Hunting

Game Management Unit 40A

Species within this unit:

Bighorn Sheep, Javelina, Mule Deer, Dove, Quail

Unit Boundaries

Beginning at Ajo; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 85 to Why; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 86 to the Tohono O’odham (Papago) Indian Reservation; northerly and easterly along the reservation boundary to the Cocklebur-Stanfield road; north on this road to I-8; westerly on I-8 to AZ Hwy 85; southerly on AZ Hwy 85 to Ajo.

Species Information

Bighorn Sheep

Overview: Desert Bighorn Sheep can be found throughout unit 40A. Past rams harvested from 40AS have scored 145-175+ (Boone and Crockett) and from unit 40AN 150-175+. A pickup was believed to have scored 202 according to B&C standards. The ADBSS has made several replicas of this pickup and has displayed them in many banquets and expos.

Before you go out into the field, I recommend that you spend some time E- Scouting. E- Scouting allows you to locate objects such as wildlife waters, roads, and access points on your computer from the comfort of your home. You can utilize the free online AZGFD wildlife mapping software “HabiMap Arizona”. You can access HabiMap Arizona at: http://habimap.org/. Another option is to pay for a subscription to a GPS/Mapping software such OnX Hunt for your Android or IPhone. By E- Scouting, you can save a lot of time and gas, versus driving or hiking around without any prior knowledge of the area.

Once you have done your homework, a simple strategy for your hunt, is to round up your friends to scout out the unit. The more eyes you have helping you look, will increase your odds in finding them. A great time to carry a camera or video camera. By late November, you should have a good feel where to start your hunt. Hopefully you have in your mind the ram you plan to harvest from your earlier scouting effort.

I recommend hunters scout early, to allow themselves plenty of time to explore all areas and especially see as many sheep as possible. In late August and into September the rams are in the rut; excellent opportunity to observe several rams. Keep in mind that the temperatures could range over 100 degree Fahrenheit. Remember to stay hydrated, please use common sense and be prepared for desert survival. The rams you may have observed in September will not necessarily be there in December. Mature rams have been known to roam in small bachelor groups or be solitary; do not overlook adjacent small hills to a large mountain as your hunt approaches. 

In locating sheep, I prefer to observe with at least a 10 or 20 power binocular/scope first from the base of the mountain. This allows sheep plenty of escape room and sheep that are there may stay and watch you. Otherwise, a direct assault on the mountain will more likely send sheep fleeing before you see them. As curious as sheep are, they may watch you approach without running. Make an indirect approach, as if you’re searching for your keys (avoid eye contact), you’ll surprise yourself how close you may get. Practice this technique during your scouting effort. When you are on the mountain, stay within the first two-thirds of the way up the mountain; the third above you will still provide sheep escape room. Regularly stop and sit and listen as you use your binoculars. Chances are you’ll hear sheep before you see them, as rocks fall as sheep move about.

If drawn, guides and taxidermists will find you. I recommend you attend the October sheep clinic held each year in Phoenix, sponsored by Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, ADBSS. You can ask questions in person to wildlife biologists, wildlife managers, past sheep hunters, and various government agencies that administer the land your hunt is on. If you’re not drawn, I encourage you to participate as a helper in a sheep hunt.

Area: Unit 40AS is accessible by gates along the east side of S.R. 85 between Gila Bend and Why; the unit includes the Sauceda, Batamote and Sikort Chuapo Mountains. Unit 40AN is accessible by gates along the south side of I-8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield; the unit includes the Sand Tank and Tabletop Mountains. The south and north divider is the Sauceda Wash. The BMGR boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Yuma U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the BMGR, you and all your party members 18 and older will require written permission through the Gila Bend A.F.A.F., range operations 928-683- 6220/6200. Currently, you have to view a video; it is about twenty minutes long. Thereafter, you’ll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Once these requirements are met, you are required to call range security at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in harm’s way. Tactical ranges where air to surface impacts occurs are closed to public access. Ranges A & B are over flight areas open for recreation generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.

I recommend that you contact BLM at 623-580-5500 or their website http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en.html to obtain wilderness information regarding access and activities constraints. On January 17th, 2001 President Clinton signed the areas of the North and South Maricopa Mountains to be included into the Sonoran Desert National Monument. For the latest BLM planning efforts and news on the Sonoran Desert National Monument, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/arizona or https://www.azgfd.com/Recreation/FederalLandManagement/. 

In November, temperatures will range from 80 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the units. Precipitation in November is high for the area, accumulating as much as an inch. December and January weather are similar, with less precipitation.

Javelina

Overview: In the month of January, a multi-unit archery javelina hunt is open to units 40A&B and 39. Currently the javelina population has begun to recover, however hunt success is still low. I recommend early morning scouting and taking time to listen. Javelinas are very social and vocal in the early mornings.

