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 open gates 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 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.

Access Routes

Hunter access in unit 30B has been reduced over the past several years due to the amount of private property in the area. The Arizona Game and Fish Department continues to make efforts to improve access into locked areas and through our Stewardship Programs in attempt to maintain current access and in some cases re-establish lost access into locked areas. Sportsmen need to look for signs, read and obey all signs posted throughout the unit. If you have questions please call our office prior to going on a hunting trip. Remember, good landowner relations begin with you.

Areas such as the Mule Mountains have access roads locked going into Sandy Bobb, Dixie, and Mexican Canyon. Foot access into these areas is granted on State Land. Foot access and limited vehicular access is allowed into Dry, Abbott, and Gadwell Canyons on the 47 Ranch. Access along Highway 80 north of Bisbee is denied through private ranches, although access on the Juniper Flats Road to the top of the mountain range exists just north of mule pass. The Juniper Flats Road travels northeast through private parcels of land to the radio towers. Freeport- McMoRan owns large tracts of land in the southern end of the Mules, specifically in the Bisbee area. 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 and milepost 345 and 350. Homes have been built at the mouth of Moore and Bolsa Canyons, affecting limited access to the mountain is 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, south of Davis Road, or north of Highway 80. Two roads access the mountain. The first road to the right past the gas pipeline road south of Davis Road accesses Johnson Canyon., and north to Gadwell Canyon on the 47 Ranch (look for the Access Sign). The road south of the Dixie Canyon Ranch Road accesses Cintura Hill.

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 exists as well. Be aware of recent 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 does no longer allow 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. This area is also 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. Aproximately 9,000 acres in the Gleason area has been developed and is known as the High Lonesome Ranch Estates. The area has limited State Land located along Gleason Rd. Please utilize maps to determine the land status in the area. Most of the private property within the development and on the outer boundary is posted “No Hunting/Trespassing”. The Tombstone Heritage Ranch entry gate is located at the junction of High Lonesome Road and Davis Road. This area is under development and is no longer an access road.

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 Canyon, Slavin Canyon, 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. The Bennett Ranch has sportsmen respect signs posted. Access across private property from Highway 80 and Curtis Flats Road junction, east across the Dragoon Mountain Ranch to Lower Slavin Canyon on the Coronado National Forest has been lost due to 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. Access on the north end of the mountain at the junction of I-10 and the Highline east of the Johnson Mine Road turnoff no longer exists. The south and east side of the mountain can be accessed off the Dragoon Road at Manzora Road and the railroad trestle. Travel through the green gates north toward I-10.

The Redbird Mountains have very limited access. One access point exists along the north end of the Gunnison’s, just south of I-10. The road travels east to the Redbird Mtns., but keep in mind this is the only entrance/exit. Access to this area is via the Gunnison Mountain access above.

The Adams Ranch area can be accessed by exiting I-10 at Stucky’s east of Benson. Travel south a short distance and turn left on the first road. This road parallels I-10 and travels east toward the mountain. The gate may be locked on the south side of the mountain however; the wire gate to the south a short distance has been open regularly. If you are interested in accessing the area from the east, exit I-10 at the Dragoon exit and travel south to the town of Dragoon. Before crossing the railroad tracks turn right on the road that parallels the tracks. After a short distance you will come to a gate, which may or may not be locked due to public utilities in the area. To contact the Adams Ranch, and access the north side of the mountain, exit at the Dragoon exit on I-10 and travel south to the first road on the right. Travel west to the Adams Ranch along I-10.

Along the west side of the Dragoon, access on the FS-687 road will travel from Middlemarch 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 Three Brothers 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. Sportsmen/landowner respect sign are also posted in these areas.

The San Pedro River National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (520-439-6400 or http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html) offers foot/horseback/bicycle access primarily from Highway 92 north. The area south of Highway 92 does not allow vehicle access to the Mexican Border. It is a good idea to contact their office because the area between Highway 92 north to the Charleston Road is closed to firearm hunting. Areas to access the river are along Highway 92, Charleston Road, Highway 90, Highway 80, and Highway 82.

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.

Six-mile hill south of Pearce has been posted “No Trespassing/Hunting, however, the surrounding flats are open to access.

