Unit 35A - Arizona - Hunt Now Arizona

Unit 35A – Arizona

Species Information
Antelope

Overview:Due to low numbers surveyed in 2010, the Antelope hunt was closed. The Arizona Game and Fish Department in response implemented extensive coyote removal and habitat improvement projects as well as augmenting the population with 41 antelope from New Mexico. The population has been showing improvements and the hunt should be reopened soon. .
Black Bear

Overview: The population, in units’ 35A&B, is estimated at 50-60 resident adult bears with an unknown number of transient animals. Rifle hunting is limited to the spring while bears inhabit the high elevations of the Huachuca Mountains. Hunting black bears in the units has proven to be very difficult due to a number of reasons. First, most bears have recently left dens at the upper elevations and do not venture far due to the need to replenish fat reserves and toughen foot pads that are relatively sensitive. This,combined with limited vehicular access into the Huachuca’s because of wilderness designation makes it difficult for hunters to access areas where bears are located.

During the spring bear hunt, after leaving den sites, bears are searching for areas with an abundance of tender grasses. Therefore, look for areas such as wet areas and south exposures where young, green grasses may be found. Also search canyon bottoms for fresh bear tracks and scat. It is also helpful to find a high vantage point from which to glass. Once summer rolls around, hunters should focus on hunting springs high in the Huachuca Mountains or stock tanks south of the Canelo Hills. This takes a lot of preseason scouting and perserverance during the hunt. Many of these springs and tanks are not mapped so getting out and exploring gives the bear hunter a big advantage.

Beginning in July 2006, the Arizona Game and Fish Department instituted a new regulation that makes it mandatory for every hunter harvesting a bear to physically check it in within 10 days of take. The hunter shall present the bears skull, hide and attached proof of sex for inspection at a regional office or with a Wildlife Manager. The successful hunter must also contact the Department within 48 hours by calling the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (1-800-970-2327). Since the spring hunt will be closed once 1 female bears, and the archery only hunt when three females are reported killed, hunters must call the above phone number to determine if the hunt is still open. Since the spring hunt will be closed once two female bears, and the archery only hunt when three females are reported killed, hunters must call the above phone number to determine if the hunt is still open.

Area: Take I-10 to Highway 90, south to Sierra Vista. Access points can be found along the east side of the Huachuca Mountains. with Carr Canyon. being the only road traversing the mountain. To gain access to the south and west side of the Huachuca Mountains take I-10 to Highway 83, south to Sonoita. Continue south toward Parker Canyon Lake. Numerous roads will take you to the base of the Huachuca’s. The primary access routes are Brushy Canyon, Sunnyside Canyon., Ida Canyon., and Copper Canyon.

To access unit 35B take I-10 to Highway 83, head south to Sonoita and either continue south along Highway 83, turning off on Canelo Pass Road, or travel to Patagonia on Highway 82 and travel south along the Harshaw Road. Numerous roads will take you into the Canelo Hills or into the Patagonia Mountains.

Access routes from these main roads onto secondary forest service roads can be located by purchasing a U.S.F.S. map. Additionally, topographic maps covering the Huachuca Mountains, Canelo Hills and Patagonia Mountains are helpful. It is unlawful to travel off road with any motorized vehicle. This law includes washes, which are not part of an existing road.

NOTES: The Coronado National Memorial administered by the National Park Service is located at the Southeast end of the Huachuca Mountains. It is closed to hunting and the taking of any wildlife species. Additionally, all weapons, including archery equipment, must be cased, unloaded and incapable of being readily discharged while traveling through the memorial. For further information phone 520-366-5515 or visit http://www.nps.gov/coro/index.htm.

The possession or use of motorized vehicles off forest system roads and trails is prohibited. For further information concerning this or any other laws administered by the USFS contact the Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District (Phone (520) 378-0311.

