Sign up for a free account to see what they said. Each year in the spring, after the breeding season has passed, antlers are shed. Recently, residential development in the Pearce/Sunsite area has increased, thus eliminating areas to hunt. Average # of general permits in past 5 years. 30B. Get a free account to view the details! Drew a 30B tag for November 15th to 21st. Take Forest Service Road 687 north along the west side of the mountain into the West Stronghold. Hiking from open areas will still get you into most of the Mule Mountains. Bed sites are commonly used on a regular basis. Hunting The biological productivity of unit 30B relies upon winter, and to a greater extent, the summer rainfall for a combined yearly average of approximately 15 inches. It is recommended that sportsmen secure access into hunting areas prior to applying for a big game permits, or hunting in the unit. This may be a good place to introduce yourself and your site or include some credits. Travel south to the town of Dragoon. . In Arizona, predation on deer is mainly by coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. The Mule Tails are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. Most feeding is done at dawn and dusk, although human activity may cause a shift to more feeding at night. on the 47 Ranch access the mountain to Johnson, Abbott, Buck and Dry Canyon (look for the Access Signs). When driving east on Hwy. One (1) deer per calendar year except as prescribed in R12-4-120. 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. Scaled quail can be found throughout the unit in high desert grassland communities. Please utilize phone apps, GPS or maps to determine the land status in the area and be aware of the land status where you are at all times. Topographical maps will help you get around the rest of the unit. 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. Go through town and take the exit for Highway 80 to St. David. Generally they prefer the more rugged country. Create a free account to read the rest of this deer hunting note! Sportsmen must be aware that a large portion of the habitat in the Mule Mountains is inaccessible. Check your email for a confirmation message. EXCEPT for some Archery-Only deer, a hunt nonpermit-tag must be obtained from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114. Overall, we are below average, however rain occurred throughout the winter/spring and created green-up and the quail may respond. Privacy Notice | This was our first trip to Arizona to hunt mule deer and we had our work cut out for us! Other access points exist off the Pearce Road and Middle-March Road. 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. White-tailed Deer Overview: Unit 30B has a relatively small population of whitetail deer in relationship to nearby units. Continuing down Highway 80 to Middle March Road, which is only a couple of miles north of Tombstone. The Double U Ranch or Telles Ranch, is completely locked and no longer allows hunting. Each of these communities are just off of Highway 191. Distribution: 90ft-10K ft, statewide except extreme southwest corner of state The road crosses private property and is considered critical access and has sportsmen respect signs posted. Mule deer can be found in lower numbers along the San Pedro River (SPRNCA) floodplain, but the thick vegetation makes it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. It is not a hunt where you will see a lot of deer, but there are always some great bucks there and we know how to find them. Area: Gambels quail can be found in isolated areas in the unit. Cottontails can be found in washes and desert vegetation off of any access roads in the unit. Restricted access in the Mule Mountains makes it difficult to get to the Mearns habitat. Today, mule deer comprise about 60 percent of the total deer harvested. Within the unit are two major mountain ranges; the Mule and Dragoon Mountains. They eat such items as twigs, bark, buds, leaves, and nuts. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River. The San Pedro River can be accessed near Benson, St. David, HWY 82, Charleston Road, and HWY 92. From the West: State Hwy 82, 90, 92, Charleston Rd If a dry summer is encountered, dove will be very dependent on the limited water sources found in the area. Larger herds can still be located, although hiking in or horseback are the only means of accessing such areas. They are any antlered deer hunts with the possibility of taking a great mule deer or Coues whitetail deer. Cottontails can be found in washes and desert vegetation off of any access roads in the unit. 2023 Photos & Text Copyright - Dieringer Outfitters LLC Four Canyon is inaccessible through private property at the Fourr Ranch Headquarters located at the end of Old Ranch Rd. The Mule Tails are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. Sportsmen need to look for, read and obey all signs posted throughout the unit. (Phone 520-439-6400). Plan your Arizona big game hunt with an interactive unit boundary map. Mule deer are located in all mountain ranges and lower valleys within the unit. The Mule Mountains offer good deer densities with the unit. Take Forest Service Road 687 north along the west side of the mountain into the West Stronghold. Javelina usually bed in drainages with adequate cover or near feeding areas on the mountain slopes. Never hunted mule deer down there. Be aware of the recent residential development in the Tombstone Hills south of the Charleston Road. thanks for the welcome, thanks for the warning but I think well ake our chances. 