Hunting

Game Management Unit 30B

Species within this unit:

Javelina, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Dove, Quail

Unit Introduction

Unit 30B is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, specifically in Cochise County. Within the unit are two major mountain ranges; the Mule and Dragoon Mountains. To the East of the mountain ranges, Sulphur Springs Valley runs from the Mexico Border, north to I-10. State Route 191 runs through the valley and establishes the east boundary of the unit, and I-10 designates the north boundary. West of the mountain ranges, the San Pedro River runs north from the Mexican border (south boundary of unit). The river continues north past I-10 and establishes the westerly boundary of unit 30B.

Due to the climate and elevation, the habitat types vary from oak woodlands in the highest elevations of the mountains, down to semi- desert grasslands, and Chihuahuan desert scrub in the valleys. The biological productivity of unit 30B relies upon winter, and to a greater extent, the summer rainfall for a combined yearly average of approximately 15 inches.

Secure Access Prior to Hunting

Sportsmen access in unit 30B continues to be reduced. A large amount of the unit is private property (>40%). In many cases, the private property is situated in locations that allow the property owner to control access into State and Public Lands. Due to this, access in the unit continues to be a challenge for sportsmen to gain.

Respect of the land and the landowner’s wishes must be given full attention. Past problems including littering, vandalism, off-road travel, trespass, and leaving gates open have created hardships with local landowners and have resulted in access closure. So please keep “respect” in mind while afield, because when access is lost, it most likely will never be regained again. Also, several ranches have been developed also restricting hunting near and around them and access through the areas. It is recommended that sportsmen secure access into hunting areas prior to applying for a big game permits, or hunting in the unit. Current access is subject to change at any time. Please utilize phone apps, GPS or maps to determine the land status in the area and be aware of the land status where you are at all times.

Access Routes

Access in unit 30B has been reduced over time due to the amount of private property in the area. The Arizona Game and Fish Department continues to make efforts to improve access into areas through our Stewardship Programs in attempt to maintain current access and in some cases re-establish lost access. Sportsmen need to look for, read and obey all signs posted throughout the unit. Remember, good landowner relations begin with you.

The Mule Mountains have access roads locked going into Sandy Bob, Dixie, Mexican,  Gadwell and Abrigo Canyons. Foot access into areas is granted on State and public land. Foot access and limited vehicular access is allowed into Dry and Abbott Canyons on the 47 Ranch. Access along Highway 80 north of Bisbee along Banning Creek is denied through private land, although access on the Juniper Flats Road to the top of the mountain range exists just north of Mule Pass tunnel. The Juniper Flats Road travels northeast through private parcels of land to the radio towers and accesses the top of the Mule Mountains. Freeport- McMoRan owns large tracts of land in the southern end of the Mules, specifically in the Bisbee area and restricts hunting. In some cases, no signs are posted on the boundaries, however trespassing is enforced. Access to Escabrosa Ridge, the southwest portion of the Mule Mountains, can be accessed off of Highway 92 between Bisbee at milepost 345. Homes have been built at the mouth of Moore and Bolsa Canyons, affecting access to those areas, and several homes have been constructed and roads posted/ locked in the Abrigo Canyon/Red Mountain area. These are things to be aware of and remember do not shoot within a quarter of a mile of a residence. The east side of the Mule’s can be accessed off the High Lonesome Road from Davis Road or from Highway 80. One road form High Lonesome Rd. on the 47 Ranch access the mountain to Johnson, Abbott, Buck and Dry Canyon (look for the Access Signs). Also a road south of the Dixie Canyon Ranch Road accesses Cintura Hill near Mexican Canyon.

The portion of the Mule Mountains south of Highway 80 between Bisbee and Douglas, called the ”Mule Tails”, has access points along Highway 80 in Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road east of Bisbee. Take the Warren Road toward Bisbee Junction and on south, southeast to the Border Road where several access roads into the area exist. Also, access from the Paul Spur/Border Road on Highway 80, toward Douglas. Be aware of past landowner changes along the Boarder Rd. in the Christensen Canyon area. No trespass/hunting signs have been posted on private property on the Christensen Ranch.

