Top Hunting Places in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Lake Havasu City may be best known for its spring break buzz and shimmering waters, but what often flies under the radar is its access to some of Arizona’s most rugged, game-rich hunting territory. Nestled near Game Management Units 15B, 16A, and 18B, and surrounded by miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, Lake Havasu is an ideal basecamp for hunters chasing desert mule deer, bighorn sheep, predators, and upland birds.

Game Management Units Near Lake Havasu City

GMU 15B

This unit lies just west of Lake Havasu and stretches into the rugged mountains and canyons that border the Colorado River. Known for its desert bighorn sheep and mule deer populations, GMU 15B is a prime location for experienced hunters who want to test their skills in tough terrain.

• Top game: Desert mule deer, bighorn sheep (draw only), coyote
  
• Terrain: Steep rocky hills, canyons, and remote washes
  

GMU 16A

South of Havasu, GMU 16A offers rolling desert plains and intermittent washes—ideal terrain for javelina, mule deer, and upland birds.

• Best for: Archery deer, javelina, quail
  
• Access: Primarily BLM land, with scattered dirt roads and two-tracks
  

GMU 18B

Southeast of the city, GMU 18B is a sprawling unit with desert flats and rugged ranges, offering solid action for predator hunters and archers.

• Notable for: Year-round coyote activity, jackrabbits, and predator contests
  

What You Can Hunt Near Lake Havasu City

Mule Deer

The desert mule deer found in these units are some of the toughest and most elusive game in Arizona. Most successful hunters use spot-and-stalk tactics, glassing from ridges at dawn.

• Seasons: Archery (August–September, December–January), Rifle (Draw only)
  
• Best units: GMU 15B and 16A
  
• Tip: Use shaded rock formations for concealment and plan for long stalks
  

Javelina

These desert dwellers thrive in the brushy washes and cactus-laden hillsides near Havasu. They move in small groups and are often active during the cool morning hours.

• Season: January–March
  
• Weapon options: Archery, handgun, or general season rifle (draw tag required)
  

Gambel’s Quail

Quail populations flourish in the lowland desert flats and mesquite thickets. After monsoon seasons, numbers spike, making for fast-paced upland action.

• Season: October–February
  
• Hunting method: Walk-and-flush or hunting with trained dogs
  
• Best spots: Edges of washes in GMU 16A and 18B
  

Predators (Coyote, Fox, Bobcat)

With no closed season, predators offer action year-round. The vast, open land around Havasu makes it ideal for long-range shooting and calling setups.

• Gear: Electronic calls, decoys, and predator rifles (.223 or similar)
  
• Time: Early morning and dusk yield the best results
  

Bighorn Sheep

Draw-only and highly coveted, bighorn sheep hunts in GMU 15B are among the most challenging and rewarding in the state.

• Season: Varies by tag
  
• Method: Glass for hours and prepare for rugged climbs
  

Top Hunting Spots and Public Lands

Crossman Peak and BLM Lands East of Havasu

Known for its steep canyons and rocky vantage points, the area east of Lake Havasu is ideal for glassing deer and calling predators. Accessible by 4WD roads and popular with serious hunters.

Whipple Mountains

Located northwest of the city, these rugged mountains are part of GMU 15B and provide incredible terrain for bighorn sheep and desert deer. Access is limited and physical demands are high.

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (Special Access)

While hunting inside the refuge is prohibited, surrounding public lands are legal to hunt and offer some of the best quail and predator habitat in the region.

Essential Gear for Hunting in Lake Havasu Terrain

• Rugged optics: 10x42 binoculars and a spotting scope for extended glassing sessions
  
• Hydration pack: At least 3L capacity; water sources are scarce
  
• Cactus-resistant gaiters and boots
  
• GPS mapping app (e.g., OnX or HuntStand) to track BLM boundaries
  
• Backpack frame or game cart for hauling meat in remote zones
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Where to Buy Licenses and Gear in Lake Havasu

• Mule Deer Sporting Goods – Local shop offering ammo, archery supplies, and field gear
  
• Walmart Supercenter – Basic hunting license sales and camo gear
  
• Arizona Game & Fish Online Portal – Purchase licenses, tags, and hunt draw entries
  

Legal Requirements & Regulations

To hunt in Lake Havasu, Arizona, you must:

1. Purchase an Arizona hunting license (available to residents and non-residents)
   
2. Apply for draw tags for species like mule deer, bighorn sheep, and javelina (for rifle seasons)
   
3. Follow unit-specific rules, including weapon restrictions, bag limits, and season dates
   
4. Acquire HIP certification for bird hunting (free via AZGFD portal)
   

Always refer to the current AZGFD regulations booklet before your hunt.

Hunting Seasons and Best Times to Hunt

 

Ethical Hunting & Desert Survival Tips

• Leave no trace—pack out all spent cartridges, trash, and animal remains.
  
• Avoid hunting within view of populated neighborhoods or campsites.
  
• Always carry a PLB or satellite communicator when going deep into GMUs 15B and 16A.
  
• Watch for snakes and extreme heat—avoid midday exertion during summer scouting.
  

Final Thoughts: Lake Havasu Is a True Hunter’s Frontier

From the craggy peaks of Crossman and Whipple Mountains to the wide-open desert stretches south of town, Lake Havasu City is a frontier for serious hunters. It offers solitude, abundant game, and challenging but rewarding conditions.

Whether you’re chasing quail through creosote flats, scanning cliffs for bighorn sheep, or stalking desert muleys in the early dawn, Havasu has the kind of terrain that tests your skills—and rewards your effort.