Top Hunting Places Near Gilbert, Arizona

While Gilbert, Arizona, is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and suburban charm, it also sits within reach of some of the best hunting zones in Central and Southern Arizona. Within a 1–2 hour drive, hunters based in Gilbert can access javelina-rich deserts, Coues deer canyons, quail-rich washes, and elk-dotted forests. Whether you’re a seasoned rifle hunter or a first-time bowhunter, the region surrounding Gilbert offers public land access and varied game in multiple Arizona Game Management Units (GMUs).

1. Game Management Unit 24B – A Go-To for Big and Small Game

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Location: East of Gilbert, near Superior and Globe
Game Available: Coues deer, mule deer, javelina, coyote, bobcat, small game

GMU 24B is one of the most versatile and accessible hunting zones for Gilbert residents. A Just a short drive east on US-60, this unit offers rocky terrain, desert flats, and dense foothills—perfect for both big game and predator hunting.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Javelina: January–February
  
• Deer (Coues and Mule): November rifle, December/January archery
  
• Predators: Year-round
  
• Cottontail and Quail: October–February
  

Pro Tip: Pack quality optics. Coues deer blend into the terrain and are typically spotted at long distances across rocky ridges.

2. Unit 37B – Underrated Gem Just South of Town

Location: Southeast of Gilbert near Florence and the Gila River Basin
Game Available: Mule deer, javelina, quail, rabbit, coyote

Unit 37B offers low-elevation Sonoran Desert hunting with close proximity to Gilbert. It’s a great option for weekend hunters targeting mule deer or javelina in rugged, open terrain. There are also excellent spots for quail and rabbit hunting along dry washes and mesquite thickets.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Mule Deer: Archery in August and December
  
• Javelina: January–February
  
• Quail & Rabbit: October–February

Pro Tip: Access roads can be rough—consider a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle, especially after rains.

3. San Tan Mountain Region & State Trust Land – Archery Hunters Take Note

Location: South of Gilbert and Queen Creek
Game Available: Javelina, rabbit, dove (in season)

Parts of this region fall within GMU 25M, a special urban archery unit. It provides close-to-home hunting opportunities for Gilbert-based bowhunters, particularly for javelina during the winter archery season. These hunts are archery-only and often restricted to early morning or late afternoon due to proximity to residential areas.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Javelina: January (archery season)
  
• Rabbit & Dove: Legal with a license during designated seasons
  

Pro Tip: Obtain a State Land Recreation Permit and use GPS tools like OnX Hunt to avoid trespassing or no-hunt zones.

4. Tonto National Forest – Elevation and Game Variety

Location: Northeast of Gilbert via SR-87 or US-60
Game Available: Elk, mule deer, javelina, turkey, bear, lion

The southern edge of the Tonto National Forest is about 90 minutes from Gilbert and provides a wilderness backdrop for big game adventures. Units 22 and 23, in particular, are known for healthy elk populations, as well as turkey and black bear at higher elevations.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: August (archery) through November (rifle)
  
• Deer: October–December
  
• Javelina: January–February
  
• Turkey & Bear: Varies by season
  

Pro Tip: Tonto terrain changes quickly—check elevation maps and plan your hunt based on species movement and temperature.

5. Gila River Drainage – Quick Shot for Small Game and Predators

Location: South of Gilbert near Sacaton and Florence
Game Available: Cottontail rabbit, quail, dove, coyote

The Gila River corridor, especially on non-tribal, public-access portions, offers open desert washes, brush cover, and food-rich environments for small game and upland birds. It's ideal for quick day hunts, especially during early dove season or when chasing coyotes.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Dove: September (early season), November–January (late)
  
• Quail & Rabbit: October–February
  
• Coyote: Year-round
  

Pro Tip: Be aware of tribal land boundaries—much of the surrounding region belongs to the Gila River Indian Community and is off-limits without special permission.

6. Florence Military Reservation (FMAR) – With Registration

Location: Southeast of Gilbert near Florence Junction
Game Available: Mule deer, javelina, rabbit, quail

Managed in partnership with the AZGFD, FMAR offers excellent controlled hunting access for Gilbert residents. It’s best known for small game and javelina hunts, and while limited in size compared to Tonto or Unit 24B, it’s a great alternative when time is tight.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Javelina: January–February
  
• Deer (archery): August/December
  
• Small Game: October–February
  

Pro Tip: You must complete a safety briefing and acquire a hunting access permit—details are listed on the AZGFD website.

What You Need to Hunt Near Gilbert, AZ

• Arizona hunting license (resident or non-resident)
  
• Tags or OTC permits depending on species
  
• State Trust Land Permit (required for most desert hunts)
  
• GPS or OnX Hunt for boundaries
  
• Plenty of water, sunblock, and emergency gear for desert environments
  
• Ethical hunting gear: Field knives, game bags, camo layers, binoculars
  
• Check AZGFD regs for season dates and legal weapons per unit
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Hunting Tips for Gilbert-Based Hunters

• Early scouting pays off: Many nearby units (like 24B and 37B) reward hunters who pre-scout terrain, water sources, and game patterns.
  
• Urban unit hunting (25M) is archery-only and requires stealth, planning, and respect for city boundaries.
  
• Desert hunts require proper hydration: start early and finish before midday in warmer months.
  
• Check fire restrictions and closures, especially in forested zones during dry seasons.
  
• Use decoys and calls to lure in predators—coyotes are highly responsive to vocalizations in open country.
  

Conclusion

Gilbert is known for its manicured neighborhoods and desert golf courses, but it’s also a launchpad for some of Arizona’s top desert and foothill hunting zones. Within 60–90 minutes, hunters can pursue everything from Coues deer and elk to javelina, quail, and predators, often with little competition and plenty of access. Whether you’re chasing small game near Florence or glassing canyons in Tonto, Gilbert gives hunters a perfect home base with adventure just down the highway.