The area between Davis Road, north to the Gleason Road can be accessed off of both the Gleason and Davis Roads at several locations. The Double U Ranch or Telles Ranch, is completely locked and no longer allows hunting. Some ranches require personal contact to gain access, written permission, require sportsmen to sign in/sign out and use of “Ranch Passes” while on the property. These areas are considered critical access with extensive time being devoted to secure sportsmen access in the area, which has benefited many mule deer, javelina, quail, and dove hunters in the past. Please utilize phone apps, GPS or maps to determine the land status in the area and be aware of the land status where you are at all times. Most of the private property within residential developments are posted “No Hunting/Trespassing” in the unit.

The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest and can be accessed from the north at Dragoon. The Old Ranch Road in Dragoon, AZ accesses Jordan Canyon. Four Canyon is inaccessible through private property at the Fourr Ranch Headquarters located at the end of Old Ranch Rd. Lizard Lane provides access on the north end of the Dragoons. Access along the east side of the Mountain exists at the Golden Rule Road, off the Dragoon Road. This road travels south along the east side of the mountain to Cochise Stronghold Road. Other access points exist off the Pearce Road and Middle-March Road. Access is open along the west side of the mountain, into Henry, Slavin, and the West Stronghold Canyon. Access to the west side of the mountain, south of the Middle-March Road can also be accessed by traveling northeast on the Bennett Ranch road east of Tombstone off the Gleason Road. This road travels toward the mountain, to Henry Canyon, and eventually connects to the Middle-March Road pending passable road conditions. The road crosses private property and is considered critical access and has sportsmen respect signs posted. Access across private property from Highway 80 and Curtis Flats Road junction, east across the Dragoon Mountain Ranch to the Coronado National Forest boundary has been lost to residential development. The Dragoon Mountain Ranch property boundary is posted “No Trespassing”. A map of the area can be obtained at a Forest Service Office or map store.

The Gunnison Mountains can be accessed off of Dragoon Road by turning onto Manzora Road east of Dragoon. The south and east side of the mountain can be accessed off the Dragoon Road at Manzora Road and the railroad trestle at the double green gates. The west side of the Gunnison’s are not accessible by vehicle.

The Redbird Mountains currently are inaccessible without landowner permission.

The mountain on east of I-10 and south of the Dragoon Road at Texas Canyon can be accessed by exiting I-10 at Stucky’s east of Benson. Travel south a short distance and turn left on E. Touchstone Trail. This road parallels I-10 and travels east toward the mountain. Access from the Dragoon exit on I-10 is another option. Travel south to the town of Dragoon. Before crossing the railroad tracks turn right on E. Touchstone Trail which will access the south and east side of the mountain.

Along the west side of the Dragoon, access on the FS-687 road will travel from Middle March Rd. north approx. 8 miles to West Stronghold Canyon. The Dragoon Mountain Ranch does not allow access on the ranch/housing development, which covers the majority of the west slope of the Dragoons down to S.R. 80.

The Tombstone Hills can be accessed off of Highway 80 south of Tombstone, and the Charleston Road west of Tombstone. The Lucky Hills Ranch has sportsmen/landowner respect signs posted at all access points along the Charleston Road. Be aware of the recent residential development in the Tombstone Hills south of the Charleston Road.

The Charleston Hills and Three Brothers Hills can also be accessed at several points along the Charleston Road, or at milepost 65 on HWY. 82, and the Schieffelin Monument area west of Tombstone.

White Water Draw is a 1400-acre+ area that was purchased by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This area offers various hunting opportunities including waterfowl, big game and small game. Interested hunters can contact the Tucson office or stop in at the ranch headquarters, located 1.5 miles south of Davis Road on Coffman Road and request information on the area.

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) is also open to hunting. Visit www.blm.gov/visit/san-pedro.com  to inquire about additional information.

