Hunting

Game Management Unit 37B

Species within this unit:

Javelina, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Dove, Quail

Unit Boundaries

Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 79 and AZ Hwy 77; northwest on AZ Hwy 79 to U.S. Hwy 60; east on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 177; southeast on AZ Hwy 177 to AZ Hwy 77; southeast and southwest on AZ Hwy 77 to AZ Hwy 79.

Florence Military Reservation

Species Information

Javelina

Overview: Javelina populations in 37B continue to do well. Herds can be found throughout the unit from the lower elevation flat terrain to the upper more mountainous country. Generally speaking, javelina can be found near washes and bottomlands. During cold weather, they can be located on sunny slopes feeding and warming up as they lack an undercoat that deer have. One exception to this rule is if it is windy. Javelina do not like the wind and avoid it at all costs, especially during cold weather. If it’s windy and cold, you have to be glassing in the wind to look at the areas out of the wind. If there has been recent rainfall, especially in the flatter terrain, try walking in short loops to intersect fresh tracks then following these to where the herds are feeding or bedding. This can be very effective.

As always, be a good habitat steward and set a good example. Please drive motor vehicles including ATV’s on existing roads only, camp at least ¼ mile away from waters, and observe safe firearm handling rules. The hotline phone number to report violations is on your license.

Areas: The 96 Hills have good numbers of javelina however this area receives a lot of hunting pressure. Try areas such as the washes that are better-watered and farther from roads to locate the larger herds. Access this area from Highway 79 at milepost 119, on the 96 Ranch Rd. Try the north end of the 96 hills and beyond to the Box-O Hills. There are some small 4WD/ATV roads leading into the north end of the 96 Hills from the south that aren’t marked well on maps and require some preseason scouting to become familiar with. From the north end of the 96 Hills, the access to the Box-O Hills is walk-in only so get out well before the season with your topo maps and a map showing land-status to figure out the access. BLM has these maps available for sale. The vehicular access into the Box-O’s is blocked by posted private land on the north, west, and east so be careful not to trespass when accessing them on foot.

The river bottom and adjacent upland of the Gila and San Pedro are always good bets for javelina. Most land surrounding the Gila and San Pedro upstream of Kelvin is privately owned. Respect private property and be aware of land posted as closed to hunting. The majority of private land in this area is open to hunting, but there are several large tracts that are posted as closed. A little preseason scouting will help a lot.  Landowners will usually grant permission to hunters who ask, but landowners can also close access at any time so ask before you hunt and be respectful of their requests.

The Mineral Mountain area boasts some great herds and offers javelina hunting to those not afraid of rugged terrain.  Although this area is heavily used by Off-Highway-Vehicle enthusiasts, there is still a lot of javelina once one gets off the beaten path. Watered canyon bottoms are good places to start. Access this area from Cottonwood Canyon Road off Highway 79 at milepost 144 or from Highway 60 at milepost 216. Be sure and check the Game & Fish information kiosks at these entrances for recent information. Also, be aware that the Florence Military Reservation uses the bajada lands to the west for live fire training. Beware of the posted live fire dates and do not enter during those times. A red flag flying at these entrances means live fire is occurring.

The White Canyon area north of the Gila River southwest of Superior, AZ is rugged, wild country. If you are seeking a truly adventurous hunt with little competition with other hunters, a trip into this country by mule, or backpack is what to expect here. The White Canyon Wilderness area and Battleaxe Butte area offer more opportunities for solitude. Access this area off the Battleaxe road at about milepost 165 on Highway 177 south of Superior. This area is rugged, remote and isolated; go prepared.  Preseason scouting is advised if you haven’t been here before.

The bajada country south and east of Black Mountain is an old favorite for many. Be sure to respect private property and be aware of land posted closed to hunting. 19,000 acres of private land surround Black Mountain. Some of this land is posted closed to hunting; other parcels are open. Access this area from the south at milepost 96 off Highway 77, on the Willow Springs Rd. A particularly effective way to hunt javelina in this low, wash-braided country is to look for fresh tracks after a rain. Fresh tracks are relatively easy to distinguish, and if not spooked, javelina generally will not move far. So, if you find fresh tracks the day after a rain, follow them! This tactic allows hunters to pursue herds that can’t be spotted with binoculars from a high point.

