Top Hunting Places Near Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is surrounded by vast public lands, rich desert ecosystems, and diverse wildlife, making it a prime destination for hunters across the Southwest. Whether you're looking to track mule deer in rugged high country, pursue javelinas in desert washes, or flush out quail and dove in open scrub, the hunting grounds around Phoenix are some of the most rewarding in the state. In this guide, we cover the best hunting locations near Phoenix, what game you'll find there, when to go, and what to prepare for a successful hunt.
1. Tonto National Forest – A Massive Wilderness for Big Game
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Location: East and northeast of Phoenix
Game Available: Mule deer, elk, javelina, turkey, mountain lions, black bears
Tonto National Forest is one of the most popular and expansive hunting zones in Arizona, encompassing over 2.9 million acres of diverse terrain. From cactus-dotted desert to high-elevation pine forests, it’s home to multiple Game Management Units including Units 21, 22, and 23. This area supports a healthy population of mule deer, javelina, and during the right season, even elk and black bear.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Deer: Late October through December
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Javelina: January to February
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Turkey: Spring and fall seasons
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Elk: Limited draw in August and September (mostly in Unit 23)
Pro Tip: Tonto’s size can be intimidating—use a GPS hunting app like OnX or HuntStand to track zones, elevation, and water sources.
2. Game Management Unit 20B – Quick Access with Solid Variety
Location: Northwest of Phoenix, near Wickenburg
Game Available: Javelina, mule deer, quail, cottontail rabbit
Unit 20B is a favorite among weekend warriors thanks to its proximity to Phoenix and access to public land. Known for its low desert brush, granite boulders, and open space, it offers solid opportunities for javelina and mule deer, as well as upland bird hunting for Gambel’s quail.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Javelina: January (archery) and February (general season)
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Mule Deer: Late October–November
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Quail & Rabbit: October–February
Pro Tip: This area sees lots of off-road vehicle activity—hunt during early mornings or on weekdays to avoid crowding.
3. Unit 24B – Underrated Spot for Spot-and-Stalk Hunts
Location: East of Phoenix near Superior
Game Available: Coues white-tailed deer, javelina, predators
Unit 24B features rugged terrain mixed with dense mesquite cover, making it an exciting challenge for spot-and-stalk hunters. It’s one of the better areas around Phoenix for Coues deer, known for being elusive and alert.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Coues Deer: Archery in August and December, general in November
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Predators: Year-round (coyote, fox, bobcat)
Pro Tip: Optics are everything here—bring a high-quality spotting scope or binoculars and be prepared for steep hiking.
4. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area – Wing Shooting Paradise
Location: Southwest of Phoenix, near Buckeye
Game Available: Dove, quail, rabbit
Robbins Butte is a game-managed area that draws bird hunters in large numbers during dove season. With irrigated fields, desert scrub, and wash areas, it’s ideal for early morning hunts during mourning dove season.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Dove: September 1–15 (early season), November–January (late season)
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Quail & Rabbit: October–February
Pro Tip: This is a high-traffic area, especially on opening day—arrive before sunrise to claim a good spot and wear blaze orange gear for safety.
5. White Tank Mountains – Archery-Only Opportunities Close to Home
Location: West of Phoenix near Surprise
Game Available: Javelina, mule deer, rabbit
The White Tanks offer limited hunting zones, but archery-only tags are available through Unit 25M, an urban management unit specifically designed for bowhunters in the metro Phoenix area. This area is convenient and provides good terrain for spot-and-stalk or still hunting.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Javelina: January archery season
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Rabbit: Year-round with license
Pro Tip: Know your boundaries—Unit 25M maps are essential to avoid restricted areas. This is urban-edge hunting, so stealth and respect for property lines are critical.
6. Sonoran Desert National Monument – Remote and Rugged
Location: South of Phoenix, near Gila Bend
Game Available: Mule deer, javelina, coyote
Spanning over 487,000 acres, the Sonoran Desert National Monument is known for its pristine desert habitat and wide-ranging game. The area is quiet, with fewer hunters compared to more accessible units, making it an excellent spot for mule deer and javelina hunts.
Best Time to Hunt:
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Mule Deer: Archery in December/January
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Javelina: January and February
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Coyote: Open season
Pro Tip: There are no facilities here—come fully self-sufficient with extra water, gas, and first aid.
What You Need to Hunt Near Phoenix, AZ
Before you step into the field, make sure you’ve got:
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Arizona hunting license (available at AZGFD.gov)
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Draw tags or OTC permits, depending on the game
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Proper firearm or bow per regulation
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Public land maps and unit boundaries
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A GPS hunting app for legal verification
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Ethical hunting gear: knives, first aid, scent control, game bags, etc.
- Hydration and sun protection – desert hunts can be punishing
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Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
- Hunting Safety and Ethics in Arizona
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Respect local communities – Avoid trespassing and always clean up.
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Know your shot – Use safe backstops and avoid risky shooting angles.
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Help conserve – Arizona Game and Fish Department uses hunting dollars to manage populations and protect ecosystems.
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Check fire restrictions – Certain areas implement firearm or access restrictions during fire season.
Conclusion
The Phoenix metro area sits at the heart of some of Arizona’s best hunting country. From desert javelina stalks to high-country mule deer chases, the variety of ecosystems and accessible units make it a hub for hunters seeking adventure, variety, and success. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick weekend hunt or a visitor aiming to fill a tag on public land, Phoenix delivers excellent hunting opportunities.
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