Unit Boundaries

Beginning at U.S. Hwy. 191 and the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to I-10 Exit 331; northeasterly on I-10 to U.S. Hwy. 191; southerly on U.S. Hwy. 191 to the U.S.- Mexico border.

Species Information

Javelina

Overview: Javelina can be found throughout Unit 30B. Restricted access is posing a problem, particularly in the Mule Mountains. Larger herds can still be located, although hiking may be the only means of accessing such areas. See the Access Information for details.

Javelina forage on the warmest slopes first during cold weather. However, they will also feed in the bottoms where the spring growth will first come up. Javelina usually bed in drainage’s with adequate cover or near feeding areas on the mountain slopes. Bed sites are commonly used on a regular basis.

Javelina can be found on all habitat types and topography in this unit, from the flats where they are hard to spot, all the way up to the tops of the mountain ranges in the oak woodlands. Finding areas where plants have been rooted up, bedding sites, and by glassing over these areas will help you in locate Javelina.

The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest and a forest service map will help you with the road system. Javelina can be found along the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to locate them.

Area: Access into the Mule Mountains is very limited compared to the Dragoon Mountains. One of the easiest ways to access the Mule Mountains is to take Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson continue down Highway 80 past Tombstone. Approximately 2.5 miles south of Tombstone, take Davis Road east to High Lonesome Road and south to access the east side of the mountain. There are two dirt roads off of the High Lonesome that will access the eastern side of the Mules. One thing to remember when you are in the Mule Mountains is the private land, most will be posted, so respect the ranchers’ wishes. Hiking from open areas will still get you into most of the Mule Mountains. It just takes more effort on the hunter’s part.

The Mule Tail’s are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. Access is gained from Highway 80 at Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road (south of Highway 80, east of Bisbee). Drive south on Warren Road towards Bisbee Junction. Near the Bisbee Airport, there are dirt roads that will take you into the Mule Tails. Staying on Warren Road to Bisbee Junction will take you to the Border Road (the International Border between Arizona and Mexico) there are various access roads from the Border Road into the Mule Tails. Another access point for the Mule Tails is from the Paul Spur Road, this road intersects Highway 80 about halfway between Bisbee and Douglas.

Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. When driving east on Hwy. 92, there are various dirt roads intersecting the highway from the north (m.p. 345, m.p. 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). This area is being developed so be aware of the residences in the area.

Land around populated areas (Bisbee, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida, Sunsites, Richland, Dragoon, St. David, and Tombstone) has Javelina populations. The Javelina often go into the populated areas causing problems for residents. Talking to the locals in these areas might give an archery hunter some good tips on where to find the Javelina. The Sulphur Springs Valley is predominately private land, so obtain permission before going afield, and remember not to shoot within 1/4 of a mile of occupied buildings or residents.

Mule Deer

Overview: Unit 30B is a large unit with two large mountain ranges (the Dragoon Mountains and the Mule Mountains) with low hills and ridges between the two ranges surrounded by high desert flats in the valley. Some extra scouting, and hiking into inaccessible areas may help you take a larger buck.  Please identify the deer before taking a shot as whitetail are expanding into mule deer habitat.

Area: The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest so a forest service map will help you with the road system. Topographical maps will help you get around the rest of the unit.

Lower elevations in the desert flats around both the Dragoon and Mule Mountains is the best mule deer habitat, Agriculture fields adjacent to these habitats produce higher deer densities. Also the rolling hills and small mountain ranges and the foothill have mule deer. Mule deer can be found in lower numbers along the San Pedro River (SPRNCA) floodplain, but the thick vegetation makes it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. See Access Information for details.

IMPORTANT – the mule deer and white-tailed deer are found in the same habitat types in this unit. The main things to remember while hunting are; antler structure, size, tail size and color. Before hunting either of these species, consult to the Hunting Regulations Commission Order: 2 for distinguishing characteristics. Be Aware of the Species, more violations of taking the wrong species have occurred in this unit so please be patient and aware of the differences in the two species!