Even though these units are made up predominantly of public lands, private property can be encountered. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with your hunting area before venturing afield. The best way to accomplish this is by obtaining and studying USFS, topographic and state land maps of all interested areas.

Javelina

Overview: Javelina hunting throughout the unit is fair. Currently, habitat conditions are below average due to the continued drought-like weather pattern affecting southeastern Arizona. The Huachuca Mountains., Canelo Hills and Mustang Mountains. are located in the unit. Both the Huachuca and Canelo habitat types are predominantly oak-juniper woodlands. The mid to lower elevations contain good javelina populations, but due to the overstory make locating javelina difficult. The Mustang Mountains. along with the area south, including the Babocomari River drainage and uplands, is more typical of desert habitat. This area also contains good numbers of javelina and allows for better visibility.

Area: Take I-10 to Highway 90, south to Highway 82, west on 82 to entrance of the Mustang Mts. Continue west on Hwy 82 to Elgin Rd., travel south to Babocomari Ranch or continue to Hwy 83 intersection. Head toward Parker Canyon Lake to access west side of Huachucas or Canelos.

Access routes from these main roads onto secondary forest service roads can be located by purchasing a USFS map. Additionally, state land maps along with topographical maps are helpful. It is unlawful to travel off road with any motorized vehicle. This law includes washes that are not part of an existing road.

Locating javelina can be difficult due to their small size and salt and pepper coloration. Finding javelina can be accomplished a number of ways. Using quality optics early in the morning and glassing east slopes and sunny bottoms greatly enhances your chances for success. During evenings, follow the sun to the south and westerly slopes where javelina will feed as they return to bedding sights. During mid-day, javelina can often times be located bedding. Usually, one or two javelina will be moving around while the others are snoozing close by.

Another method of locating javelina home ranges is by walking likely habitat; looking for bedding sites, droppings, tracks, listening for them while they noisily feed, or locate areas where they have recently been feeding. Shredded prickly pear, agave plants, or fresh depressions in the earth can identify feeding sites where they have been rooting up tubers.

The best time for doing this is prior to the season so as not to disturb the herd. Once a herd has been observed, it is possible to locate them year after year since they are territorial animals whose home range averages 1-2 square miles.

Javelina, remain active throughout most of the day during the January season due to cool temperatures. Later, in late February and March they begin to feed early in the mornings, at dusk and even at night due to a rise in air temperature.

Once a herd is located, check wind direction and herd movement. Javelina, have relatively poor eyesight but have excellent noses. Therefore, any whiff of man and they will disappear. If you keep the wind in your face it is possible to move relatively close without being detected.

If successful in harvesting a javelina, tag and field dress as soon as possible. Do not remove the scent gland, located above the hips. Rather, skin the animal (the scent gland will come off with the skin) and wash thoroughly, being careful to remove all loose hair. This hair contains scent and can taint the meat.

If javelina is to be part of your bag this year remember to utilize your optics, locate sign and prescout your hunting area.

Prior to accessing or hunting lands owned by the Babocomari Ranch, contact the ranch manager at (520) 455-5619.

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within the unit. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Some areas within the San Pedro Riparian area are closed to the use of firearms. For information relating to BLM lands along the San Pedro River contact.them at (520) 439-6400 or at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html.

Even though the unit is made up predominantly of public lands, private property can be encountered. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with your hunting area before venturing afield. The best way to accomplish this is by obtaining and studying USFS, topographic and state land maps of all interested areas.

Mule Deer

Overview: Mule deer hunting throughout units’ 35A is fair with herds being very localized. Hunting this species is limited to archery and muzzleloader hunts at this time. The hunts allow for any antlered deer to be harvested. Since whitetail occupy the entire range of the mule deer, this allows the hunter an added opportunity. Mature bucks also can be found throughout the population, but their numbers are low. Having the ability to see deer before they see you is important to a successful hunt. Therefore, quality optics and the ability to use them are imperative. Reaching a high vantage point before daylight and glassing your hunting area will increase your success.

