Top Hunting Places in Casa Grande, Arizona

Casa Grande, located between Phoenix and Tucson, is a strategic hunting gateway in central Arizona. Known for its desert landscapes, surrounding agricultural land, and nearby Game Management Units (GMUs) 37A, 37B, and 40B, Casa Grande provides excellent access to dove, quail, javelina, mule deer, and predator species. Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or a weekend hunter, the variety of terrain and species makes Casa Grande one of Arizona’s most versatile hunting bases.

Best Game Management Units Near Casa Grande

GMU 37A

To the northeast of Casa Grande, GMU 37A offers diverse desert terrain, including ridgelines, dry washes, and low brush. It’s especially productive for mule deer, javelina, and predator hunting.

• Top species: Mule deer, javelina, coyote
  
• Key access: North of Florence or east via Hunt Highway
  

GMU 37B

Bordering 37A to the south, GMU 37B features rolling desert plains and rugged washes, ideal for upland birds and deer. The unit has good public land access and relatively low pressure.

• Top species: Gambel’s quail, jackrabbit, mule deer
  
• Popular spots: Near the Box O Wash and Gila River corridor
  

GMU 40B

Southwest of Casa Grande, this unit is flatter and includes a mix of State Trust Land and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. It’s a strong unit for dove hunting, especially around irrigated fields.

• Top species: Dove, coyote, rabbit
  
• Best access: Stanfield and the West Pinal County region
  

What You Can Hunt Around Casa Grande

Dove Hunting

Casa Grande is one of Arizona’s dove hunting hotspots, especially during the September opener. With miles of farmland, grain fields, and irrigation canals, the area consistently holds large populations of mourning dove.

• Best time: September 1–15
  
• Hotspots: Areas west of I-10 near Stanfield, Maricopa, and Eloy
  
• Tip: Hunt flyways near feed and water early morning and late afternoon
  

Gambel’s Quail

Gambel’s quail are abundant in the washes and mesquite flats surrounding Casa Grande. These fast-running birds offer a challenging and exciting hunt for upland bird lovers.

• Season: Mid-October through February
  
• Tactics: Walk-and-flush through dry washes; dogs highly recommended
  

Javelina

The Sonoran desert around Casa Grande is prime habitat for javelina. Look for them in low hills, dense prickly pear thickets, and agricultural fringes.

• Best time: January–March (archery and general seasons)
  
• Units: 37A and 37B
  
• Note: Tags are typically draw-only
  

Mule Deer

While not as high-profile as some northern units, the desert mule deer population around Casa Grande is healthy and accessible. Archery hunts offer over-the-counter opportunities.

• Seasons: August–September and December–January (archery); October–November (draw for rifle)
  
• Approach: Glass open country at dawn; focus on movement near water
  

Predators (Coyote, Bobcat)

Coyote numbers are strong in the region due to the mix of open desert and agricultural edges. Predator hunting is open year-round and provides great offseason action.

• Tactics: Use electronic calls and decoys at dawn and dusk
  
• Best areas: South and west of Casa Grande, particularly near canal systems and desert washes

Top Public Hunting Lands and Access Points

Arizona State Trust Lands

Much of the land around Casa Grande is State Trust Land, and legal for hunting with a valid recreational permit. These areas are ideal for quail, dove, and coyote.

• Permit: Obtain online from the Arizona State Land Department
  
• Pro tip: Use OnX Hunt or HuntStand to confirm boundaries and access roads
  

BLM Land near Maricopa and Stanfield

These vast stretches of desert are open to the public and excellent for predator and small game hunting. Scouting is key to success, especially around irrigated ag borders.

Gear Essentials for Desert Hunting in Casa Grande

• Lightweight binoculars: 10x42 glass is ideal for spotting in open terrain
  
• Hydration pack: Minimum 3L for warm-season hunts
  
• Camo: Desert patterns like sage, khaki, and light brown
  
• Shotgun (12 or 20 gauge): For dove and quail
  
• Rifle (.243 or .270): For mule deer and predators
  
• Navigation: GPS app with offline public land maps
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Where to Buy Hunting Supplies

• Walmart Supercenter (Casa Grande) – hunting licenses, ammunition, and basic gear
  
• Sportsman’s Warehouse (Tucson or Chandler) – Extensive selection for firearms, optics, camo
  
• Arizona Game & Fish Online – Purchase hunting licenses, tags, and check regulations
  

Licensing and Regulations

All hunters must follow Arizona Game & Fish guidelines:

1. Hunting license – Resident and non-resident options available
   
2. Tags for big game – Tags for big game: Mule deer and javelina require draw tags for rifle hunts; over-the-counter tags may be available for archery seasons
   
3. HIP certification – Required for dove and other migratory birds
   
4. State Trust Land permit – Required for hunting non-federal lands marked as Trust Land
   

Check the official AZGFD website for the most up-to-date hunting season dates and unit-specific regulations.

Best Times to Hunt in Casa Grande

 

Ethical Hunting Practices

• Respect private property boundaries
  
• Pack out all spent shells, trash, and game remains
  
• Avoid hunting near residential zones and farmhouses
  
• Close gates after entry unless otherwise marked
  
• Obey all posted signs and access restrictions
  

Being a responsible hunter ensures continued access to these lands and keeps the Casa Grande hunting tradition alive and respected.

Conclusion: Casa Grande Offers Central Arizona’s Best Hidden Hunts

Casa Grande is a dream location for hunters looking for quick access to game-rich lands, low competition, and year-round opportunities. Whether you're heading out for a morning dove shoot, chasing quail through mesquite thickets, or glassing for muleys at sunrise—this central Arizona city puts you close to premier desert hunting opportunities.

With the right gear, strategy, and respect for the land, Casa Grande delivers some of the most rewarding hunts in the state.