Top Hunting Places in Yuma, Arizona

Yuma, Arizona is not just a winter haven or agricultural powerhouse—it’s one of the most game-rich hunting regions in the Southwest. Located near the confluence of the Gila, Colorado, and Yuma Rivers, and surrounded by vast BLM land, agricultural fields, and prime Game Management Units (GMUs) 40A, 40B, and 43B, Yuma is a true desert sportsman’s paradise. Whether you're after mourning dove, white-winged dove, quail, mule deer, or predators, the area offers year-round opportunities and unbeatable access.

Top Game Management Units Around Yuma

GMU 40A

Encompassing much of the Yuma desert east of town, GMU 40A is best known for archery mule deer, javelina, and upland bird hunting.

• Best for: Archery deer, javelina, dove, and coyote
  
• Top areas: Dome Valley, Buttercup Sand Dunes (for predator hunting)
  

GMU 40B

South and southeast of Yuma, this unit includes parts of the Gila Mountains, agricultural belts and desert plains, and is excellent for dove and predator hunting.

• Top species: Dove, coyote, jackrabbit, quail
  
• Access: Legal hunting along many canals, farm field edges (with landowner permission), and State Trust Lands
  

GMU 43B

Bordering California, GMU 43B offers desert bighorn sheep (by draw), mule deer, and predator opportunities in rugged, remote terrain.

• Top for: Big game and low-pressure predator hunting
  
• Terrain: Harsh, remote, and rewarding for experienced hunters
  

What You Can Hunt in Yuma

Dove (Mourning and White-Winged)

Yuma is Arizona’s dove hunting capital. Each September, tens of thousands of hunters descend on the region for the dove opener, particularly to hunt white-winged dove, which are most abundant in Yuma.

• Best time: September 1–15 (early season), with second season in November
  
• Tactics: Hunt over grain fields, mesquite trees, and water sources at sunrise and sunset
  
• Popular areas: Roll, Somerton, Tacna, Wellton
  

Gambel’s Quail

Washes and desert flats surrounding Yuma are loaded with Gambel’s quail. After good monsoon seasons, bird numbers are especially high.

• Season: Mid-October to February
  
• Hunting method: Walk-and-flush or hunt with pointing dogs
  
• Best locations: Foothills east of Yuma and near Gila River washes
  

Javelina

These desert dwellers are found throughout GMUs 40A and 40B. Though they require a draw tag, javelina hunts in Yuma are often easier to draw and offer solid success rates.

• Season: January–March
  
• Weapon options: Archery, handgun, or general rifle
  
• Tips: Focus near cactus patches, mesquite clusters, and farm fringe zones
  

Mule Deer

The desert mule deer populations in GMUs 40A and 40B provide challenging yet rewarding archery opportunities, especially during the December rut.

• Seasons: August to September and December to January (archery); October (draw rifle)
• Strategy: Spot-and-stalk near desert ridges and river bottoms
  
• Access tip: Use elevated areas at dawn to glass deer as they move to bedding cover
  

Predators (Coyote, Fox, Bobcat)

Yuma’s remote open desert and agricultural fringe zones make it ideal for predator hunters. Coyotes are especially numerous near canals and irrigation ditches.

• Best gear: Electronic calls, shooting sticks, camouflage, flat-shooting rifles
  
• Year-round hunting: No closed season for coyote
  

Best Public Hunting Areas Near Yuma

BLM Lands East of Yuma

Vast, legally accessible BLM lands stretch from east of Yuma toward Wellton and beyond. These open spaces are perfect for quail, javelina, and predator hunting.

• Navigation: Use OnX Hunt or HuntStand to confirm public land access
  
• Note: Roads can be sandy—4WD recommended
  

State Trust Lands

Accessible with a valid recreational permit, State Trust Lands near Somerton and Tacna provide excellent hunting grounds for dove, rabbit, and quail.

Fortuna Foothills

Located east of Yuma, this area includes low desert ridges and washes rich in quail, javelina, and mule deer. Popular with local hunters and relatively accessible.

Gear Checklist for Hunting Yuma’s Desert Terrain

• Lightweight, breathable camo
  
• High-quality binoculars for spotting deer or scanning for doves
  
• 3+ liters of water—Yuma heat is no joke, even in fall
  
• Shotgun with improved cylinder choke for dove and quail
  
• Flat-shooting rifle (e.g., .243, .270, or .308) for desert mule deer
  
• GPS map app to navigate land boundaries
  
• Appropriate firearm (secured in quality tactical soft rifle cases) or bow per regulation
  

Where to Get Supplies in Yuma

• Sprague’s Sports – Full-service gun shop and outfitter with licenses, optics, ammo, and gear
  
• Walmart (Yuma Foothills) – Basic camo, ammo, and tags
  
• Arizona Game & Fish Portal – For draw applications, online licensing, and updates
  

Regulations You Need to Know

1. Hunting license required for all game species
   
2. Migratory bird stamp (HIP) needed for dove hunting
   
3. Draw tags needed for mule deer (rifle) and javelina
   
4. State Land permit for legal hunting on Arizona State Trust Land
   
5. Lead-free ammo zones apply to some species—check unit-specific regulations
   

Always consult the current Arizona Game & Fish regulations booklet before hunting.

When to Hunt in Yuma – Seasonal Overview

 

Hunting Ethics and Safety

• Get landowner permission when hunting near farms
  
• Never hunt within city limits or near homes
  
• Pack out what you pack in
  
• Close all gates you pass through
  
• Be aware of border zones and carry ID if hunting near Mexico
  

Conclusion: Yuma—Arizona’s Dove and Desert Hunting Capital

Yuma, Arizona offers unmatched dove hunting and an expansive desert hunting experience with opportunities for quail, mule deer, javelina, and predators. The terrain is challenging, but the abundance of public land and game species make it a top-tier hunting destination for sportsmen seeking high volume and variety.

If you’re looking for an ideal balance of accessibility, success rates, and scenic desert backdrops, Yuma is the place to be.