During the middle of the day and before dark, glass thickets and arroyos looking for bedded deer. During the December and January hunts, mule deer are in rut and bucks can be observed with does most of the day.

Both the archery and muzzleloader hunts allow the hunter to take any antlered deer, whitetail or mule deer, so keep alert to whitetail since they inhabit the same area as mule deer.

Area: Rather than mule deer being found throughout the unit, populations are located in areas where typical mule deer habitat is located. Usually these areas include grasslands or desert habitat types, which allow the mule deer adequate visibility. During years when acorns are available, mule deer can be concentrated in the oak woodlands. Many of these areas are located on private property but permission may be granted if the landowner is contacted prior to hunting.

Other areas where mule deer can be found are along the Mexico/Arizona border, and scattered populations throughout the Canelo Hills. Additionally, the San Pedro River, east of Sierra Vista contains mule deer but much of this area is closed to the discharge of firearms.

The range of the mule deer overlaps that of the whitetail. Every year some hunter accidentally harvests the wrong species. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the buck to species prior to shooting. The only reliable means of identification is the tail. The mule deer tail is narrow, and black tipped at the end. The whitetail is broad, long and gray/brown in coloration. When alarmed, whitetail will sometimes lay their tail on their back, or flag, showing a white underside and a white rump. It is important to note that not all whitetail will flag. Therefore, if not absolutely sure of which species you are looking at, do not shoot. Also, remember that one characteristic alone is not a totally reliable means of identifying a whitetail from a mule deer. The
Take I-10 to Hwy 83, south to Sonoita. Take Highway. 82 east to Mustang Mountains or turn off at Elgin Road, south to Babocomari Ranch. Take Highway 82 at Sonoita to Patagonia, south to the Mexico border. Take Highway 83 south from Sonoita to the Canelo Hills.

NOTES: The Coronado National Memorial administered by the National Park Service is located at the Southeast end of the Huachuca Mountains. It is closed to hunting and the taking of any wildlife species. Additionally, all weapons, including archery equipment, must be cased, unloaded, and incapable of being readily discharged while traveling through the memorial. For further information phone 520-366-5515 or see http://www.nps.gov/coro/index.htm.

The possession or use of motorized vehicles off forest system roads and trails is prohibited. For further information concerning this or any other laws administered by the USFS, contact the Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District (Phone 520-378-0311).

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within the unit. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Some areas within the San Pedro Riparian area are closed to the use of firearms. For information relating to BLM lands along the San Pedro River contact the BLM Sierra Vista office:. Phone (520) 439-6400 or at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html.

Located just north of the Mexico/Arizona border in the southern portions of Units 35A/B is the San Rafael Cattle Company, shown on most maps as the San Rafael De La Zanja. This parcel is made up of private and Arizona State Parks lands and is currently closed to hunting. Hunting on forest service lands outside this parcel is allowed.

White-tailed Deer

Overview: Whitetail hunting throughout the unit is good. Habitat conditions during 2006-07 allowed fawn survival to remain stable.Whitetail are found in good numbers throughout the Huachuca Mountains., Canelo Hills and Mustang Mountains. Older age-class bucks are available, but hunters must be persistent and patient if they expect to harvest one of these elusive animals.

Area: Take I-10 to Highway 90, south to Sierra Vista allowing access to the east side of the Huachuca’s’. I-10 to Highway 83 to Sonoita, east on Hwy 82 to Mustang Mountains. or south on Hwy 83 to Canelo Hills and west side of Huachuca Mountains.

Access can be obtained by purchasing USFS maps. Additionally, state land and topographical maps are helpful. As with all hunting, scouting is important to a successful hunt. With whitetail hunting, scouting is a prerequisite if one wants to put the percentages in his favor. Knowing the area and the habits of your buck are paramount to success.

