Unit 36B – Arizona
Species Information
Javelina
Overview: Unit 36B supports a decent population of javelina (herd sizes are stable) but because of it’s predominant oak/grassland type it will never reach the herd concentrations found in some of our desert dominated units. Herds can be found in almost every section of the unit but are most prevalent in the mesquite/grassland areas in the northern and western parts of the unit.
The most effective way to spot javelina is by glassing east facing slopes as the first light of the day hits them. A pair of tripod-mounted binoculars is excellent for this purpose. As the day warms up, switch to areas of cover that could yield bedding sites. More information on javelina behavior can be found in the AZ Game and Fish Department publication “Javelina, Research and Management in Arizona”. The book is available at all Game and Fish offices.
The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to javelina hunting but holds few javelinas because it is primarily open grassland. A portion of the western half of the unit is on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Guns must be unloaded and cased when traveling on Refuge roads. You must also camp in designated camping spots. Be aware of the ‘no hunt’ zones within the refuge. Contact the Refuge at 520-823-4251 for more information.
Most of Unit 36B is on the Coronado National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service offers a map that covers most of the unit. You can obtain the Nogales District map at most map stores or any AZ Forest Service office. This is the best map of the unit other than topographic maps.
There are some areas within this unit where ranchers have allowed access. These areas will be posted with access signs. Please abide by all of the rules and regulations. Some of the past problems include:
driving off road;
littering, to include the failure to bury toilet paper and feces, and failure to clean out fire pits of unburned items;
camping within a 1/4 mile of water;
parking near corrals during ranch operations;
shooting at signs and water tanks.
Main access into the unit is on the Arivaca Road (Arivaca Road exit I-19) and the Ruby Road (Pena Blanca Lake exit I-19). The Ruby Road connects Arivaca and Nogales.
The Buenos Aires Refuge has provided access points (foot traffic only) into the San Luis Mts. at mileposts 7.1 and 8.1on the Arivaca-Sasabe Rd. Another way to enter is at the double gates at mp 3.5. You may drive in at this location.
Access into the northeastern part of the unit is off of I-19 at the Chavez Siding exit. Go north 1/4 mile on the west side frontage road until you see the Hunter Access sign The other access points to the east side of the unit include Rock Corral (take the Tumacacori Exit off of I19) and Peck Canyon.
NOTE: Directions for Peck Canyon National Forest access
Please consult hunting regulations for season dates and other relevant regulations.
*Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
Mule Deer
Overview: Most of Unit 36B’s mule deer are found in the western part of the Unit. Small populations do exist around Amado, Arivaca, Rio Rico and the east side of the Tumacacori Mnts. Mule deer are found in the lower mesquite/grassland areas and adjacent foothills. After opening day, many of the big bucks take refuge in mesquite thickets. Look for dirt tanks that contain water, as deer should be nearby. Once the rut starts in December, big bucks should be with large groups of does, so be patient and glass the entire herd.
The occurrence of white-tailed deer in lower elevation areas has increased over the past ten years. Make an extra effort to be sure of what species of deer you are shooting at.
The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to deer hunting. Be aware of the ‘no hunt zones’ within the refuge.
For access and additional information, please see the write-up on javelina.
Please consult the hunting regulations for season dates and other relevant regulations.
* Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
White-tailed Deer
Overview: Unit 36B offers excellent whitetail deer hunting opportunities. Decent densities of whitetail can be found in the Pajarito, Atascosa, Tumacacori and the San Luis Mountains. The Ruby Road offers access to many good canyons. These areas are primarily oak grassland and provide good cover for whitetail. Hunt the sunlit south facing slopes in the morning and try the oak covered north facing slopes as the day warms up. Ocotillo thickets are a good place to look for bucks. If you want to be successful, spend more time sitting and glassing than walking.
The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to deer hunting. Be aware of the ‘no hunt zones’ within the refuge.
For access and additional information, please see the write-up on javelina.
Consult hunting regulations for season dates and other relevant regulations.
* Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
Cottontail Rabbit
Overview:Unit 36B is good this year for hunting cottontail. One can find cottontails just about anywhere, but the Ruby Road between Pena Blanca Lake and Arivaca is a popular choice.
The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to cottontail rabbit hunting. Contact the Refuge for additional information and regulations (phone 520-823-4251).
For access and additional information, please see the write-up on javelina.
Consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits for areas other than the Refuge.
* Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
Dove
Overview: Unit 36B is a marginal dove hunting unit. Doves can be found in the vicinity of dirt stock tanks during the early hunt. Take a prescouting trip to ensure there is water in your favorite tank. On the late hunt try jump-shooting birds in open grassland hills in the Arivaca area.
The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is open to dove hunting. Try hunting the dirt tanks there as well. Be aware of the ‘no hunt zones’ within the refuge. Contact the refuge for additional information and regulations (520-823-4251).
For access and additional information, please see the write-up on javelina.
Please consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits. A state migratory bird stamp is required for taking doves.
* Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
Quail
Overview: Unit 36B is primarily a Mearns quail hunting unit. Some Gambels quail can be found in the San Luis drainage and in the mesquite/grassland habitat located in the northeastern part of the unit.
Good Mearns quail hunting is found in the oak grassland areas along the Ruby Road and in the Tumacacori Mts. Hunt the north facing slopes that have good oak cover. A particularly popular area to hunt Mearns quail is in the canyons near Pena Blanca Lake. Be advised that the area immediately around the lake is a recreational area where shooting any firearm is not allowed. Contact the U.S. Forest Service-Nogales Ranger District Office for more information.
The Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge is closed to all quail hunting in order to protect the endangered Masked Bobwhite Quail.
For access and additional information, please see the write-up on javelina.
Consult hunting regulations for season dates and bag limits.
*Please read the special note regarding border issues at the end of this hunt unit report.
Special Note Regarding Border Issues
Unit 36B is a corridor for the trafficking of undocumented aliens (UDAs) and drugs. Hunters will see the trails and trash left by these people. Hunters are urged to use caution when hunting and camping in 36B or any of the other border units. It is advisable to use some sort of visible anti-theft device on your vehicle, for vehicle thefts have increased the past two years. Having a group of UDAs walk through a hunting area may negatively impact your hunt. The key to hunting in the border units is the ability to flex and adapt.
To report UDAs, call the Border Patrol at 1-877-872-7435, or in the case of an emergency, dial 911.