White-tailed Deer

Overview:  Unit 30B has a relatively small population of whitetail deer in relationship to nearby units. These populations are isolated to the Dragoon and Mule Mountains and the San Pedro River (SPRNCA). Overall, the unit has approximately 125.5 square miles of whitetail deer habitat of medium to low density. Sportsmen must be aware that a large portion of the habitat in the Mule Mountains is inaccessible. Also, accessible habitat within the Mule and Dragoon Mountains can be far from existing road and extremely rugged. To reduce the frustration, it is a good idea to scout the unit and secure access into a desired area before applying for a whitetail permit in the unit. Please identify the deer before taking a shot as whitetail mule deer occupy the same habitat.

The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest so a forest service map will help you with the road system and the access points. Topo-graphical maps will help you get around the rest of the unit.

The Mule Mountains offer good deer densities with the unit.

Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River (SPRNCA), but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. See Access Information for details.

IMPORTANT – the mule deer and white-tailed deer are found in the same habitat types in this unit. The main things to remember while hunting are; antler structure, size, tail size and color. Before hunting either of these species, consult to the Hunting Regulations Commission Order: 2 for distinguishing characteristics. Be Aware of the Species, more violations of taking the wrong species have occurred in this unit so please be patient and aware of the differences in the two species!

Cottontail Rabbit

Overview: Cottontails are fairly abundant in the unit, although average rainfall has been lacking in the area during the year. During this past winter, the area received adequate rainfall and as a result, rabbit numbers are up, and provide an increased small game hunting opportunity.

Area: Cottontails can be found throughout the unit with little effort on the part of the hunter. Cottontails can be found in washes and desert vegetation off of any access roads in the unit. See Access Information for details.

Dove

Overview:

Both mourning dove and white-wing dove occurs, but the majority of the harvest and opportunities will be for mourning dove. Both species can be found in agricultural fields near Richland, Sunsites, Elfrida, McNeal, and St. David, as well as in the desert areas near water sources.

Mourning dove, and an occasional white wing dove, can be found at various livestock tanks in the unit, and along the San Pedro River. Pre-season scouting is a good idea in these areas. The amount of localized rainfall will determine the dove distribution in the unit. If a dry summer is encountered, dove will be very dependent on the limited water sources found in the area. Stock tanks are full of water this year after a great summer monsoon season, however it is difficult to find high concentrations of birds due to this.

Having a copy of the dove hunting regulations with you is a good precaution.

It is important to remember that a large portion of the district is privately owned property, especially in the agricultural areas of St. David, Elfrida, McNeal, Double Adobe, Sunsites, and Richland. Please read and obey the landowner’s requests, and obtain permission before going afield. Do not leave spent shot-shells lying in the field and around water tanks. Complaints are received from landowners and lessees, because cattle have ingested them causing complications and it is littering, a revocable offense. On private land, access can be revoked any time. See Access Information for details.

Area: To get to the agriculture fields near Richland, Sunsites, Elfrida, and McNeal, take Highway 191 south of I-10. Each of these communities are just off of Highway 191. Before hunting on agricultural fields, obtain permission from landowners in the farming areas. Residential development has increased in the Pearce/Sunsites area, resulting in a loss of areas to hunt.

To access the San Pedro River and St. David, get off of I-10 at Benson. Go through town and take the exit for Highway 80 to St. David. There are several dirt roads leading out into the desert or to the river. Be cognizant that these areas are populated, so you need to be at least 1/4 of a mile from occupied buildings or residents.

Bear

In 2016 the first bear season was offered in the unit. Overall, the bear population is considered low and limited to the upper elevations of the Dragoon’s and to a lesser extent, Mule Mountains. The hunt can be difficult and requires scouting the exceptional knowledge of the areas. In addition to off season scouting, use of trail cameras on trails and water sources can be helpful. There is limited habitat in the upper elevations of the Dragoon and Mule Mountains. Focus on available waters and food sources for the spring hunt in the Unit. See Access Information for details.