The Tortilla Mountains overlook the Gila River valley to the west of Winkelman, north to west of Kelvin/Riverside. This area has very light hunting pressure, being hunted mainly by local hunters. It is an excellent place to get away from the crowds and have a really good chance at getting your pig. There are multiple ways to access this area, but it is advised to take Haydon Ranch bypass road to the gas line road north from Freeman Road. The gas line will take you all the way to Kearny and provides access to a lot of huntable country without having to cross private land. Once you get down by the river you’ll be on private land, but most of it is not posted. The Camino Rio Road runs along the west side of the river from Kearny to Winkelman, and on down the San Pedro to Mammoth.

Other places to try your luck are the Black Hills west of Mammoth and north of Oracle, and Falcon Valley north of Oracle Junction. Access the Black Hills and the whole east side of the unit via the Camino Rio Rd which starts at Mammoth and continues north to Kearny. Multiple roads go into the Black Hills and Tortilla Mtns from the Camino Rio Rd. Access Falcon Valley through the sign-in station at the ranch headquarters located off Highway 79 at milepost 93. Access is limited to foot travel on some State Land in the Falcon Valley area.

Bighorn Sheep

Overview: Historically, desert bighorn sheep occupied many of the mountain ranges around the greater Phoenix area. Most of the sheep disappeared at the turn of the century with the arrival of settlers and livestock.  A viable bighorn sheep population has been restored in the Mineral Mountains. Restoration efforts began in 2003 and over the course of roughly 10 years, desert bighorn sheep were translocated into 37B.  Because of diligent monitoring of the introduced sheep through telemetry flights, surveys, GPS data analysis and augmentation efforts, there is now a healthy population of bighorn sheep in the area and the first bighorn sheep tag was made available in the unit in 2013. Desert bighorn sheep are managed to allow for a harvest of 15-25% of the estimated Class III and IV rams each year.

Sheep are now regularly observed in the areas of Picketpost Mountain, White Canyon Wilderness/The Rincon, Box and Martinez Canyons, and North and South Buttes. Unit 37B bighorn sheep offer a unique wildlife viewing opportunity close to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The Arizona Trail takes hikers to the base of Picketpost Mountain and down through part of the White Canyon Wilderness, right through the heart of bighorn sheep country. There are also opportunities for viewing these magnificent animals while camping in the southern part of Box Canyon.

A Tonto National Forest map will help to identify roads, boundaries, and land ownership. Topographical maps will provide information about the terrain. The Department’s webpage, Recreational Access AZ 2.0 may also be a useful tool for getting around in this area. For hunting and wildlife watching, good quality binoculars and spotting scopes are essential.

Areas: A few of the core areas where bighorn sheep can be found are listed below.  Although this is not a comprehensive list it will give hunters and/or wildlife watchers a place to start.

Picketpost: Take U.S. Hwy 60 East almost to the town of Superior then turn south on Saddleridge Trail, follow signs for Picketpost Trailhead. Sheep can be observed along the steep ledges if one is adventurous enough to hike the trails up the mountain.

White Canyon/The Rincon:  Access to the White Canyon Wilderness is via Battleaxe Road and Walnut Canyon, west of AZ Hwy 177. Walnut Canyon is a four wheel drive/off highway vehicle road. Wilderness areas are accessible by foot or horseback only – no motorized travel is allowed.

Box Canyon/Martinez Canyon: From Florence, Price Road east into the southern part of Box Canyon. Scan the southern canyon ledges as there are usually sheep to be glassed up before heading into the canyon. Box Canyon is passable only by off highway vehicle/jeep. Martinez Canyon is rugged sheep country and there are no roads/trails leading into it, but the adventurous hiker or lucky tag holder will find it is a core part of the bighorn sheep habitat in 37B.

