Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep

Unit 44BS (Baboquivari / Quinlan Mountains South)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Desert Bighorn Sheep

Unit 44BS covers the southern portion of the Baboquivari mountain complex, including the Quinlan Mountains and the extreme southern desert ranges of Pima County approaching the international border. This is the southern end of the Baboquivari bighorn range — rugged volcanic terrain with classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. AZGFD manages a carefully monitored bighorn population in this unit with very limited tag numbers reflecting both the population size and the challenging logistics of hunting in extreme southern Arizona.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 44BS

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 44BS

Desert bighorn in Unit 44BS use the rocky volcanic ridges and cliff systems of the southern Baboquivari and Quinlan mountain ranges in extreme southern Pima County.

Quinlan Mountains

The Quinlan Mountains east of AZ-286 provide rocky desert terrain with moderate elevation and consistent sheep numbers. Glass the rocky upper ridgelines and cliff bands from the desert floor at dawn — sheep feed on the lower slopes at night and retreat to rocky bedding areas as daylight increases.

Southern Baboquivari Foothills

The southern bajada and foothills of the Baboquivari range hold sheep in scattered rocky terrain. These areas are less visited than the dramatic central peak and may hold mature rams with less wariness. Systematic glassing of every rocky outcrop is the key to finding sheep in this broken terrain.

Water Sources

Water is scarce. AZGFD-maintained water developments are the primary sheep-finding tools in the unit. Map all known guzzlers from AZGFD databases and plan your hunt days around the highest-probability water locations.

How to Hunt Desert Bighorn in Unit 44BS

Unit 44BS bighorn hunting demands careful preparation for a remote southern Arizona environment with complex land ownership and border proximity.

Land Ownership Due Diligence

Like its northern counterpart 44BN, Unit 44BS has complex land ownership including Tohono O'odham Nation parcels. Download the BLM surface management layer into your mapping app before hunting. Only hunt on confirmed legal public land within the unit boundary. Carry your AZGFD tag and a copy of the hunt boundary map at all times.

Glassing and Stalk

The standard desert bighorn approach applies: glass from any elevated point with good sightlines across rocky terrain at first and last light. The rolling Quinlan terrain allows vehicle-based glassing along dirt roads with intermittent views of rocky outcrops. Glass slowly and thoroughly — bighorn hold still in bedded positions and blend remarkably well with desert rock.

Safety and Logistics

This is one of Arizona's most isolated hunt units. Prepare for self-rescue capability — carry a satellite communicator, extra water, and a vehicle first-aid kit. Border Patrol operates in this region and interactions are routine — carry identification.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Arizona's conservative desert bighorn management program consistently produces high success rates. Review AZGFD annual hunt reports for Unit 44BS specific harvest data. The combination of limited tags, intensive pre-season scouting by successful applicants, and reliable water sources contribute to strong success in this unit.

Desert Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

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

Search Arizona Draw Odds

Unit 44BS is part of Arizona's weighted-random bonus-point draw for desert bighorn. Tag allocations are extremely limited — plan to build points for many years before drawing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for Arizona residents. Apply every single year without exception to accumulate the loyalty application bonus and bonus points.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

No developed sites in the unit. Tucson (full RV services, 60+ mi north) is the nearest option.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on confirmed public land only. Dry camping requires carrying all water and supplies.

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Trailer Access

AZ-286 handles trailers. Dirt roads within the unit require high clearance 4WD.

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Water

None reliable in the field. Carry all water for hunts. Plan 5+ liters per person per day for October heat.

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Road Conditions

AZ-286 is paved south to the border. Dirt access roads vary from maintained gravel to rough two-track — check after monsoon.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Rocky desert terrain with scattered volcanic ridges. Challenging due to heat, water scarcity, and remote location.

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Hunting Pressure

Extremely low. One of the least-hunted bighorn units in Arizona due to remote location and limited permits.

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Weather

October: highs 80–90°F; lows 50–62°F. This is among the hottest sheep hunting environments in the state. November cools to highs 68–78°F.

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Cell Service

Essentially none in the southern Baboquivari / Quinlan area. Satellite communicator mandatory.

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Nearest Town

Three Points / Robles Junction (minimal services). Tucson (full services, 60+ mi north). Nogales (60+ mi east).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 44BS safe for hunting given its proximity to the border?

Yes, with preparation. Unit 44BS is in an active border management zone. Border Patrol presence is common and routine interactions are normal. Carry your government ID, AZGFD tag, and satellite communicator. Avoid camping directly on border fence areas. AZGFD has no travel restrictions in this unit — it is an active hunt area.

What is the difference between Unit 44BN and 44BS for bighorn sheep?

44BN covers the northern Baboquivari range and Coyote Mountains while 44BS covers the southern Baboquivari and Quinlan Mountain complex. AZGFD designates separate hunt numbers to manage sub-populations independently. The 44BS terrain is generally lower elevation and slightly more arid than 44BN.

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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 44BS bighorn population, Southern Baboquivari range management, Tag allocation basis · accessed 2026-04-18
AZGFD Big Game Hunting Regulations 2026 — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Tag quotas, Hunt area legal description · accessed 2026-04-18
AZGFD Draw Portal — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Draw statistics, Bonus point system · accessed 2026-04-18