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. 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. The Dragoon Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest and a forest service map will help you with the road system. Pre-season scouting is a good idea in these areas. Deer Hunting in Arizona Game Management Unit 30A . For youth deer hunters, the youth-only hunts in unit 27 and units 28 29 30A 30B 31 32 are great. Access along Highway 80 north of Bisbee along Banning Creek is denied through private land, although access on the Juniper Flats Road to the top of the mountain range exists just north of Mule Pass tunnel. Send us an email at [emailprotected] to learn more. Denied access in the Mule Mountains makes it extremely difficult to access these areas. User Scores. A popular area for quail hunting is now closed to all access; the Double U Ranch or Telles Ranch has been locked and no longer allows sportsmens access. Several canyon roads in the Mules go through private land and are posted and locked, so respect the ranchers wishes. See Access Information for details. It is a great hunt for giant bucks and we have focused our efforts there for many years. Thanks for any input. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. These hunts are before any of the adult rifle hunts and hunting pressure is light. Unit 30B is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, specifically in Cochise County. See the Access Information for details. I spoke with a ranger for that area and that is what he suggested to start. A series of years of poor fawn survival followed. Bucks are polygamous and fight for a harem of does during the winter breeding season. If a person is applying for a Youth-Only hunt and a regular hunt on the same application, the higher of the tag fees must be enclosed. Buck-only hunting was instituted in 1893, and the season was gradually reduced until 1913 when the new state legislature authorized a two-month season and a two-buck bag limit. Persons ages 10 through 13 must have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director per ARS 17-333.2 (C). There is a lot of private lands and as of now I am focusing on doing some scouting around Dragoon Mountain. Turn east on the Middle-March road and drive approximately 10 miles until you reach the Forest Service Boundary. 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. You are using an out of date browser. Travel south a short distance and turn left on E. Touchstone Trail. http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting_units_30b.shtml#wt. The Mule Tails are the hills south of the Mule Mountains. Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. The Mule Mountains can be accessed off High Lonesome Road and Highway 80. The west side of the Dragoon Mountains can be reached by taking Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off of Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. The Dragoon Mountain Ranch property boundary is posted No Trespassing. During good years large populations can be found along the Davis Road, Gleason Road, and the Pearce Road. Interested hunters can contact the Tucson office or stop in at the ranch headquarters, located 1.5 miles south of Davis Road on Coffman Road and request information on the area. 191; southerly on U.S. Hwy. Moose, Caribou, Sheep, Goat Hunting etc. The hunt can be difficult and requires scouting the exceptional knowledge of the areas. Before hunting on agricultural fields, obtain permission from landowners in the farming areas. See Access Information for details. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. This area is becoming developed so be aware of the residences in the area. However, dont expect to see an abundance of any quail species in the district this season. Also a road south of the Dixie Canyon Ranch Road accesses Cintura Hill near Mexican Canyon. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! If you wish to hunt on the San Pedro River National Conservation Area, you should pick up a copy of the Bureau of Land Managements regulations, (Phone. Whitetail can also be found along the San Pedro River (SPRNCA), but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to get a good clean shot at a buck. Access along the east side of the Mountain exists at the Golden Rule Road, off the Dragoon Road. Address 123 Main Street New York, NY 10001, Hours MondayFriday: 9:00AM5:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM3:00PM. Homes have been built at the mouth of Moore and Bolsa Canyons, affecting access to those areas, and several homes have been constructed and roads posted/ locked in the Abrigo Canyon/Red Mountain area. Due to the climate and elevation, the habitat types vary from oak woodlands in the highest elevations of the mountains, down to semi- desert grasslands, and Chihuahuan desert scrub in the valleys. Focus on available waters and food sources for the spring hunt in the Unit. However, they will also feed in the bottoms where the spring growth will first come up. The mule deer hunting is generally better in the units closer to the Mogollon Rim than down south by me as I understand (Coues deer are doing really well down here) but regardless I would caution you on the heat. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. There are 0 HuntScore members that have hunted this unit. They were lost and half starved and also ate most of their food before the border patrol got there to take them. Another access point for the Mule Tails is from the Paul Spur Road, this road intersects Highway 80 about halfway between Bisbee and Douglas. The state has two distinct species, the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Apparently you've never had the pleasure of having one of them pull a gun on you. For youth deer hunters, the youth-only hunts in unit 27 and units 28 29 30A 30B 31 32 are great. Before hunting either of the two species, consult the Hunting Regulations: Commission Order 2 for distinguishing physical characteristics. Access is gained from Highway 80 at Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road (south of Highway 80, east of Bisbee). Respect of the land and the landowners wishes must be given full attention. I guess getting high enough to glass the flats would be a start but wondering if certain areas hold a larger concentration of deer over others. Habitat: Desert shrub, grasslands, pinon-juniper, pine, aspen-fir, and mountain meadows I would welcome any suggestions or experiences for this unit, I am headed up the weekend of 9/11 for a scouting trip. Area: To get to the agriculture fields near Richland, Sunsites, Elfrida, and McNeal, take Highway 191 south of I-10. Overview: The quail populations (Gambel and Scaled) in the unit will respond to winter rainfall. Access across private property from Highway 80 and Curtis Flats Road junction, east across the Dragoon Mountain Ranch to the Coronado National Forest boundary has been lost to residential development. If you are hunting whites try abbot canyon/Mule mountains, just outside of bisbee. From the South: Mexico-U.S. Border. JavaScript is disabled. The eastern side of the Dragoon Mountains, Cochise, and Sunsites can be accessed from Highway 191 south of I-10. As of April 1, 2022, all of the OTC deer seasons will now be enforced by harvest limits and hunters will be required to report their deer harvest 48 hours of taking their deer (details will be published in the 2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet and updated here when available). Overview: Cottontails are fairly abundant in the unit, although average rainfall has been lacking in the area during the year. The Mule Mountains have access roads locked going into Sandy Bob, Dixie, Mexican, Gadwell and Abrigo Canyons. Most of the private property within residential developments are posted No Hunting/Trespassing in the unit. JavaScript is disabled. 75. One thing to remember when you are in the Mule Mountains is the private land, most will be posted, so respect the ranchers wishes. Preseason scouting, preparation for the environmental conditions, and physical conditioning are important factors. Unit Boundaries . Overview: Cottontails are fairly abundant in the unit, although average rainfall has been lacking in the area during the year. Life History The mule deer gets its name from its large ears. The mule deer is the larger of Arizona's deer. By 1970, fewer than 16,000 deer were taken and hunt success had fallen to 16 percent. Mule deer are not limited to any one type of terrain, being found from sparse, low deserts to high forested mountains. The success and quality of your hunt will likely increase with the distance from your vehicle and roads. There are 1 OTC hunts in this unit. All pictures, images, & content are owned by MuleyMadness and cannot be used without permission There is a lot of private lands and as of now I am focusing on doing some scouting around Dragoon Mountain. It just takes more effort on the hunters part. Please identify the deer before taking a shot as whitetail are expanding into mule deer habitat. GMU32. One thing to remember when you are in the Mule Mountains is the private land, most will be posted, so respect the ranchers wishes. One of the easiest ways to get into the Mule Mountains is to take Highway 80 south of I-10 at Benson. Live Weight: M-200-225lbs. Near the Bisbee Airport, there are dirt roads that will take you into the Mule Tails. The Juniper Flats Road travels northeast through private parcels of land to the radio towers and accesses the top of the Mule Mountains. Coronado National Forest, Douglas Ranger District (520) 364-3468, http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html. Please pick up spent shot-shells, complaints have been received because livestock have ingested them causing complications and it is littering, a revocable offense. Sportsmen access in unit 30B continues to be reduced. In 1961, an all-time high of 91,120 deer hunters took 35,897 deer. Bureau of Land Management, San Pedro Project (520) 258-7200 Javelina usually bed in drainages with adequate cover or near feeding areas on the mountain slopes. This was a great adventure and an experience. 