The range of the mule deer overlaps that of the whitetail. Every year some hunter accidentally harvests the wrong species. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the buck to species, prior to shooting. The only reliable means of identification is the tail. The mule deer tail is narrow and black tipped at the end. The whitetail is broad, long and gray/brown in coloration. When alarmed, whitetail will sometimes lay their tail on their back, or flag, showing a white underside and a white rump. It is important to note that not all whitetail will flag. Therefore, if not absolutely sure of which species you are looking at, do not shoot. Also, remember that one characteristic alone is not a totally reliable means of identifying a whitetail from a mule deer.

Hunting the Coues whitetail entails owning a quality pair of optics and knowing how to use them. Whitetail, inhabit all habitat types found throughout the units, particularly the oak-juniper woodlands. They do not venture long in open areas. Rather, they remain secluded in the woodlands. Therefore, it is imperative for the successful hunter to locate an adequate vantage point and glass diligently for long periods of time. The adage of glassing more than you walk is paramount in successfully locating whitetail. Look for parts of the deer rather than the entire animal while glassing. It is also helpful to arrive at your vantage point well before first light and remain in the field until dark. Whitetail, are active at first light and at dusk but also can be found feeding and moving to shaded bed sights during the middle of the day.

Whitetail are evenly dispersed throughout the GMU. However, hunters who put in the extra effort into hiking away from the road often times are more successful. The east slope of the Huachuca Mountains offer hunting opportunities up Miller Canyon, Ash Canyon, and Brown Canyon. Hunters on the east slop need to be familiar with the boundaries of Fort Huachuca(it is illegal to enter an military installation unless at a designated area) and the Coronado National Monument (closed to hunting). Also, hunters need to be at least a quarter mile away from any occupied structure. Remember, it is your responsibility to know where you can and cannot hunt and preseason scouting is recommended to avoid negative interactions between landowners and hunters.Be aware that other user groups frequent the area.Be respectful and cordial in your interactions.

Whitetail on the west slope of the Huachucas are abundant with Brushy Canyon, Merrit Canyon, and Lone Moutain being good places to start scouting. Whitetail also are found in the low canyonlands south of Parker Canyon Lake but are harder to hunt using traditional spot and stalk techniques. While most of the land on the west slope of the Huachucas is public land, be aware that there are many private inholdings in the Forest. Many of these are not posted properly. While it may be the landowners responsibility to properly post their property, this doesn’t give hunters a free pass to trespass. Every year, hunters push the envelope, generating calls and complaints from landowners. Places to avoid/or preason scout to learn where the property lines are include Page Lane, Turkey Creek south of Highway 83, O’Donnell Canyon, and Parker Canyon where Forest Service Road 61 crosses.

During the early archery season glass from high vantage points at first light looking for feeding bucks. Observe, until the buck beds and air currents stabilize, then attempt a stalk. Unlike their eastern cousins, Coues whitetail do not pattern well, but water holes and deer trails can be productive, particularly during dry periods.

The October general firearm hunt usually finds the whitetail in the lower elevations and foothills. Active periods are early, middle and late in the day, as temperatures are still fairly warm.Hunt all day as whitetails will go to water or get up and forage during the middle of the day.

The November hunt will usually find the bucks moving out of the bottoms and working up the mountains, preparing for the rut. Weather conditions vary from warm in the day to cold at nights.

The December hunt finds weather conditions more to the deer’s liking, and as the rut nears, they become more active for longer periods of time. The younger bucks are the first to accompany does. The mature bucks will be in the vicinity, but do not venture far from thick cover. Harvesting a mature buck takes luck, skill and determination.

The January archery hunt is the ideal time to locate mature bucks chasing does, since the peak of the rut begins sometime during the middle of the month. Since the bucks are constantly on the move, chasing or looking for does, it is often times difficult to locate the buck during the final stalk. During this time, grunt calls and rattling can prove effective.

