Unit 30B – Arizona
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.
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 Mountains and the southern end of the Mule Mountains near Bisbee. 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 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.
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.
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.
Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. Drive east on Hwy. 92 to Bisbee, there are various dirt roads intersecting 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.
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.