Arizona Bighorn Sheep

Unit 40BWT (Kofa West – White Tank)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 40B-WT (White Tank) is a specialized desert bighorn hunt covering the west side of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to the 40B-WG (White Ghost) hunt area. Terrain is classic Kofa desert bighorn country — stacked rimrock, narrow slot canyons, and cliff bands rising from creosote-bursage bajadas. This is one of Arizona's most prized once-in-a-lifetime bighorn draws with tag numbers in the single digits and exceptional ram quality.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 40BWT

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 40B-WT

White Tank rams use the same west-side Kofa cliff systems as 40B-WG but within a defined adjacent hunt boundary.

Kofa West Rimrock

Stacked cliff bands on the west face hold the core herd. We glass from the bajada fans below and work ram groups toward accessible stalking routes.

Interior Canyons

Deep canyons cutting the west face are where mature rams bed. Naming each canyon during pre-season scouting is critical.

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How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 40B-WT

This is wilderness desert sheep hunting at the highest level.

Region IV Biologist Contact

AZGFD Region IV biologists in Yuma track Kofa ram groups. We contact them the day we draw.

Wilderness Backpack Hunts

Kofa NWR is foot/horseback only. Plan 7–14 day backpack hunts with careful water logistics.

Expert Guide Recommended

Nearly every White Tank hunter uses an experienced Kofa bighorn guide. Terrain complexity and water logistics justify the investment.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Tag numbers are tiny (~6 across three recent years against ~773 applicants). Success rates on AZ desert bighorn consistently run 85–95%. Kofa ram quality regularly produces 160+ B&C heads with occasional giants.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General Rifle	2	219	0.9%
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	2	221	0.9%
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	4	694	0.1%

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

40B-WT is a top-tier Arizona bighorn draw. With ~6 tags against ~773 applicants over three years, odds per applicant run under 1% under AZ's weighted system. 20% of tags go to max-point applicants first, then 80% through a random weighted draw. Expect to need 15–25+ bonus points. Harvesting an AZ bighorn ends eligibility to apply for bighorn in the state again.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

US-95 paved. Palm Canyon Road (primary Kofa access) is maintained gravel. Interior refuge roads are rough two-track requiring high-clearance 4WD. Wilderness is foot-only.

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Hunting Pressure

Minimal. Tag caps and wilderness access keep the unit quiet.

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Weather

December–January hunts see 55–75°F days and 30–45°F nights. Water is scarce year-round; plan caches or carry.

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Cell Service

Along US-95 — adequate. In the refuge interior — none. Satellite communicator essential.

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Nearest Town

Quartzsite (basic services, RV hub, ~20 miles north). Yuma (full services, hospital, ~75 miles south). Phoenix (~2.5 hours).

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Permit Notes

AZGFD tag required. Kofa NWR regulations apply — no motorized/mechanized travel in wilderness, pack-in pack-out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do 40B-WT and 40B-WG hunt areas differ?

Both are west-side Kofa hunts with separate tag allocations and adjacent boundaries. Specific ram groups and access logistics differ. Review AZGFD's current regulations for the exact line between White Tank and White Ghost hunt areas.

Can I scout 40B-WT during summer?

Technically yes, but Kofa summer temps exceed 110°F. We prefer October–November scouting when conditions are tolerable and ram groups are forming pre-rut.

Do I need a guide for 40B-WT?

Not legally. Practically, yes — the terrain, water logistics, and ram-finding expertise experienced Kofa guides bring make the difference on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

AZGFD Desert Bighorn Sheep Management — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Desert bighorn hunt structure, Kofa herd management, Once-in-a-lifetime tag · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-26 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bighorn season structure, 40B-WT tag allocation, Hunt boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · supports: Refuge regulations, Wilderness boundaries, Access roads · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Weighted bonus point draw, 40B-WT historical odds · accessed 2026-04-17