The possession or use of motorized vehicles off forest system roads and trails is prohibited. This law is also pertinent to all public lands, as well as, private lands if permission from the landowner has not first been obtained. Off road travel in washes is not allowed unless the wash is part of an existing road. For further information concerning this or any other laws administered by the USFS contact the Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District at (520) 378-0311.

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within the unit. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Some areas within the San Pedro riparian area are closed to the use of firearms. For information relating to BLM lands along the San Pedro River contact the BLM Sierra Vista office at (520) 439-6400 or go to http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html

Turkey

Overview: The Gould turkey was introduced into the Huachuca Mountains in the mid-1980s. During that time this subspecies has flourished to the point that the population was utilized to translocate turkeys to the Galiuro Mountains. This population has been used over the last decade to reintroduce and augment Gould’s turkeys to several other Sky Islands and riparian areas in Southeast Arizona.

Hunting turkeys throughout the Huachuca Mountains has proved quite successful with hunt success at over 80%. The overall turkey population is estimated to be around 350-400 turkeys and can be found to inhabit many of the major canyons. No fall hunt is allowed with only bearded turkeys legal to harvest with either shotgun or archery tackle during the spring hunt.

Turkey hunters should start with Sunnyside Canyon, Scotia Canyon, and surrounding areas. These canyons have good concentrations of birds and have good access. Other areas include Bear Canyon, Merrit Canyon, and lower Brushy Canyon. Hunters should look for roost trees in riparian areas Turkeys are found from the top of the Huachuca Mountains down to border fence in Parker Canyon. Preseason scouting is a good idea as these turkeys behaviorally different from the Merriam’s subspecies. Hunters have had mixed results in calling birds in with several believing that they are harder to call than the Merriam supspecies.

Gould’s turkeys tend to congregate in riparian drainages. Many of these drainages are located on private land inholdings. These include Turkey Creek, O’Donnell Canyon, Parker Canyon Lake, and Parker Canyon where Forest Service 61 crosses it. Not all these inholdings are posted but it is in the hunters best interest to know these boundaries. Every year, hunters push the envelope and generate calls and complaints from landowners. Hunters should also avoid lower Ramsey Canyon as most of this is private land. Upper Ramsey Canyon holds a few birds, but access is foot only.

Area: To gain access to the south and west side of the Huachuca Mountains take I-10 to Highway 83, south to Sonoita. Continue south toward Parker Canyon Lake. Numerous roads will take you to the base of the Huachucas. The primary access routes are Brushy Canyon, Sunnyside Canyon, Ida Canyon., and Copper Canyon.

NOTES: The Coronado National Memorial administered by the National Park Service is located at the Southeast end of the Huachuca Mountains. It is closed to hunting and the taking of any wildlife species. Additionally, all weapons, including archery equipment, must be cased, unloaded, and incapable of being readily discharged while traveling through the memorial. For further information phone 366-5515.

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within the unit. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Dove

Overview: Dove concentrations are dependent on summer moisture and timing. If rains occur early enough to produce vegetation consisting of seed heads, and puddles dry up leaving scattered waterholes, then dove concentrations are good throughout feeding and watering areas. Both mourning and whitewing occur, but the majority of whitewings fly south prior to fall hunts. Mourning doves are located around water holes surrounded by mesquite thickets, low lying grassy areas and abandoned or active agricultural fields.

As with all hunting, scouting prior to the season will greatly enhance your success. 35A is not known for being a great dove unit but opportunities do exist. State Trust Land in the Sierra Vista/Hereford area are open to dove hunting and are very popular for the early hunt. Be sure to be more than a quarter mile away from an occupied structure. Late season hunters should focus on stock tanks in the Elgin and Sonoita area.

Area: Take I-10 to Highway 90, south to Sierra Vista. Take I-10 to Highway 83 south to Sonoita. Take Highway 82 from Sonoita to Patagonia, then south on Harshaw Road. to the San Rafael Valley. Highway 82 to Nogales accesses the west side of the Patagonia Mountains.