Mule Deer

Overview: Mule deer numbers continue to slowly increase in 37B. There are deer out there, but densities are low. It is common to glass all day and only see a few deer. Pre-season scouting and glassing are necessary for success.

As always, be a good habitat steward and set a good example. Please drive motor vehicles including ATV’s on existing roads only, camp at least ¼ mile away from waters, and observe safe firearm handling rules. The hotline phone number to report violations is on your license.

Areas: Hunting pressure in 37B varies. The highest hunter densities occur in the Black Hills north of Oracle and west of Mammoth, near the Willow Springs Ranch which includes Star Flat, Bloodsucker and Camp Grant washes; and around the 96 Hills. Recently the 96 Hills have not produced many deer for several years as a result of drought.

To avoid the crowd and still have a chance of finding deer, try these areas: the Tortilla Mountains west of Kearny, the palo verde-saguaro desert west of Black Mountain, and the palo verde-saguaro desert areas northeast of Florence, and the flatter terrain throughout the unit which is very difficult to hunt effectively yet has good deer numbers.

For those looking for good hunting without the distraction of motorized hunters, try the Falcon Valley area north of Oracle Junction. Access is limited to foot travel on several parcels of State Land in this area. This may be a good place to make a stand on a water hole or well-traveled game trail. Be careful to ensure gates are closed, fences are not damaged or cut and you avoid crossing into the few posted areas in that part of the unit.

The hunting method most successfully used by hunters in 37B is glassing from high points to locate browsing or moving deer. This is most effective during morning and evening hours when deer are most active and the sun is low.

Preseason scouting is essential. About 19,000 acres of private land surround Black Mountain. Some of this land is posted closed to hunting; other parcels are open. Additionally, there are several parcels near the Haydon and Flying UW ranches along the Freeman road which are private and posted. Please respect private property and be aware of land posted closed to hunting.  Landowners will usually grant permission for access to those who take the time to ask, but they can also deny it at any time.

Off-road travel is prohibited. As a general rule, a route must show a clear history of use to qualify as a road.

White-tailed Deer

Overview: This unit is mainly a mule deer unit, but there are a few white-tailed deer. The any antlered deer hunt structure allows hunters to take advantage of this unique hunting opportunity where an antlered deer of either species is a legal harvest. Hunters must be willing to do a lot of hiking and a lot of work to get a white-tailed deer. Quality optics and their proper use play a major role in hunter success and the location of game in the steeper terrain of this unit. It is advisable to do pre-season scouting to help ensure hunter success. There are some nice bucks in this unit, but it will require preparation and patience to bag them.
Areas: If you are looking for whitetails, they can be found in the higher elevations of the unit. Some areas to try include the White Canyon area, the Tortilla Mountains, Black Mountain, or in the Black Hills Area north of Oracle. Most of the White Canyon area is hike-in access and some of it is designated wilderness so be prepared to walk to hunt there.

Cottontail Rabbit

Overview: Cottontail hunting is usually quite good.  Get out early and enjoy some of the best hunting of the year. Rabbit hunting before the bird season gives you an opportunity to scout for other species and hunt without any competition. Even on the hottest days you’ll be glad you went if you get out before sun-up and make the most of a cool morning. Look for dense ground cover, especially grass, for the better habitat for cottontails. In the lower desert, try along washes and other, better-watered habitat, with lots of places to hide from the sun.

Areas: Cottontails can be found unit-wide, but there are a few hot spots. Desert grassland habitat with lots of prickly pear, such as that found in the southern portion of the unit holds good cottontail populations. The Gila and San Pedro Rivers both flow through the unit and both have good stretches of riparian vegetation. These areas are a good bet as well as the many washes that drain into each waterway. While these habitat types hold the highest concentrations of cottontails in the unit, remember that you can find them anywhere.

Cottontails can be hunted year round and provide excellent sport during the off-season. Cottontails hide in thick brush during the hot hours of summer. Focus your activity during the cooler morning hours when they are the most active.

