Top Hunting Places in Surprise, Arizona

June 26, 2025

Surprise, Arizona may be known for its growing communities and desert charm, but it also offers access to some of the best hunting opportunities in the West Valley. With expansive terrain, nearby public lands, and thriving game populations, Surprise is a strategic base for hunters looking to experience everything from dove shoots to big game tracking.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near Surprise, AZ

1. White Tank Mountains – Unit 39

The White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located just southeast of Surprise, is a prime location for small game hunting and predator control. While the park itself has restrictions, surrounding public lands and BLM zones provide rich opportunities.

Game Species: Coyote, jackrabbit, Gambel’s quail, and mourning dove.
Access Tip: Use Sun Valley Parkway to reach the BLM access roads on the northwest perimeter.
Best Time: Late fall through winter for small game and predator hunting.

The area is ideal for early morning spot-and-stalk missions and predator calling setups.

2. Game Management Unit 39 – Southwest of Surprise

Unit 39 wraps around the southwestern portion of Surprise and contains hundreds of square miles of desert scrub, washes, and ridgelines perfect for hunters targeting a wide range of species.

Popular Species: Mule deer, dove, quail, javelina, and coyote.
Why It’s Great: Easy access, diverse habitat, and less hunter pressure than central units.
Entry Points: Loop 303 to Indian School or Camelback Road for public land boundaries.

This is one of the most underrated big game zones in Maricopa County. During the January rut, archery hunters find consistent success on mule deer.

3. Hassayampa River Preserve Area

Just north of Surprise is the Hassayampa region, including lands near Wickenburg. While preserves are off-limits, adjacent State Trust and BLM lands allow legal hunting with proper permits.

Game Species: Javelina, mule deer, quail.
Topography: A mix of desert flatland, canyon cuts, and intermittent water sources.
Hunting Tactic: Glassing rocky hillsides in early morning hours.

Don’t forget to secure a State Land Recreational Permit for legal access to trust lands.

What Game Can You Hunt in the Surprise Region?

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove

Surprise is renowned for dove hunting, especially near agricultural edges and utility corridors.

Season: September 1–15 (early season), November–January (late season for Eurasian doves).
Where to Hunt: Look for flyways near cotton fields, alfalfa farms, and dry washes.
Gear Tip: Use a semi-auto 12 or 20-gauge with a modified choke for optimal hit rate.

Gambel’s Quail

These elusive desert birds thrive in the creosote, palo verde, and mesquite brush of the Surprise outskirts.

Season: Mid-October to early February.
Hunting Style: Walk-and-flush with a pointing dog if available.
Best Locations: Areas west of Surprise near Vulture Mine Road or south toward Buckeye Hills.

Mule Deer (Archery Only in January)

The January archery mule deer rut is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets—and Surprise sits at the doorstep of multiple access points to Units 39 and 42.

Weapon: Compound bow or crossbow.
Success Tip: Glassing at first light from elevated ridges, then stalking downwind.
Bonus: OTC (Over-The-Counter) tags make this hunt highly accessible.

Javelina

If you’re looking for a fun, medium-sized game challenge, javelina herds are abundant near Surprise.

Seasons: January (archery), February (general firearms).
Units: 39 and 40B.
Tactics: Hunt slow through thick washes, glass early, and be scent-aware.

Legal and Licensing Essentials

Before heading out:

License: Purchase a valid Arizona hunting license online or at local vendors.
Tags: OTC for small game and archery deer; apply early for javelina or rifle tags.
Permits: If accessing State Trust Land, secure a Recreational Permit from the Arizona State Land Department.

Always cross-check the current Game and Fish regulations—bag limits and boundaries can change.

Essential Hunting Gear for Surprise Terrain

Footwear

Invest in lightweight hiking boots with ankle support. The desert is unpredictable—cholla, loose rock, and sudden elevation shifts are common.

Clothing

Breathable layers with neutral desert camo patterns work best. Long sleeves protect against sun and brush.

Optics

Use 10x42 binoculars and consider a rangefinder or spotting scope for locating deer and javelina in rough terrain.

Navigation

Download maps from onX Hunt or GAIA GPS, and always bring a backup compass and printed map in case of signal loss.

Hunting Tips for Success in the Surprise Area

Scout Early – Use trail cameras and glassing trips before the season opens.
Hunt the Edges – Game often travels the fringe between urban development and wildlands.
Be Stealthy – Morning thermals and dry terrain amplify noise; tread carefully.
Mind the Heat – Hydrate and hunt during cooler hours (sunrise to mid-morning).
Use Local Intel – Chat with local feed store employees or ranchers—they often have fresh insight on game movement.
Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation

Where to Stay and Gear Up in Surprise

Local Lodging: Affordable hotels available in central Surprise or nearby El Mirage.
Camping Options: Dispersed camping on BLM land west of town or along Vulture Mine Road.
Gear Stores: Visit Sportsman’s Warehouse (Surprise) or nearby Glendale’s Bass Pro Shops for last-minute needs.

Why Surprise, AZ Is an Ideal Hunting Base

With immediate access to public lands, game-rich corridors, and convenient lodging, Surprise offers the best of both worlds—small-town quiet with big-time hunting potential. You won’t need to travel far to tag out, and you’ll return with more than just game—you’ll take home stories, skills, and experiences that make the Arizona desert unforgettable.