NOTES: Be certain of land status prior to hunting. If private land is involved, obtain permission from landowner before accessing.

The Coronado National Memorial, administered by the National Park Service, is located at the southeast end of the Huachuca Mountains. It is closed to hunting and the taking of any wildlife species. Additionally, all weapons, including archery equipment, must be cased, unloaded and incapable of being readily discharged while traveling through the memorial. For further information phone 520-366-5515.

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within Unit 35A. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Some areas within the San Pedro riparian area are closed to the use of firearms. For more information relating to BLM lands along the San Pedro River contact the BLM Sierra Vista office at (520) 439-6400 or see http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html.

Each year the Game and Fish Department receives complaints from landowners and lessees about hunters shooting within one-quarter mile of houses and of livestock ingesting spent shotgun shells. Event though dove concentrations can be located near residential areas, hunters must be aware that the discharge of firearms, in close proximity to houses, and the leaving of litter disturbs homeowners and ranchers. Additionally, the discharge of firearms within one-quarter mile of an occupied residence, and littering, including spent shotgun shells, are violations of Arizona State Law. Sportsmen, landowners, and ranchers need each other’s cooperation to keep public lands open to hunting.

Quail

Overview: The units contain 3 species of quail: Gambel’s, Scaled and Mearns’. The Gambel’s and Scaled populations are mainly located around Sierra Vistaand Sonoita area. The units are predominantly made up of Mearns’ quail populations and can be found anywhere oak-juniper habitat types exist. Scaled and Gambels recruitment relies heavily on winter moisture while Mearns quail need monsoon rains.

Scouting prior to the season will greatly enhance your success. Look for areas that indicate that early summer rains fell, producing adequate vegetational types to support quail populations. Along with scouting, a properly trained bird dog is beneficial when hunting Mearns’ quail.

Also remember that the daily bag limit for Mearns’ quail is 8. Gambel’s and Scaled quail bag limits remain at 15 per day.

Areas: Gambel’s and Scaled quail can be locatedin the Sonoita/Elgin area, as well as, around Sierra Vista in the desert habitat types and adjacent to the San Pedro River. Hunters should be cautious of private property boundaries in this area though.

Mearns’ quail populations are found throughout the numerous mountain ranges. The most huntable populations are found in the scattered oak-juniper woodlands at elevations ranging from 5,000 – 6,000 feet. These areas, located around the Huachuca Mts., Canelo Hills, and borderland canyons south of Parker Canyon Lake have good concentrations of Mearns’ quail. Dedicated hunters with good dogs have good luck in bad years hunting high elevation canyons in the Huachucas. Popular areas with good access in the Canelos and south of Parker Canyon Lake tend to only be productive in good years with lots of monsoon rain. Hunters for look for small, freshly dug depression in the ground where Mearns quail have been foraging for tubers and seeds.

On bad years with poor moisture , AZGFD employees get numerous complaints that Mearns quail are being over-hunted. However, these populations bounce back with good a couple consecutive years of monsoon moisture. This is part due to private land and hard to hunt high elevation coveys serving as a source population for sink populations in easily accessible areas.

To get good Mearns’ quail habitat, take I-10 to Highway 83, south to Sonoita. From Sonoita take Highway 82 east to Sierra Vista or take Highway 82 west to Patagonia where the Patagonia Mountains or San Rafael Valley can be accessed. To access the Canelo Hills and the west side of the Huachuca Mts. take Highway 83 south from Sonoita. Take Highway 82 from Sonoita to Nogales to access the west side of the Patagonia Mts.

Notes: Access information can be obtained by purchasing a USFS map .

The National Audubon Research Ranch is located within Unit 35A. Much of this is private and closed to hunting. For further information call (520) 455-5522.

Located just north of the Mexico/Arizona border in the southern portions of Units 35A/B is the San Rafael Cattle Company, shown on most maps as the San Rafael De La Zanja. This parcel is made up of private, and Arizona State Parks lands and is closed to hunting.