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 in or horseback are the only means of accessing such areas.

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. Topographical maps will help you get around the rest of the unit. Javelina can be found along the San Pedro River, but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to locate them. Also, parts of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area are closed to firearm hunting so getting the Bureau of Land Management’s regulations is a must.  (Phone 520-439-6400).

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 the more 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 of both the Dragoon and Mule Mountains have mule deer habitat, but the rolling hills and flats also have a number of deer during the hunting season. Mule deer can be found along the San Pedro River floodplain, but the thick vegetation makes it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. Whitetail deer also exist in these areas so be sure of the species.

Access into the Mule Mountains is very limited compared to the Dragoon Mountains. One of the easiest ways to get into 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. When hunting the flats and agriculture fields in the valleys, obtain permission from landowners before going afield, and do not shoot within a 1/4 of a mile from occupied buildings or residents. Other areas include the Gunnison Hills, Government Mountain, Tombstone Hills, Redbird Hills, the area between Davis Road and Middle-March Road, and the Pearce area.

The Mule Tails 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 the 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 of Highway 92 (this highway is the southern-most highway between Sierra Vista and Bisbee). When driving east on Highway 92 to Bisbee, various dirt roads intersect the highway from the north ( MP. 345, MP 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). This area is becoming developed so be aware of the residences in the area.

One important thing to remember – the mule deer and white-tailed deer can be found in the same areas in this unit. The main things to remember while hunting are antler structure, size, tail size and color. Before hunting either of the two species, consult to the Hunting Regulations Commission Order: 2 for distinguishing characteristics. 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. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River. Overall, the unit has approximately 125.5 square miles of whitetail deer habitat of medium to low density, in the Dragoon and Mule Mountains. 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.

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.

Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River, but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. Also, parts of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area are closed to firearm hunting (Charleston Rd. to SR. 92) so getting the Bureau of Land Management’s regulations is a must.

Over the course of the past two decades, it has been noticed the whitetail are occupying traditional mule deer habitat in lower elevations. Remember, when hunting units with whitetail and mule deer; both species can be found in the same habitat types within the unit. Before hunting either of the two species, consult the Hunting Regulations: Commission Order 2 for distinguishing physical characteristics.

Areas: Access into the Mule Mountains is very limited compared to the Dragoon Mountains as most of the major canyons are inaccessible by vehicle. One of the easiest ways to get into 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, and you can access whitetail habitat in the upper parts of a few canyons. The Juniper Flats Road travels northeast to the radio towers and provides access to the top of the mountain. One thing to remember when you are in the Mule Mountains, most of the private land will be posted and locked, so respect the ranchers’ wishes. Hiking from open areas across state land will get you in most of the Mule Mountains. The area is very rugged and steep and requires a lot of effort on the hunter’s part.

Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off of Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. When driving east on Highway 92 from Sierra Vista to Bisbee. Various dirt roads intersect the highway from the north (MP 345, MP 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). This area is being developed and no hunting/trespass signs and gates have been locked, so be aware of the residence in the area.

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.

Dove

Overview: Both mourning dove and whitewing 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. If you wish to hunt on the San Pedro River National Conservation Area, you should pick up a copy of the Bureau of Land Management’s regulations, (Phone. 520-439-6400 or http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html) since some areas of the San Pedro are closed to firearm hunting.

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.

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. Access into the areas has been described in the Coues Whitetail section. 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.

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 have suffered from the past drought years, but due to current condition, the desert quail in the area are trying to respond favorably.

Both Gambel and Scaled quail can be found in the unit, and fair populations of scaled quail can be found in the Tombstone, Gleason, Pearce, Cochise, Elfrida, Sunsites, and along the Mexican Border in desert scrub and transitional areas into semi-desert grasslands. Mearns’ quail can be found in the Dragoon Mountains and the Mule Mountains. Restricted access in the Mule Mountains makes it difficult to get to the Mearns’ habitat. During years of above average summer rainfall and normal winter rainfall, Mearns’ can be found in many areas in and around the Dragoon and Mule Mountains and in isolated areas between the Gleason Rd. and Davis Road. However, don’t expect to see an abundance of any quail species in the district this season.

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)  439-6400
Coronado National Forest, Douglas Ranger District – (520) 364-3468