Areas: Accessible by cattle gates along the south side of Interstate 8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of State Route 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The Barry M. Goldwater Range boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Marine Corps Air Station (Yuma), and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the Barry M. Goldwater Range, you and all your party members 18 and older will require written permission. Note the new changes to the BMGR Access Program. Currently, you have to view a video release; it is about twenty minutes long. Thereafter, you’ll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Once these requirements are met, you are required to call a 1-800-number or range security at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force bombing Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in harm’s way. Tactical ranges are where air to surface impacts occurs and are closed to public access. Ranges A & B are over flight areas (the Paradise Valley area is excluded from public access) open for recreation generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.

Mule Deer

Overview: Although there are plenty of deer in this unit, 40A does not receive a lot of hunting pressure, compared to neighboring hunting units. If scouted properly, I believe you can find yourself a nice buck in 40A.The Sonoran desert mule deer during the general rifle hunt can be found along the mountain bases, low rolling hills and throughout the network of desert washes. The general hunter will usually hunt along mountain bases and use the higher elevation to increase visibility. Hunting the desert muley is not an easy challenge; the hunt will test your endurance and persistence to continue hunting after possibly going days without seeing a deer. I find that when hunters congregate in an area the bucks move on to adjacent areas, while the does and fawns are more prone to stay in the area. Mature bucks may be found in small bachelor herds or solitaire during the general season, their visibility is low. However during the rut when the bucks join the does, visibility goes up with more animals to spot. It has been my experience that hunts during the rutting period will increase your odds immensely. These hunts are with primitive weapons usually, for example archery or muzzleloader.

White-tailed deer does not regularly come to mind in the Sonoran Desert; however, there are a few small populations found in unit 40A. I have seen several very nice pickups, too include a pickup that scored roughly 122 1/2. I have known hunting camps from time to time take both a white-tailed and mule deer buck out of the same area.

I personally review a good field dressing video prior to going to the field. This helps me organize my thoughts when the real work begins after the animal is down. Remember before you take your shot beware of your location to your camp and/or vehicle and also take into account the weather.

In December, any antler deer muzzleloader hunt is open in GMU 39/40A&B/ 41/42. For more information on Units 41 & 42 review their perspective mule deer hunt page or contact the regional office at 928-342-0091. 

In December and January, the any antler deer archery hunt is open in a multi-unit hunt too include units’ 39/40A&B. December and January archery tags are available over the counter.

Areas: The area encompasses several wilderness areas, Sonoran Desert National Monument and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, (BMGR). The wilderness areas are the Tabletop, Estrella, Maricopa, Woolsey, and Signal Peak Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management, (BLM), administers all these wilderness areas. The Barry M. Goldwater Range is unique, because Luke Air Force Base regulates access and activities on the Barry M. Goldwater Range through its sister base the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend A.F.A.F.

For the latest BLM planning efforts and news on the Sonoran Desert National Monument, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/arizona or https://www.azgfd.com/Recreation/FederalLandManagement/. You can also be put on a mailing list for updates and scheduled meetings by calling BLM at 623-580-5500. 

Unit 39 may be accessed by numerous cattle gates along state route 85, State Route 85, between Gila Bend and Buckeye, as well as along the north side of Interstate 8, between Sentinel and Stanfield. Access north of S.R. 238/ Maricopa Rd. into the SDNM is closed, as well as the east end of the gas pipeline road north of the North Maricopa Mountain.

40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of Interstate 8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of State Route 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The Barry M. Goldwater Range boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Marine Corps Air Station (Yuma), and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the Barry M. Goldwater Range, you and all your party members 18 and older will require written permission. Note the new changes to the BMGR Access Program. Currently, you have to view a video release; it is about twenty minutes long. Thereafter, you’ll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Once these requirements are met, you are required to call a 1-800-number or range security at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force bombing Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in harm’s way. Tactical ranges are where air to surface impacts occurs and are closed to public access. Ranges A & B are over flight areas (the Paradise Valley area is excluded from public access) open for recreation generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.

Unit 40B is split east and west of the Mohawk Mountains. 40B East is administered the same as 40A on the Barry M. Goldwater Range. However, 40B East Barry M. Goldwater Range consist of only tactical ranges and no access will be granted, unless you have official business. Hunting opportunities for mule deer are limited to the surrounding Ajo area. Ajo is located 40 miles south of Gila Bend on State Route 85. The Marines Corps Air Station, Yuma (928-341-3318) administers unit 40B west.

In November, temperatures will range from 80 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the units. Precipitation in November is high for the area, accumulating as much as an inch. December and January weather are similar, with less precipitation.

Dove

Overview: 2010 dove flights have been steady and growing. The introduction of Eurasian doves has increased opportunities to hunt year round. I am observing more bag limits with Eurasian doves from year to year. Be a responsible hunter and keep your harvested birds separate from your fellow hunters’ birds. Eurasian doves are frequent visitors of dairies and municipalities. Although many dairy men may not allow you to hunt with shotguns around their cows, you may consider using a bow with flu-flu arrows. Doves can be found throughout the units where open water and/or agriculture operations are located. A common hunting practice is to set up near water or agriculture fields at day break and take your shots as they fly by. Caution to all hunters about hunting near a baited field; this is a federal violation. Therefore, hunt fields that follow normal farming operations. It is your responsibility to scout your hunting area to assure it is not baited. Note that in these units during the first dove season (September) is a morning hunt only; this hunt also has a white – winged dove limit.