Quail

Overview: The quail populations (Gambel and Scaled) in the unit will respond to winter rainfall. Overall, we are below average, however rain occurred throughout the winter/spring and created green-up and the quail may respond. The quail populations suffer from drought and respond favorably to average to above average rainfall. Review past weather conditions in area you are considering for a hunt. See Access Information for details.

Pre-season scouting will improve your hunt success. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. Please pick up spent shot-shells, complaints have been received because livestock have ingested them causing complications and it is littering, a revocable offense.

Area: Gambel’s quail can be found in isolated areas in the unit. An area where greater concentrations exist is along the San Pedro River (Call 520-439-6400 or see http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html )

Some areas of the river are closed to firearms hunting. The San Pedro River can be accessed near Benson, St. David, HWY 82, Charleston Road, and HWY 92. Other areas of quail concentrations can be found in upper elevations along the mountain drainage’s, and stock tanks.

Scaled quail can be found throughout the unit in high desert grassland communities. Larger concentrations of scaled quail tend to be found along the base of the eastern side of the Dragoon Mountains, and in the Cochise, Dragoon, and Sunsites/Pearce area, and along the Mexican Border. The eastern side of the Dragoon Mountains, Cochise, and Sunsites can be accessed from Highway 191 south of I-10. Recently, residential development in the Pearce/Sunsite area has increased, thus eliminating areas to hunt. During good years large populations can be found along the Davis Road, Gleason Road, and the Pearce Road. A popular area for quail hunting is now closed to all access; the Double U Ranch or Telles Ranch has been locked and no longer allows sportsmen’s access.

Mearns’ quail are harder to find because of the nature of the quail and because they are found in much smaller concentrations in this unit. They have been found in small pockets in the southwest portion of the Dragoon Mountains, off the Middle-March Road, and in the upper elevations of the Mule Mountains. Denied access in the Mule Mountains makes it extremely difficult to access these areas.

The west side of the Dragoon Mountains can be reached by taking Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. Continuing down Highway 80 to Middle March Road, which is only a couple of miles north of Tombstone. Turn east on the Middle-March road and drive approximately 10 miles until you reach the Forest Service Boundary. Take Forest Service Road 687 north along the west side of the mountain into the West Stronghold. The east side of the mountain is accessed off the Dragoon Road, Ironwood Road, and Middle-March Road.

The Mule Mountains can be accessed off High Lonesome Road and Highway 80. Several canyon roads in the Mules go through private land and are posted and locked, so respect the ranchers’ wishes. Hiking across state land will access the upper parts of the canyons.

Pre-season scouting will improve your hunt success. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. Please pick up spent shot-shells, complaints have been received because livestock have ingested them causing complications and it is littering, a revocable offense.

Unit Summary

Climate Information

Other Pertinent Climate Information
Higher elevations in the Dragoon and Mule Mountains experience occasional, short-term snow accumulations.

Cities, Roads & Campgrounds

Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging
Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Bisbee, Benson

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: State Hwy 80, Davis Rd
From the West: State Hwy 82, 90, 92, Charleston Rd
From the North: State Hwy 80, U.S. 191
From the South: Mexico-U.S. Border

Developed Campgrounds

Cochise Stronghold in Dragoon Mountains located west of Sunsites, Arizona.

Undeveloped Campgrounds

Camping is allowed on BLM and Forest Service administered public lands.

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

The unit varies considerably in elevation and vegetation types. Oak woodlands grow on the steep, rugged Dragoon and Mule mountains at elevations of 5000′ to 7000′. High desert grassland communities characterize elevations of 3500′ to 5000′ between the mountain ranges. Chihuahuan desertscrub vegetation grows in the valleys at lower elevations throughout the unit.

Government Agencies and Phone Numbers

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region V – (520) 628-5376
Arizona State Land Department – (520) 628-5480
Bureau of Land Management, San Pedro Project – (520)  258-7200
Coronado National Forest, Douglas Ranger District – (520) 364-3468