Hunting is more than just a hobby for many people; it is a passion and a way of life. For Arizona hunters, it is well known that the desert state has some of the best and most varied hunting available in the country.
Many different game animals live within a short day trip of the West Phoenix area, making hunting in Arizona an exciting and dynamic sport. Even if you live among the hustle and bustle of the city, you can hop in your car and be out in the open wilderness in no time at all.
Hunting is allowed year-round in Arizona, although you should take care to obtain the proper licenses and permits. Among the big-game animals that call the desert home are deer, elk, black bears, buffalo, bighorn sheep, antelope, and turkeys. There is also an abundance of small game, like rabbits, quail, doves, and pheasants. With nearly half of the state of Arizona comprised of public lands, it is an outdoorsman’s paradise.
Here are five of the best hunting spots in Arizona, all easily accessible from the Phoenix metro area.
Woolsey Park Wilderness
Just more than 30 miles from the heart of Phoenix, Woolsey Park Wilderness might be considered small in terms of square acreage at only 64,000 acres, but it is big in terms of the available game. Mule deer and bighorn sheep call the park home, offering hunters the opportunity to snag an impressive set of horns or antlers for their trophy wall. It is a short drive for Phoenix residents, making it among the top choices for a good hunting spot for a quick day trip.
Santa Teresa Wilderness
Perfect for the experienced hunter looking for adventure, the Santa Teresa Wilderness is among the most remote, untouched areas in Arizona. Located in southeast Arizona, about two to three hours from the metro area, the area is made up of more than 26,000 acres of rugged wilderness. The thick vegetation and deep canyons can be challenging to navigate, but make it the perfect home for black bear and mountain lions. There are several trails, but make sure you are well-prepared for an advanced-level hunting experience.
Coconino National Forest
Located in Northern Arizona, about 2.5 hours out of the Valley, the Coconino National Forest encompasses almost 2 million acres of incredible wilderness. The forest offers hunters the opportunity to earn a shot at deer, turkeys, antelope, and elk, including mature elk bulls. The incredible diversity of the area gives a once-in-a-lifetime chance for hunters to snag the big game of their dreams.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
You may be surprised to hear that, though limited, there are hunting options right in the Phoenix area, specifically near the East Valley city of Mesa. Though there are some special rules and hunting is usually limited to archery, it can be an opportunity to snag a few hours of hunting right in your own backyard. With game like javelina, quail, and doves, a quick day out can add up to some enviable trophies.
Saguaro Lake
Just a short drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area, Saguaro Lake is just north of Apache Junction and a popular destination for Arizona hunters. There are bighorn sheep to be had for the discerning hunter, and you can sometimes see herds right from the water.
Arizona is a land of riches for passionate hunters, and becoming a Phoenix resident opens up a wealth of big and small game opportunities. Check out the variety of West Phoenix properties from Heers Management to find your new home today and join the ranks of new Arizona residents enjoying all that the desert has to offer.
For more information, contact the Heers Management office today.
Featured image: Jimmy Conover on Unsplash