If you what to avoid the congestion of hunters along a farm field, another alternative is to locate a remote stock tank that maintains water year round. These stock tanks provide good to excellence hunting opportunities.

Areas: The area encompasses a wilderness area, the Sonoran Desert national Monument, and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, BMGR. The wilderness area is the Tabletop Mountains and the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, administers this wilderness area. A note, January 17th, 2001 President Clinton signed the areas of the Sand Tank and Tabletop Mountains to be included into the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The BMGR is unique, because Luke Air Force Base regulates access and activities on the BMGR through its sister base the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend A.F.A.F.

40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of Interstate 8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of State Route 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The Barry M. Goldwater Range boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Marine Corps Air Station (Yuma), and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the Barry M. Goldwater Range, you and all your party members 18 and older will require written permission. Note the new changes to the BMGR Access Program. Currently, you have to view a video release; it is about twenty minutes long. Thereafter, you’ll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Once these requirements are met, you are required to call a 1-800-number or range security at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force bombing Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in harm’s way. Tactical ranges are where air to surface impacts occurs and are closed to public access. Ranges A & B are over flight areas (the Paradise Valley area is excluded from public access) open for recreation generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements.

Quail

Overview: Gambel’s quail can be generally found along large washes and closely associated closely associated to mountainsides. I recommend you acquire a quail call to assist you in locating coveys, as they call back.

Areas: The area encompasses a wilderness area, the Sonoran Desert national Monument, and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, BMGR. The wilderness area is the Tabletop Mountains and the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, administers this wilderness area. A note, January 17th, 2001 President Clinton signed the areas of the Sand Tank and Tabletop Mountains to be included into the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The BMGR is unique, because Luke Air Force Base regulates access and activities on the BMGR through its sister base the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend A.F.A.F.

40A is accessible by cattle gates along the south side of Interstate 8 between Gila Bend and Stanfield, as well as along the east side of State Route 85 between Gila Bend and Why. The Barry M. Goldwater Range boundary will be posted and have locked gate entrances. Permits are now available through several federal governmental agencies as follows: BLM at the Deer Valley and Yuma office, Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Marine Corps Air Station (Yuma), and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

All off road vehicles will be required to meet street legal requirements, i.e. registration, insurance, and specific equipment, prior to entering the range. To access the Barry M. Goldwater Range, you and all your party members 18 and older will require written permission. Note the new changes to the BMGR Access Program. Currently, you have to view a video release; it is about twenty minutes long. Thereafter, you’ll sign a hold harmless document and obtain a one-year permit from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Once these requirements are met, you are required to call a 1-800-number or range security at 928-683-6220/6200 to coordinate your entry and departure from the range. The permit is to be presented upon request to any government law enforcement or range security officer. Note: the Barry M. Goldwater Range is an active tactical U.S. Air Force bombing Range and these precautions are necessary to avoid placing yourself in harm’s way. Tactical ranges are where air to surface impacts occurs and are closed to public access. Ranges A & B are over flight areas (the Paradise Valley area is excluded from public access) open for recreation generally all year round to the public after meeting the above requirements. One last note, Area A has been relinquished back to BLM and January 17th, 2001 President Clinton signed the Sonoran Desert National Monument proclamation that includes Area A.

For the latest BLM planning efforts and news on the Sonoran Desert National Monument, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/arizona or https://www.azgfd.com/Recreation/FederalLandManagement/. You can also be put on a mailing list for updates and scheduled meetings by calling BLM at 623-580-5500.

Unit Summary

Climate Information

Other Pertinent Climate Information
Temperatures will range 30 degrees +/- of the average temperature. Be aware that November rains are not uncommon. Summer climate is extreme and harsh.

Cities, Roads & Campgrounds

Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging
Gila Bend, Ajo, Stanfield, Why

Major Highways and Roads Leading To
From the East: I-8
From the West: I-8
From the North: State Hwy 85
From the South: State Hwy 85

Developed Campgrounds

FAM camp – Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field (Active/Reserve/Retired Military only) – (928) 683-6211 Coyote Howl R.V. Park – Why S.R. 86 – (928) 387-9289 Saguaro R.V. Park – Stanfield I8/mile post 151 – (928) 424-3383

Undeveloped Campgrounds

Barry Goldwater Range Area “A” and “B” (permit required). BLM land surrounds the gunnery range.

Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation

Creosote-Bursage communities are abundant. Saguaro-Paloverde tree communities are concentrated to major washes and mountain foothills. Mountain peaks vary from 2,400′ to 3,000′.

Government Agencies and Phone Numbers

Arizona Game and Fish Department/Region IV – (928) 342-0091
Resident WM Dan Urquidez, Home Office-928-454-2402
Bureau of Land Management (Phoenix) – (602) 780-8090
Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field 623-856-5200