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Copyright: DJ Craig - All Rights Reserved
Copyright: Gila County - All Rights Reserved
Copyright: Kathy Hunt - All Rights Reserved
Copyright: DJ Craig - All Rights Reserved
GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA HUNTING UNIT 24A
Species within this unit:
Javelina, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Elk, Cottontail Rabbit, Tree Squirrel, Quail
Unit Boundaries
Beginning on AZ Hwy 177 in Superior; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 177 to the Gila River; northeasterly along the Gila River to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; easterly, westerly and northerly along the reservation boundary to the Salt River; southwesterly along the Salt River to AZ Hwy 288; southerly on AZ Hwys 288 and 88 to U.S. Hwy 60; southwesterly on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 177.
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The major mountain ranges within 24A include the Dripping Springs Mountains and the Mescal Mountains in the southern portion of the unit, the Pinal Mountains south of Globe, the Apache Mountains north of Globe, and the Timber Camp Mountains northeast of Globe. The northern portion of the unit, from the Dripping Springs Road north, is a mix of private property and Tonto National Forest land. The southern portion of the unit is a mix of State Trust Land, BLM land, and private property.
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Access through most of Dripping Springs, Horseshoe Bend (Forest Road 219) , and Nugget Mesa (Forest Road 580) is a privilege and therefore can be denied due to the private property sections along the road. Please sign into our AZ Game and Fish Sign in boxes at these locations. The sign in box program is a Landowner Access agreement we utilize to allow recreational users to cross through private property without having to contact the landowner each time for permission. By signing in it allows the landowner and LE officials know who is lawfully accessing the property otherwise individuals who fail to do so are in violation of criminal trespass.
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For up-to-date information visit the Arizona Game and Fish Website.
SPECIES BRIEF
Information Credited To The Arizona Game & Fish Department
Javalina
Overall, the javelina population has been increasing, but still hasn’t reached numbers this unit has historically supported in the past. Javelina hunting is about average for the unit. Each year, the Department offers an archery-only javelina hunt during the month of January, a primitive weapons hunt (handgun, archery, muzzleloader only) hunt in February, and a general hunt in February. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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Mule Deer
Similar to mule deer population across the state; Unit 24A mule deer population has been declining since the mid 1990s. Mule deer are found scattered in the lower elevation areas of 24A, and can also occur with white-tailed deer in this unit, so be sure of your target before you shoot. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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White-Tailed Deer
Within the past couple of years, whitetail deer have been increasing as a whole in the state and the unit has its opportunities for harvest. Several older age class bucks have been harvested in 24A over the last several years. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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Black Bear
Black bear hunting is offered in the spring and in the fall with a majority of the hunt success occurring in the fall. During the fall hunts, bears range widely in search of acorns, juniper berries, manzanita berries, and prickly pear cactus fruit in order to prepare their bodies for winter. Bears are crepuscular meaning they’re active early morning and late afternoon into the evening. Remember that dogs are not allowed in the spring hunt, but are allowed in the fall. Also, baiting bears is illegal regardless of the season. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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Mountain Lion
The mountain lion population in this unit appear to be stable, with lions immigrating and emigrating to and from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. To increase success, hunting with dogs is recommended, however, if you use a guide be sure they are licensed with the state and that they have the proper permits for guiding on Federal Land. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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Cottontail Rabbit
Hunters can find cottontails just about anywhere in the unit from the pine forest on the Pinal Mountains to the deserts in the southern portion of the district. The deserts in the southern portion of the district will have higher densities of rabbits. The northern area of the district does have rabbits but the dense underbrush may keep the hunter from being successful in this or her attempts to harvest rabbits. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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Tree Squirrel
There are very few tree squirrels in Unit 24A. There is a small population of Abert’s squirrels in the Pinal Mountains South of Globe. The top of the mountain is the only place where a hunter can find squirrels with any success. However, due to the presence of several homes, USFS campgrounds and mountaintop radio towers with often-occupied buildings, finding an area to hunt beyond the one-quarter mile limit can be challenging.
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Quail
Unit 24A has a viable population of Gambel’s quail. Keep in mind that the following areas are recommended areas to scout and do not guarantee success.
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