Top Hunting Places Near Tempe, Arizona

Tempe, Arizona, located in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, offers more than just city amenities and college-town energy—it’s also within easy reach of some of Arizona’s best public hunting grounds. From desert plains teeming with javelina and coyotes to mountainous terrain ideal for deer and elk, hunters based in Tempe can enjoy year-round opportunities for adventure and game harvest. Whether you’re bowhunting local units or driving north for high-country rifle hunts, Tempe serves as a strategic base for hunting in Central and Southern Arizona.

1. Game Management Unit 24B – Go-To Spot for Deer and Javelina

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Location: East of Tempe, toward Superior and Globe
Game Available: Coues deer, mule deer, javelina, predators, small game

Unit 24B is one of the most accessible and rewarding GMUs for Tempe hunters. The varied landscape includes steep canyons, rocky ridges, and desert flats, offering excellent cover and habitat for deer and javelina. This unit is popular for both rifle and archery seasons.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Coues Deer: November (general), December/January (archery)
  
• Javelina: January–February
  
• Coyotes & Bobcats: Year-round
  
• Quail & Rabbit: October–February
  

Pro Tip: Use high-powered binoculars and spot from ridges at first light. Coues deer are notoriously hard to detect without glassing.

2. Unit 37B – Quick Desert Hunt Close to Home

Location: South and southeast of Tempe, near Florence and the Gila River
Game Available: Mule deer, javelina, cottontail rabbit, quail, coyote

A short drive down AZ-87 or Hunt Highway brings you to GMU 37B, which offers excellent low-elevation Sonoran Desert hunting. It's one of the best options for archery mule deer and javelina without a long commute, and it provides wide-open terrain for predator hunting and upland bird action.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Mule Deer: August and December archery
  
• Javelina: January archery, February general
  
• Small Game & Predators: Fall through early spring
  

Pro Tip: Stick to early morning hunts when desert temps are low and game is most active. Bring a GPS app to stay within public boundaries.

3. Tonto National Forest – Big Game Just 90 Minutes Away

Location: Northeast of Tempe via SR-87 (Beeline Highway)
Game Available: Elk, mule deer, javelina, black bear, turkey, mountain lion

Tempe hunters can quickly access the southern portion of the Tonto National Forest, particularly Units 22 and 23. These units offer rugged terrain, pine forests, and high-elevation slopes that support a wide variety of big game species.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Elk: August archery, September–November rifle (draw-only)
  
• Deer: October–December
  
• Javelina: January–February
  
• Bear & Lion: Quota-based seasons
  
• Turkey: Spring and Fall
  

Pro Tip: Hunt near burn scars and regrowth zones where deer and elk concentrate. Always check current fire restrictions and road access status.

4. Florence Military Reservation (FMAR) – Permit-Required Public Access

Location: Southeast of Tempe, near Florence
Game Available: Javelina, deer (archery), dove, quail, rabbit

FMAR is managed by the Arizona National Guard but open to public hunting via registration and orientation through AZGFD. It's known for good javelina hunting, and the flat terrain is ideal for beginners or bowhunters looking for short day trips from Tempe.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Javelina: January–February
  
• Archery Deer: August, December
  
• Upland Birds & Small Game: October–February
  

Pro Tip: You must attend a mandatory safety session and obtain a reservation hunting permit. The terrain is accessible and offers reliable game presence for those who prepare.

5. Unit 25M – Urban Archery Opportunities in the East Valley

Location: Includes parts of Tempe, Mesa, and surrounding desert corridors
Game Available: Javelina, rabbit, quail

Tempe lies partially within Unit 25M, a special archery-only hunting unit designed to manage game in urban and semi-urban settings. Hunters must follow strict rules, but it offers close-to-home bowhunting for javelina and small game in select public land corridors.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Javelina: January (archery only)
  
• Rabbit & Quail: Legal with license during seasons
  

Pro Tip: Use OnX or similar mapping tools to identify huntable areas, and always double-check property lines to avoid restricted or private zones.

6. Gila River Drainage – Small Game and Predator Hotspot

Location: South of Tempe, near Sacaton and the Gila River
Game Available: Dove, quail, rabbit, coyote

Parts of the Gila River Basin near public or State Trust Land offer year-round predator hunting and seasonal upland bird and small game opportunities. This area is popular during early dove season and often has good success rates for coyote hunters using calls.

Best Time to Hunt:

• Dove: September 1–15 and November–January
  
• Quail & Rabbit: October–February
  
• Coyote: Year-round
  

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re on non-tribal land—some areas south of Tempe fall within the Gila River Indian Community and are off-limits without permission.

What You Need to Hunt Near Tempe, AZ

• Valid Arizona hunting license (resident or non-resident)
  
• Tags or OTC permits based on species
  
• State Land Recreation Permit for trust lands
  
• OnX Hunt, HuntStand, or GPS app for unit boundaries
  
• Water, first aid, and sun protection for desert hunts
  
• Legal archery or firearm equipment per AZGFD rules
  
• Camouflage, optics, and scent control for big game tracking
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Tips for Success as a Tempe-Based Hunter

• Scout before the season—desert terrain is deceptively sparse, and knowing where water and cover are located is key
  
• Use decoys and calls—predator calling is especially effective in Units 24B and 37B
  
• Glass more than you walk—especially for Coues deer in rocky zones
  
• Hunt weekdays if possible—many public areas get crowded on weekends
  
• Pack out all trash and casings—maintain access by respecting the land
  

Conclusion

Tempe offers the perfect launch point for hunters looking to tap into Arizona’s rich and varied game habitats. Within a short drive, you can access desert flats for javelina and coyote, or climb into forested mountains in the Tonto for elk and mule deer. Whether you’re an archer looking for a local urban unit or a rifle hunter planning a weekend expedition, Tempe’s central location gives you unmatched access to Arizona’s wild side.