Where to Go Hunting in Arizona: 5 of The Most Popular Spots

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. They all have their own characteristics that make them unique, and the variety of options is what makes hunting in Arizona so exciting. Talk to your favorite hunting buddy or plan a solo trip, and explore these beautiful hunting grounds around Phoenix as soon as you get the chance.

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.

There’s a good chance you can get yourself into position to find some big game at Woolsey Peak Wilderness within an hour of leaving your Phoenix apartment. This spot’s proximity to the city is one of the best things about it, especially if having to wake up early for a long drive normally dampens your hunting experience.

Speaking of driving, you’ll want to choose the right vehicle before you head out for the day. For one thing, you’ll probably need plenty of cargo area if you’re looking to bring some of this big game back home with you. Furthermore, vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive will be much more effective in some parts of Woolsey Peak Wilderness.

In addition to a vehicle that can go just about anywhere, you’ll need the know-how to get into a good position. There isn’t a lot of signage in the wilderness, so don’t expect to see marked trails, campsites, or any other direction on where to go. That’s part of what makes this experience so amazing– the true feeling of nature has been very well preserved.

You’ll likely see lizards, snakes, and birds in addition to the big game here. The assortment of different desert dwellers will make you feel completely immersed in the environment. When you’re at Woolsey Peak Wilderness, it’s easy to get lost in the natural beauty and forget you’re such a short distance away from your apartment in Phoenix.

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.

Many people come to Santa Teresa Wilderness because the stakes are high and there’s a certain level of risk involved. This remote hunting spot doesn’t get a lot of traffic from other people, so there’s a good chance you’ll be outnumbered by bears and mountain lions once you get deep enough into the rocky terrain. In addition to those predators, you may encounter some of their prey. Coatis and javelinas are prevalent here, and you may be able to get hints about what’s around you by watching for hawk activity overhead.

Some of the trails can be difficult to navigate, especially depending on where you are within the grounds. Make sure you have the skills, experience, and tools required to keep yourself on track. Many people find that it helps them to study maps of Santa Teresa Wilderness as they plan their outing. It’s a lot easier to have a successful trip once you understand the lay of the land.

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.

Since this spot is so massive, you can return to it over and over again and you’ll never have to go to the same exact place twice unless you want to. As you explore different parts, you’ll even be able to enjoy extremely noticeable differences in the landscape itself. Iconic red rock structures make for a unique experience that every Arizona hunting enthusiast should have at least once. Relocate by a little bit, and you can find yourself in a dense pine forest or a beautifully preserved area of classic Arizona desert.

In parts of Coconino National Forest, visitors can enjoy access to beautiful natural water features. Creeks and streams provide a perfect place to cool off after a strenuous hike, and that experience is a nice treat for someone who’s used to living in the desert. If you also like to fish, you can cast a line in one of this area’s lakes– this truly is one of the best places for people who want both hunting and fishing near Phoenix.

You might want to bring a camera in addition to your gun because you’ll have the opportunity to line up multiple types of shots in this scenic landscape. Make a whole day of it by enjoying the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon before or after your hunt. Other notable places in Coconino National Forest include the Palatki Heritage Site and Honanki, where you can find old cliff dwellings from nearly 1,000 years ago.

Other archeological and heritage sites in this area offer exciting opportunities for those who want to connect with history as well as nature. You’ll be able to see ancient paintings and other artifacts. Some of them were made by people who hunted in this exact same place. The rich history adds a special magic to an already beautiful hunting spot within a day of Phoenix.

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 a game like javelina, quail, and doves, a quick day out can add up to some enviable trophies.

Rules and regulations can vary over time, and even by season, so check with a local authority before planning an outing at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You may even have the opportunity to get your hunting fix before or after work since this place is so close to Phoenix apartments. Even if you don’t bring your bow, this spot is a nice place to get out of the city a little bit and experience nature.

Other recreational activities people love to participate in here include running, biking, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. With all of those different ways to enjoy the terrain, this preserve is a local paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Since it’s so close to the city, you can go for a quick trip as brief as an hour or two without feeling like you had to drive a long way. Places like this are one of the many things that make Phoenix such a great place to live.

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.

Some Phoenix residents will jump at any opportunity they get to experience natural water. Saguaro Lake is one of the only places in the world where you can find a large body of freshwater surrounded by majestic cacti. For outdoorsy people who love water activities, this location is a must-see spot. While you’re there, you can take a boat out on the water for a relaxing day of fishing.

Cast a line and see if you can catch a 12-pound bass or 30-pound carp. You might also find a good amount of bluegill, which makes this place a hit among catch and releases sport fishermen. If you’re lucky, you can come across some of the following from time to time:

-Walleye

– Black Crappie

– Smallmouth Bass

– Bigmouth Buffalo

– Yellow Bass

Decide what you’re looking for, choose your tools and bait wisely, and get out on the water and start fishing.

Apartments in Phoenix, AZ

Hunting fans who also enjoy the finer things about city living have started to realize that Phoenix is one of the best places to live. Your next set of antlers will look great on the wall of one of our apartment units, plus our modern kitchens and community grills are a great place to cook fresh game.

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