Hunting

Game Management Unit 36C

Species within this unit:

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

The Sierra Vista ranch property is fenced, signed and closed to hunting and trespassing. See map for details.

Unit Boundaries

Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 86 and AZ Hwy 286; southerly on AZ Hwy 286 to the U.S.- Mexico border; westerly along the border to the east boundary of the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation; northerly along the reservation boundary to AZ Hwy 86; easterly on AZ Hwy 86 to AZ Hwy 286.

*Important information: This unit has both whitetail deer and mule deer, study the differences. There has been an increase of wrong species shot in recent years.

Hunter Access – Read this section about access in the unit.

Access is a significant issue in 36C, due to the location of the private land in this unit. Fortunately, the majority of this unit is open to hunting. This is because of stewardship agreements with the various ranches. Please respect the rules and regulations pertaining to access. There are several mandatory sign-in stations located throughout the unit. Each of these sign-in stations is independent of each other. In other words, signing in at one ranch does not give you access to another ranch. Failure to sign-in will result in trespassing charges. Do not omit any information when filling out the sign-in sheet. Please help maintain these access boxes. Some other problems we have experienced in the past include:

Failure to sign-out when leaving the ranch.
Taking ranch passes off of the ranch.
Driving off road.
Littering, to include the failure to bury toilet paper and feces, and failure to clean out fire pits of unburned items.
Camping within a ¼ mile of water.
Parking near corrals during ranch operations.
Shooting at signs and water tanks.

The continued access in this unit is dependent on the proper conduct by everyone.

Be advised that much of this unit is accessible by foot only. All of these areas are identified with signs. Access to the unit is primarily off of Highway 286. Milepost numbers to various locations south of Three Points are as follows:

Kings Anvil Ranch- mp 37.7
Elkhorn Ranch- mp 25.2
Las Delicias Ranch- mp 23.2
Brown Canyon- mp 20.5
Thomas Canyon- mp 15.7
Santa Margarita Ranch- mp 14.3
Arivaca-Sasabe Road- mp 12
Los Encinos Ranch- mp 9.4
Buenos Aires Headquarters & Aros Ranch- mp 7.7
Pozo Verde Mountains- mp 4.2

Topographic maps will provide details as to road locations. A map depicting land ownership is available from the State Land Department at 233 N. Main, Tucson 85701. Portions of the Buenos Aires Refuge are located in 36C and are open to javelin and Deer hunting. You must also camp in designated campsites. Contact the refuge for additional information and regulations, 520-823-4251.

Most of Unit 36C is comprised of State Trust land. A valid hunting or fishing license, or State land permit is required to enter State Trust lands.

*Note: The area around the Las Moras Ranch house, located on the Santa Margarita Ranch is now posted ‘no trespassing’. This is a legal posting, and violators will be cited. Be advised that the posting does not extend to the Reservation boundary, so there are still ample areas to hunt in the vicinity of the posting.

*Note: The walk-in area located at the Los Aros Ranch corrals is now open to vehicles. This was a courtesy extended by the rancher living at the Los Aros ranch house. Please respect the signs dictating where one may drive. As always, do not shoot within a ¼ mile of a residence, and do not trespass onto the posted private property.

*Note: The use of off-highway vehicles (ATVs, quads, etc.) is prohibited on the King’s Anvil Ranch. The King’s Anvil Ranch will not open until Sept. 1.

Consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits.

*Attention: Not all of Brown Canyon is open to hunting. Be aware of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge’s designated ‘no hunt zones’ located at the mouth of the canyon and extending along the canyon bottom. Hunters wishing to hunt in Brown Canyon must park at the designated parking lot and hike to State Trust Land and BLM land.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Species Information

Javelina

Overview: Unit 36C supports a good population of javelina. Javelina herds are still recovering from past drought conditions. Backed by a good monsoon the predominant desert/grassland type should provide excellent food and cover. Javelina can be found in all canyons of the Baboquivari Range as well as on the mesquite dominated flats.

