Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep

Unit 39E (Maricopa/Gila Desert Ranges)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Desert Bighorn Sheep

Unit 39E covers desert mountain ranges in the Maricopa-Pinal County area of south-central Arizona, west of the Phoenix metro. This unit contains classic Sonoran Desert bighorn habitat — isolated volcanic mountain ranges rising from the desert floor, with limited water and dramatic rocky terrain. AZGFD monitors and manages the population through annual surveys, water development maintenance, and regulated hunting. Tags are extremely limited and issued through the weighted-random bonus-point draw.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 39E

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 39E

Desert bighorn sheep in Unit 39E inhabit the isolated volcanic and granite mountain ranges of south-central Arizona — compact but rugged ranges rising sharply from the desert floor.

Rocky Peak Complexes

Sheep favor the upper rocky zones of the desert ranges in 39E — the fractured volcanic summits and boulder fields that provide unobstructed sightlines and rapid escape routes. Glass peak ridgelines in the early morning as sheep move from nocturnal feeding areas on the lower bajada to daytime bedding positions on high rocky terrain.

Canyon Wash Systems

Narrow washes and canyon corridors cutting through the desert ranges concentrate sheep near water. These wash systems also provide the travel corridors sheep use to move between grazing areas and bedding terrain.

Wildlife Water Developments

AZGFD water developments (guzzlers) are the most reliable sheep-finding locations in this hot, dry unit. Map them before your hunt — in October and November, sheep visit water on predictable daily schedules.

How to Hunt Desert Bighorn in Unit 39E

Classic Sonoran Desert sheep hunting in a compact, accessible unit for those fortunate enough to draw a tag.

Heat Management

South-central Arizona in October remains very hot — 90–100°F on exposed desert terrain during the day. Hunt aggressively in the first and last 90 minutes of light; rest and shade during mid-day. Carry 4+ liters of water daily and pre-position water caches for multi-day hunts.

Glassing from High Points

The isolated desert ranges provide natural glassing points from any summit or upper ridge. From a single high point you can often glass all the sheep habitat in one small range. Cover multiple ranges in sequence — drive between ranges during mid-day and glass each summit zone at first and last light.

Water Ambush

Guzzler setups are the highest-probability tactic in this unit. Set up downwind of a known-active water development at least 45 minutes before first light and remain motionless until sheep arrive. October success rates at active guzzlers are excellent.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Arizona Sonoran Desert bighorn hunts historically produce very high success rates due to tight tag management and predictable desert sheep behavior around water. AZGFD's annual hunt reports provide the most current Unit 39E specific harvest statistics. Expect detailed population data to be available through the AZGFD regional office.

Desert Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

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Unit 39E is part of Arizona's weighted-random bonus-point draw for desert bighorn sheep. Tags are extremely limited. Once drawn, this is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for Arizona residents. Apply every year and do not skip applications — the loyalty bonus and bonus points compound annually to improve your long-term odds.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

No RV sites in the desert unit itself. Phoenix metro (1–2 hours) provides all RV services. Maricopa and Casa Grande have limited RV parks.

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Camp Sites

BLM dispersed camping on public lands within the unit. No developed facilities. Desert camping requires self-sufficiency for water and shade.

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Trailer Access

Major highways (I-8, AZ-85, AZ-238) provide good access. Off-highway travel requires high clearance.

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Water

Extremely limited natural water. Carry all water needed for hunts — no reliable natural sources. AZGFD wildlife guzzlers are supplemental, not drinking water.

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Road Conditions

Paved highways on the perimeter. Desert two-track access roads require high clearance. Flash flood damage possible after summer monsoon.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. The desert ranges are compact and accessible, but the heat and lack of water make logistics challenging.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. Limited permits and remote desert terrain keep pressure minimal.

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Weather

October in the Sonoran Desert: highs 85–100°F; lows 55–65°F. By late November: highs 68–78°F; lows 40–52°F. Heat is the primary hazard early in season.

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Cell Service

Moderate to good coverage near Phoenix metro. Coverage improves on desert mountain summits. Canyon interiors have gaps.

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Nearest Town

Maricopa (partial services). Casa Grande (full services). Phoenix metro (all services, 45–90 min).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is it during the Unit 39E bighorn sheep season?

Very hot. South-central Arizona in October sees daytime highs of 85–100°F on exposed desert terrain. Carry a minimum of 4 liters of water per person per day in the field, hunt in the early morning and late afternoon only, and shelter from the mid-day heat. Heat exhaustion is a serious risk.

What is the best public land access in Unit 39E?

BLM-managed land makes up a significant portion of the unit. Access the AZGFD hunt boundary map and the BLM surface management map for your area before hunting — some desert range units in this area have private inholdings. GLO records and OnX Hunt are useful tools for confirming public land boundaries.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

AZGFD Desert Bighorn Sheep Management — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 39E population, Sonoran Desert sheep management, Water developments · accessed 2026-04-18
AZGFD Big Game Hunting Regulations 2026 — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Tag quotas, Hunt area · accessed 2026-04-18
AZGFD Draw Portal — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Draw odds, Application system · accessed 2026-04-18