically opened by Commission Order.

Unit 25M Boundary per Commission Rule R12-4-108: Beginning at the junction of 51st Ave. and I-10; west on I-10 to AZ Loop 303, northeasterly on AZ Loop 303 to I-17; north on I-17 to Carefree Hwy; east on Carefree Hwy to Cave Creek Rd.; northeasterly on Cave Creek Rd. to the Tonto National Forest boundary; easterly and southerly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation boundary; northeasterly along the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation boundary to the Verde River; southerly along the Verde River to the Salt River; southwesterly along the Salt River to the Tonto National Forest boundary; southerly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to Bush Hwy/Power Rd.; southerly on Bush Hwy/Power Rd. to AZ Loop 202; easterly, southerly, and westerly on AZ Loop 202 to the intersection of Pecos Rd. at I-10; west on Pecos Rd. to the Gila River Indian Community boundary; northwesterly along the Gila River Indian Community boundary to 51st Ave; northerly on 51st Ave to I-10; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands.

Please refer to the Arizona Game Management Unit 25M restricted/limited hunting boundary map.

Commission Orders are set by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for each games species and published in the respective species hunting regulation book. Commission Orders set bag and possession limits, permit numbers, season dates, weapon types, and open or closed areas. Hunters need to read the notes section for each season and species before they go hunting. Notes address detailed information about what areas are open, closed or have special restrictions. Hunting in closed areas may result in revocation of one’s hunting privileges.

County islands (unincorporated lands) within the unit are open to hunting provided the hunter does not discharge a firearm within ¼ mile of an occupied building. Hunters need to be aware there are some exceptions and county islands that are closed to hunting will be listed in the notes section under each Commission Order.

All city, county, and town parks and preserves are closed to hunting, unless opened by Commission Order. Parks and preserves that are open to hunting will be listed in the notes section under each Commission Order. Additional restrictions have been implemented for public safety and to reduce conflicts with private property owners and other recreational users. In those parks and preserves that are designated open for hunting, it is unlawful to take wildlife within ¼ mile of a developed campground, picnic area, occupied building, boat ramp, shooting range, or golf course. Hunters must also comply with applicable check-in and fee requirements specific to the park or preserve they are accessing. Hunters are permitted to walk cross-country (off designated trails) while hunting.

Hunting within urban areas comes with increased scrutiny and regulation. Provide a positive example as an ambassador for wildlife conservation. Remember, your actions may directly influence everyone’s future hunting privileges. Take time to fully review and scout out access restrictions and property boundaries prior to hunting. If packing game from the field transport the carcass discreetly, don’t leave remains of field dressings where they are easily visible and clean up to the best of your ability before entering a public place. As always, clean up your litter (including shotgun shells). Littering while hunting may result in revocation of one’s hunting privileges.

**Special note: Hunters please be aware of access restrictions in the Tom’s Thumb area. On-the-ground signage has been posted identifying a closed area where quarter mile restrictions occur. Hunters may not travel off-trail in areas closed to hunting. Click the link below to access the hunting fact sheet which contains a map of the closed area.

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hunting Fact Sheet

Species Information

Javelina

Overview:Unit 25M has an archery-only javelina hunt in late December and January. Please refer to the current year’s Arizona Game & Fish Department spring hunting regulations for more information regarding open areas. Javelina hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a non-permit archery javelina tag. Archery javelina tags can be purchased over the counter at any license dealer or Department office.

Areas:  County islands within the unit not otherwise closed and the following parks and preserves are open to hunting: McDowell Mountain Regional Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hunters need to ensure they are more than ¼ mile from all occupied structures when hunting. Voluntarily register online prior to hunting in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. User data is important to the Department and is used in annual hunt recommendations.

Mule Deer

Overview: Unit 25M has an archery only deer hunt in late December and January. Please refer to the current year’s Arizona Game & Fish Department hunting regulations for more information regarding open areas. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a non-permit archery deer tag. Archery deer tags can be purchased over the counter at any license dealer or Department office.

Areas:  County islands within the unit not otherwise closed and the following parks and preserves are open to hunting: McDowell Mountain Regional Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all occupied structures when hunting. Voluntarily register online prior to hunting in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. User data is important to the Department and is used in annual hunt recommendations.

Mountain Lion

Overview:Unit 25M has an archery only mountain lion hunt from late August through May.  Please refer to the current year’s Arizona Game & Fish Department Hunting Regulations for more information regarding open areas, exact season dates, and check out requirements. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a non-permit archery mountain lion tag. Archery mountain lion tags can be purchased over the counter at any license dealer or Department office.

Areas:  County islands within the unit not otherwise closed and the following parks and preserves are open to hunting: McDowell Mountain Regional Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all occupied structures when hunting. Voluntarily register online prior to hunting in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. User data is important to the Department and is used in annual hunt recommendations.

Dove

Overview:U25M has two dove hunts. During the early season, usually September 1-September 15, mourning dove and white-wing dove are in season. During the late season, usually mid-November thru early January, only mourning dove are in season. Refer to the current year’s Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations.

To hunt dove, adults 18 and older must have in their possession a valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt/fish license and an Arizona migratory bird stamp. Youth ages 10-17 must have in their possession a valid youth combination hunt/fish license only (the Arizona migratory bird stamp is included in the youth combo license). Lawful methods for taking dove include: shotgun shooting shot, bow and arrow, falconry, or crossbow and dogs.

Note: Eurasian collared dove are in season year round, and the bag/ possession limit is unlimited. A migratory bird stamp is not required to hunt Eurasian collard dove. In addition to methods identified above for dove, pneumatic weapons are a lawful device for taking Eurasian collared dove.

Areas: County islands within the unit not otherwise closed and the following parks and preserves are open to hunting: McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all occupied structures when hunting. Remember, shotgun shells are litter. Littering while hunting may result in revocation of one’s hunting privileges.

Quail

Overview: Quail season in Unit 25M is open from mid to late October until early February. Refer to the current year’s Arizona Game & Fish Department hunting regulations for more information regarding open areas and season dates. Gambel’s quail can be found throughout the unit. Hunters 10 years of age and older are required to have a valid hunting license. Lawful methods for taking quail include: bow and arrow, falconry, pneumatic weapons, shotguns shooting shot, handguns shooting shot, crossbow, slingshot, hand-held projectiles and dogs.

Areas: County islands within the unit not otherwise closed and the following parks and preserves are open to hunting: McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Hunters need to ensure that they are more than ¼ mile from all occupied structures when hunting.

Unit Summary

Climate Information

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:
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: U.S. 60, Loop 202
From the West: I-10, U.S. 60, Loop 303
From the North: I-17From the South: I-10

Developed Campgrounds

McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Undeveloped Campgrounds

None.

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

Elevations stay below 2000 ft. 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, 480-981-9400
Arizona Game and Fish Department-
Headquarters, 602-942-3000
Maricopa County Parks, 602-506-2930
City of Scottsdale, 480-312-3111
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 480-312-7013