The most effective way to spot javelina is by glassing east facing slopes as the first light of day hits them. A pair of tripod-mounted binoculars is excellent for this purpose. As the day warms up, switch to areas of cover that could yield bedding sites.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Mule Deer

Overview: Unit 36C is a relatively dry unit. Mule deer may be found on the flats around mesquite-lined washes. Look for dirt tanks that contain water, as deer should be nearby. The best way to hunt the dense mesquite-cacti flats is by still-hunting. Hunting by horseback is a very effective way of covering a lot of ground. The southern part of the unit allows for some glassing for mule deer; the northern portion of the unit is relatively flat.

It is very common to see coues whitetail deer in mule deer habitat, make sure you know the difference. Make extra effort to be sure of the species you are shooting at. There has been an increase to wrong species being shot in the last couple of years.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

White-tailed Deer

Overview: Unit 36C offers good whitetail deer hunting opportunities but is at the western edge of the whitetail range. Habitats here are drier with the mesquite/grassland type being most prominent. Whitetail can be found on the south facing sunlit slopes in the morning and on cool north facing slopes in the afternoon. Ocotillo thickets are a good place to look for bucks.

It is very common to see coues whitetail deer in mule deer habitat, make sure you know the difference. Make extra effort to be sure of the species you are shooting at. There has been an increase to wrong species being shot in the last couple of years.

The many areas that are restricted to foot-only traffic offer a quality hunting experience if one is willing to work for their deer. These areas generally have higher deer densities, and lower hunter densities.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Cottontail Rabbit

Overview: Unit 36C is good this year for hunting cottontail. One can find cottontails just about anywhere in this unit.

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to cottontail rabbit hunting . Contact the Refuge for additional information and regulations (phone 520-823-4251).

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Dove

Overview: Decent dove hunting can be found throughout the unit around dirt stock tanks. When hunting dirt stock tanks make sure you allow cattle access if they are trying to get to water.

During the late hunt try the open grass/mesquite flats in the southern part of the unit.

Consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits. A migratory bird stamp is required to take doves.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Quail

Overview: A moderate number of Gambel and Scaled quail may be found in the flats and lower foothills in Unit 36C. An area to focus on would be any of the numerous washes within this unit.

All portions of the Buenos Aires Refuge are closed to quail hunting. Contact the refuge for additional information (phone 520-823-4251).

Consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits.

*Read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.

Special Note Regarding Border Issues

Unit 36C is a corridor for the trafficking of undocumented aliens (UDAs) and drugs. Hunters will see the trails and trash left by these people. Hunters are urged to use caution when hunting and camping in 36C or any of the other border units. It is advisable to use some sort of visible anti-theft device on your vehicle. Vehicle thefts and break-ins have decreased in last year but all hunters are advised to stay aware that these incidents can occur. Having a group of UDAs walk through a hunting area may negatively impact your hunt. The key to hunting in the border units is the ability to flex and adapt.

To report UDAs, call the Border Patrol at 1-877-872-7435, or in the case of an emergency, dial 911.

Unit Summary

Climate Information

Other Pertinent Climate Information
The desert flats get very muddy after prolonged rain. In the wintertime, up to 3 to 6 inches of snow can accumulate in the mountains.

Cities, Roads & Campgrounds

Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging
Tucson, Three Points, Sasabe, Arivaca

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: Hwy 86
From the West: Hwy 86
From the North: Hwy 286
From the South: Hwy 286

Developed Campgrounds

None.

Undeveloped Campgrounds

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge offers designated primitive camping sites throughout the refuge. Camping is allowed on State land with a hunting license or recreation permit.

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

Elevations range from about 3,000′ in the Altar Valley to about 6,000′ in the Baboquivari Mountains, which form the western edge of the unit. The unit is comprised primarily of mesquite grassland with oaks growing on north facing slopes.

Government Agencies and Phone Numbers

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region V – 520-628-5376
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge – 520-823-4251