Off-road travel is prohibited. As a general rule, a route must show a clear history of use to qualify as a road.

Dove

Overview: Some good shooting is usually available around the many stock tanks. Monsoon rains tend to scatter the birds just before the first season opens and these water holes are often not as productive then as they will be in the late season. The Gila River bottom near Florence, Stock Tanks in the interior of the unit, and grain fields along the San Pedro River are all places to try your luck for doves.

Areas: Once you’ve located a stock tank worthwhile to hunt, remember not to camp within a quarter mile of water.

Be mindful of other hunters. When it comes to tank hunting, it’s “first come first serve.”  If other hunters are at the tank first, be courteous and find another tank or at least get far enough away so as not to interfere with them. Crowding a stock tank is not only rude, it is dangerous. Please pick up all your spent shotshells because they are litter.

Quail

Overview: Quail hunting is typically quite good following average or above average precipitation years. Good coveys exist unit wide for anyone willing to get off of the road and work lower elevation wash bottoms.  Many of these areas have lots of cactus which can be difficult for those of you using dogs.

Areas: One of the most popular areas to hunt is in the southern third of the unit, but beware not to trespass on posted private property. Some land is posted closed to hunting; other parcels are open. You may access this area from the south at milepost 96 off Highway 77, on Willow Springs Rd or through the sign-in gate at the Falcon Valley ranch off Highway 79 at milepost 93 north of Oracle Junction. Access is also available via Freeman Road, which crosses the unit from Highway 79 at milepost 112 to Dudleyville off Highway 77. Though most of the true semi-desert grassland has been converted to a brushier shrub community that Gambel’s quail prefer, a limited population of scaled quail exists in the healthiest sections of the grasslands. These birds provide a welcome addition to the game bags of hunters seeking Gambel’s quail.

There is also good access to quail hunting from Highway 79 on Freeman Rd., 96 Ranch Rd., and Florence-Kelvin Highway For those who don’t mind hunting quail in steep terrain, try the Mineral Mountain area north of the Gila River.

Shotgun magazines do not require being plugged to hunt quail. Your shotgun is allowed to hold more than 3 shells for hunting quail and rabbits. Pick up you empty shot shells because they are litter.

Off-road travel is prohibited. As a general rule, a route must show a clear history of use to qualify as a road.

Unit Summary

Other Pertinent Information
There are few paved roads in the interior of the unit. Summer monsoons produce numerous flash floods in the washes which cross the even the largest roads. Motorists should plan ahead and exercise extreme caution with regard to desert washes during the monsoon.

Cities, Roads & Campgrounds

Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging
Oracle, Oracle Jct., Mammoth, Dudleyville, Winkelman, Hayden, Kearney, Florence, Florence Jct., Superior

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: Hwy 60
From the West: Hwy 60, Hunt Hwy
From the North: Hwys 60, 177, 79
From the South: Hwy 77

Developed Campgrounds

None.

Undeveloped Campgrounds

Camping is allowed on BLM lands and State Trust Land (with a recreation permit or hunting license) throughout the unit (2-week limit).

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

The vegetation of 37B ranges from creosote bush in the lowlands near Florence to oak woodland near Oracle, with the greater part of the unit lying within both Sonoran desertscrub, composed of the saguaro-paloverde community, and semidesert grassland, containing various grasses, yuccas, mesquite, and catclaw. The Mineral Mountains north of the Gila are a rugged desert range. South of the Gila several small ranges rise from flat to rolling country intersected by sand washes. The intermittent San Pedro River flows along the eastern boundary to its confluence with the Gila at Winkelman. The Gila flows west toward Florence but is completely diverted for irrigation before reaching the town.

Government Agencies and Phone Numbers

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region V – (520) 628-5376
Arizona State Land Department – (602) 542-4631
Bureau of Land Management, Tucson Field Office – (520) 258-7200
Florence Military Reservation – (602) 267-2062