Bog Hole Wildlife Area
The lush wetland plants and trees at Bog Hole Wildlife Area offer a cool reprieve from the open grasslands in the surrounding area. This and other natural cienegas (marshlands) in the vicinity provide excellent habitat for waterfowl and other nesting, resident and migrating birds, as well as a variety of game and nongame wildlife species. White-tailed deer, great blue heron, bobcat, and Sonoran tiger salamander are some of the animals that might be observed in and around the wildlife area. Recreational Opportunities — Day Use Only Bog Hole is a popular site for many outdoor activities, including hunting, bird watching, hiking, photography, sight-seeing, and picnicking. About half of the area’s visitors come to hunt, while the rest enjoy other activities.
Camping: There is no overnight camping allowed at the wildlife area. However, the property is surrounded by national forest land where camping may be permitted. Check with the Forest Service.
Patagonia Lake State Park and Parker Canyon Lake are also located nearby, with facilities and overnight camping.
Hunting: This wildlife area is located in Game Management Unit 35B, where the primary big game species include mule deer, white-tailed deer and javelina. Secondary species include antelope and quail.
CAUTION: Temperatures vary from 15°F in December and January, to 118°F in June through August.
Restrictions
- No open fires
- No firewood cutting or gathering
- Overnight public camping
- Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only
- Open to hunting in season.
Location: Bog Hole Wildlife Area is located eight miles southeast of Patagonia in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The wildlife area is in the Sierra Vista Ranger District, Coronado National Forest. The department currently manages the wildlife area under a special use permit and cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
Directions: Important Access Announcement – Access into Meadow Valley and Bog Hole Wildlife Area via FSR 765 was locked mid-July 2018; access required driving across private property on the Vaca Ranch. This closure is legal. The locked gate is located at 31.460138, -110.650745. Recreationists wishing to access this area must hike in across USFS property from the Patagonia-San Rafael Valley Road (FSR 58), or can hike in from the northern end from Vaughn Loop Road. Hunters are reminded to respect private property rights while the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Forest Service work to create alternative public access routes. More access information.
Big Hole Wildlife Area is in the Meadow Valley Flat area. From Patagonia, head east on Forest Road 58. When you get to the junction with Forest Road 765, turn left. When the road forks, veer right (as if going to the Cott Tank drainage). Turn right on the two-track road that parallels the exclosure fence. Park at the wooden ladder marked with Bog Hole Wildlife Area signs.
View a map of this location
Wildlife The wetland and riparian habitat developed, protected and enhanced within Big Hole Wildlife Area provides habitat for a variety of species.
Birds: The wildlife area provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds. Waterfowl such as canvasback and mallard visit the area. Nongame birds such as the Western screech-owl, red-tailed hawk, great blue heron, and magnificent hummingbird can also be found here.
Mammals: Resident mammals include black-tailed jack rabbit, bobcat, white-nosed coati, and white-tailed deer.
Fish: Non-native fishes include black crappie, largemouth bass and green sunfish. Various other wildlife, including fishes and amphibians, can be found here as well.
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