191 and the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to I-10 Exit 331; northeasterly on I-10 to U.S. Hwy. BONUS POINT ONLY (no other hunts may be chosen in conjunction with this one), 12A East (excluding Grand Canyon National Park), 12A West (excluding Grand Canyon National Park), 39, 40A, and 40B (Special Restrictions Apply - See Note 7), 42 (excluding White Tank Mountain Park and Skyline Regional Park), Hopi Tribal Member Hunt in Units 4A and 4B, Hopi Tribal Member Hunt in Units 5A and 5B, 42 (excluding Skyline and White Tank Mountain Regional Parks), Aug 19 - Sep 8, 2022 and Dec 9 - Dec 31, 2022, Nov 18 - Nov 27, 2022Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2022. When driving east on Highway 92 to Bisbee, various dirt roads intersect the highway from the north ( MP. Some extra scouting, and hiking into inaccessible areas may help you take a larger buck. Javelina can be found along the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), but the thick vegetation can make it difficult to locate them. If a dry summer is encountered, dove will be very dependent on the limited water sources found in the area. This road travels toward the mountain, to Henry Canyon, and eventually connects to the Middle-March Road pending passable road conditions. Pre-season scouting will improve your hunt success. 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. Deer Hunting Seasons & Areas, Any valid hunting or combination license EXCEPT a Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish and an Apprentice Hunting License. The size and number of 'points' is dependent on a combination of age, nutrition, and genetic background. Be sure and have all the pertinent hunt regulations with you before you go hunting. we couldnt turn around last year with out seeing them. Prospects in the near future are even more discouraging, but mule deer are "boom and bust" animals. Access into the Mule Mountains is very limited compared to the Dragoon Mountains. 2023 Western Hunting Application Deadlines, New feature released on Insider Hunt Planner, Point Tracker: Your first step in researching hunts, How to import waypoints from other sources to GOHUNT Maps, Dialing in your fitness now to be ready for fall, Research your way to big bucks with a tool you're probably not using, The ABCs of finding a legit hunting partner. To the East of the mountain ranges, Sulphur Springs Valley runs from the Mexico Border, north to I-10. by arizonaelitefreak Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:16 pm, Post This area is being developed so be aware of the residence in the area. Access is gained from Highway 80 at Mule Gulch, milepost 350, and the Warren Road (south of Highway 80, east of Bisbee). Land around populated areas (Bisbee, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida, Sunsites, Richland, Dragoon, St. David, and Tombstone) has Javelina populations. These populations are isolated to the Dragoon Mountains and the southern end of the Mule Mountains near Bisbee. 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. Area: Cottontails can be found throughout the unit with little effort on the part of the hunter. Scores. Land around populated areas (Bisbee, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida, Sunsites, Richland, Dragoon, St. David, and Tombstone) has Javelina populations. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) is also open to hunting. The main things to remember while hunting are; antler structure, size, tail size and color. 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). It is generally advised that if you looking to hunt any of these OTC seasons to have several backup units with spots marked and ready to go. Chihuahuan desertscrub vegetation grows in the valleys at lower elevations throughout the unit. Southern Arizona Mule deer and - whitetail. 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. After a gestation period of about 190 days, the does give birth to spotted fawns, often twins. Hiking across state land will access the upper parts of the canyons. The Old Ranch Road in Dragoon, AZ accesses Jordan Canyon. Access in unit 30B has been reduced over time due to the amount of private property in the area. The Tombstone Hills can be accessed off of Highway 80 south of Tombstone, and the Charleston Road west of Tombstone. Check your email for a confirmation message. Arizona OTC mule deer coues deer. Important plants in a mule deer's diet include mountain-mahogany, buckbrush, cliffrose, sagebrush, buckthorn, juniper, and oak. 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. Access into the southwest corner of the Mule Mountains can be gained off Highway 92 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. Pre-season scouting will improve your hunt success. The Arizona Trail takes hikers to the base of Picketpost Mountain and down through part of the White Canyon Wilderness, right through the heart of bighorn sheep country. Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas closed to hunting under A.R.S. Generally they prefer the more rugged country. Seems state law says you can't refuse them water if they ask and they know that. I was talking after church this morning and mentioned unit 30 and one guy was saying they had some illegals turn themselves in to them while hunting there a few years ago. It is in preparation for the rut that mule deer grow antlers. Remember that." In this Episode we head down to the dry desert hills of Arizona in search of a monster mule deer. Mourning dove, and an occasional white wing dove, can be found at various livestock tanks in the unit, and along the San Pedro River. . I had a Mule tag there last year and didnt see one. Topographical maps will help you get around the rest of 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. For Archery-Only Nonpermit-Tag hunts, you may purchase a nonpermit-tag from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114. Terms of Use | It may not display this or other websites correctly. The August and September seasons can be brutally hot, especially if you're coming from the Midwest. Some extra scouting, and hiking into the more inaccessible areas, may help you take a larger buck. Muzzleloader Hunt: Muzzleloader weapons as prescribed in R12-4-101 and R12-4-318, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Finding areas where plants have been rooted up, bedding sites, and by glassing over these areas will help you in locate Javelina. Overview: Javelina can be found throughout Unit 30B. Get Hunting Updates. Antlered means having an antler fully erupted through the skin and capable of being shed as defined in R12-4-101. There are also opportunities for viewing these magnificent animals while camping in the southern part of Box Canyon. 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. 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. One important thing to remember the mule deer and white-tailed deer can be found in the same areas in this unit. Ease of Drawing 43 43 Success 21 21 Trophy Potential . Arizona mule deer hunting outfitter and guide service with Dieringer Outfitters LLC. 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. 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. to SR. 92) so getting the Bureau of Land Managements regulations is a must. On private land, access can be revoked any time. A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. The Juniper Flats Road travels northeast to the radio towers and provides access to the top of the mountain. 1050. These are things to be aware of and remember do not shoot within a quarter of a mile of a residence. Remember, when hunting units with whitetail and mule deer; both species can be found in the same habitat types within the unit. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region V (520) 628-5376 Outfitter Web Design by 3plains. Food Preference: Weeds, palo verde, aspen, mushrooms, yucca flowers, shrubs, oak, mesquite beans, janusia, cliffrose, sagebrush, juniper, coffeeberry, cacti fruit, and filaree in season At lower, drier elevations, drop time is synchronized more with summer rains that bring on new plant growth. Overview: Javelina can be found throughout Unit 30B. by m gardner Sun Aug 09, 2009 1:42 pm, Post Then, for reasons that are still unclear, deer populations began to increase. 345, MP 350, and Fowdy Ranch Rd.). The south and east side of the mountain can be accessed off the Dragoon Road at Manzora Road and the railroad trestle at the double green gates. Game Management Unit 30b; Game Management Unit 31; Game Management Unit 32; Game Management Unit 33; Game Management Unit 34a; . See all stats but the last 2 years with a free account! Deer Hunting in Arizona's Game Management Unit 30B - HuntScore Get unlimited access to over ten years of historical drawing and harvest data for over 1,700+ hunt units. We will definitely return to Arizona to hunt mule deer again!Be sure to Subscribe to Kurt Belding and Steve Ficco's hunting channel here on YouTube where they bring you Hunting adventures to wherever you may be watching from. Also, accessible habitat within the Mule and Dragoon Mountains can be far from existing road and extremely rugged. The Arizona Game and Fish Department continues to make efforts to improve access into areas through our Stewardship Programs in attempt to maintain current access and in some cases re-establish lost access. Go Pro to see what they had to say! The Javelina often go into the populated areas causing problems for residents. Bed sites are commonly used on a regular basis. and Davis Road. Turn east on the Middle-March road and drive approximately 10 miles until you reach the Forest Service Boundary. Overview: Both mourning dove and whitewing dove occurs, but the majority of the harvest and opportunities will be for mourning dove. 92, there are various dirt roads intersecting the highway from the north (m.p. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. Click for Terrain Detail. Please read and obey the landowners requests, and obtain permission before going afield. Residential development has increased in the Pearce/Sunsites area, resulting in a loss of areas to hunt. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Number of Young: 2 A map of the area can be obtained at a Forest Service Office or map store.