Top Hunting Places in Glendale, Arizona

June 28, 2025

Located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Glendale, Arizona, may be best known for sports and suburban life—but what many don’t realize is that it serves as a strategic basecamp for accessing some of Arizona’s most dynamic hunting zones. With proximity to rich desert game corridors, state trust lands, and several prime Game Management Units (GMUs), Glendale gives hunters the chance to enjoy both urban convenience and desert wildness.

Nearby Game Management Units Ideal for Glendale Hunters

GMU 20B

Located just northwest of Glendale, GMU 20B encompasses sprawling desert flats, washes, and upland foothills. It’s known for mule deer, javelina, and abundant predators, making it a go-to for hunters seeking accessible terrain with strong game density.

Best for: Archery mule deer, rifle javelina, and predator calling.
Terrain: High desert with plenty of saguaro and ocotillo cover.

GMU 21

Positioned northeast of Glendale, this unit is rich in elevation changes, canyons, and varied habitat, offering excellent opportunities for Coues deer and black bear.

Best for: Glassing mountain slopes for deer and hunting deep brushy cuts for predators.
Access: Tonto National Forest offers generous entry points and trailheads.

GMU 39

Southwest of Glendale, GMU 39 is a desert hunter’s paradise, featuring wide-open spaces, low brush, and consistent populations of dove, quail, and coyotes. The terrain makes it particularly friendly for new hunters or those seeking quick day hunts.

What Game You Can Hunt Around Glendale

Dove Hunting

Glendale and the surrounding West Valley are dove hunting hotspots, especially during the September opener. Agricultural fields near Buckeye and Litchfield Park provide fast-paced action.

Tactics: Hunt the edges of irrigation ditches and sunflower fields at sunrise.
Season tip: The first 10 days of September are golden; arrive early for the morning flight.

Quail

Gambel’s quail thrive in the mesquite washes and desert flats around Glendale. The best hunting is found just west and north in GMUs 20B and 39.

Recommended areas: BLM and Arizona State Trust Lands along the Hassayampa River corridor.

Mule Deer

Glendale’s proximity to GMU 20B and 21 makes it ideal for pursuing archery or late-season mule deer. These hunts offer both challenge and reward for hunters willing to glass ridges and move through rough country.

Prime Months: January for archery; October–November for rifle seasons.

Javelina

Widespread across the Sonoran landscape, javelina are a popular desert game species for Glendale hunters. They tend to group up and travel in drainages and low hills.

Best season: January through March.
Permit: Tags are available through draw and OTC for some units.

Coyote and Predator

Coyote populations thrive in the open desert bordering Glendale, with no closed season and minimal regulations. Night hunts, electronic calls, and decoys can significantly increase success.

Top Hunting Locations Near Glendale

White Tank Mountains

Just west of Glendale, the White Tank Mountains offer an ideal mix of public land access and game habitat. This area is especially good for quail, rabbits, and predators.

Tip: Use hiking trails to get into deeper washes and off-path spots with less pressure.

Hassayampa River Preserve Area

Northwest of Glendale, this riparian zone is home to quail, dove, and small game, along with frequent coyote sightings. State Trust Lands adjacent to this preserve are legal for hunting with the proper permit.

Permit required: State Land Department recreational use permit.

Buckeye Public Lands

The farmlands and open desert near Buckeye provide unmatched access for upland bird hunting and predator control. Road access is easy, and scouting can be done with binoculars from the truck.

Hunting Essentials for Glendale's Desert Terrain

Glendale hunting often involves dry, rugged landscapes, so gear choices are critical for success:

Durable boots and Tactical Soft Rifle Cases: traction and support are a must for navigating rugged terrain.
Hydration system: Always carry at least 3L of water in warm months.
Binoculars (10x42): Crucial for glassing deer, javelina, and birds in open spaces.
Sun Protection: desert sun is intense—wear a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and SPF.
Hunting app (e.g., OnX, HuntStand): Use to identify public lands and avoid trespassing.

Where to Get Supplies Near Glendale

Bass Pro Shops (Mesa) – A 40-minute drive, but one of the best-stocked stores in Arizona.
Sportsman’s Warehouse (Phoenix) – Closer option for ammo, optics, tags, and boots.
Local gun shops – Glendale Gun Depot and AZ Firearms carry gear and local tips.

Key Hunting Regulations for Arizona

To legally hunt near Glendale, you must have:

Arizona Hunting License – Available online or in-person at most outdoor retailers.
Tags for Big Game – Javelina, deer, and bear require draw or OTC permits.
HIP Certification – Required for migratory bird hunting (dove, ducks).
State Land Access Permit – Needed for any hunting on Arizona State Trust Land.

Refer to the official Arizona Game & Fish website for current rules, season calendars, and unit-specific details.

Best Times of Year to Hunt Near Glendale

September: Dove opener and early-season scouting.
October–November: Rifle deer, quail opener, prime predator months.
December–January: Archery deer, javelina, and some of the best predator hunting.
February–March: Javelina wrap-up and late-season small game.

Ethical Hunting and Respect for Land

We always encourage leave-no-trace principles and responsible hunting practices:

Never leave shotgun shells or trash.
Don’t hunt too close to residential boundaries—respect setbacks.
Report poachers or unethical behavior to Arizona Game & Fish’s Operation Game Thief.

By maintaining integrity in the field, we preserve the future of hunting in and around Glendale.

Conclusion: Why Glendale, Arizona, is a Top Hunting Destination

With a blend of urban proximity and easy access to rich hunting lands, Glendale is one of the best places to live or stay if you're serious about desert game hunting in Arizona. From early morning dove hunts over alfalfa fields to sunset coyote stands in the low desert, this area offers diversity, action, and memorable outdoor experiences.