Even though these units are comprised mostly of public lands, private property is intermixed. Therefore, it is imperative to study maps prior to venturing outdoors. The best way to accomplish this is by obtaining and studying USFS, topographic and state land maps of interested areas.

Some areas within the San Pedro riparian area are closed to the use of firearms. For information relating to BLM lands along the San Pedro River contact the BLM Sierra Vista office at (520) 439-6400.

Each year the Game and Fish Department receives complaints from landowners and lessees about hunters shooting within one-quarter mile of houses and of livestock ingesting spent shotgun shells. Even though quail concentrations can be located near residential areas, hunters must be aware that the discharge of firearms in close proximity to houses and the leaving of litter disturb homeowners and ranchers. Additionally, the discharge of firearms within one-quarter mile of an occupied residence, and littering, including spent shotgun shells, are violations of Arizona State Law. Sportsmen, landowners, and ranchers need each other’s cooperation to keep public lands open to hunting.

Rabbit

The units contain both cottontail and jackrabbits, and they can be located at all elevations. The cottontail population appears to be doing very good at this time. It appears that the spring moisture during 2007 improved habitat conditions allowing for an abundance of cottontails. Currently, anywhere there is greenup of vegetation you can find good populations. Early mornings and evenings are the ideal times to hunt these very tasty small game animals.

Pursuing rabbits, either cottontail or jackrabbits, is an ideal way to hone your hunting skills in the off-season. Also, hunting these little critters is a great opportunity to start a youngster in the sport of hunting, and is fun for the entire family.

The daily bag limit for cottontails is 10 per day with a possession limit of 20. Jackrabbits are considered nongame so there is no bag or possession limit on them. The season runs yearlong for both species.

Areas: Rabbits can be located at all elevations throughout units 35A.

Ducks

Duck-hunting is not allowed at Parker Canyon Lake, due to U.S. Forest Service prohibitions on discharging weapons near developed areas. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Hereford for more information.

Units 35A contain huntable populations of ducks. To successfully locate these migratory species one must first locate available dirt tanks. This best can be accomplished by purchasing a forest service map. The long-term drought has affected water availability so it is imperative that the many tanks located throughout the units are scouted before your hunt to make sure that water and ducks are available.

Due to the varieties of waterfowl that visit southeast Arizona, it is important that you familiarize yourself with identifying ducks on the water and wing since bag and possession restrictions are specific to species.

Also, it is necessary to use steel shot only when hunting and pursuing waterfowl. No lead shot can be on your person while in the field in pursuit of ducks.

Another side to hunting waterfowl is the opportunity to pursue various quail species and other small game animals, such as cottontails, while in the field.

Tree Squirrel

The units provide some opportunity for hunting tree squirrels. Habitat availability is concentrated to many of the major riparian areas that run through the mountain ranges. Look for mature stands of pine species, cottonwoods, sycamores, and conifer species. Hunting squirrels will require a lot of patience and the ability to cover many miles in search of these tree dwellers. A hunter may not be guaranteed the opportunity to shoot a bag limit of squirrels, but he is guaranteed to spend time in some beautiful scenery.

Predators and Furbearers

The area has relatively high numbers of predators and furbearers throughout all habitat types. Coyotes, bobcats, fox and raccoon offer the hunter yearlong opportunities. Coyotes can be legally hunted yearly while the other furbearers allow for seasonal variations. Not only does predator hunting hone the hunter’s skills for upcoming big game season, but is an excellent way to scout future hunting areas, become familiar with area landowners, and help in keeping predators in check. This also is an ideal way of teaching young hunters the many aspects of hunting and marsksmanship, and is fun for the entire family.

The thrill of calling in a predatory animal by imitating its prey is unequalled. The sight of a charging coyote, headed to the dinner bell, is something that will keep you and your family continually heading to the field for more.