Arizona Mule Deer

Unit 45A/45B/45C (Cabeza Prieta – Goldwater)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

This combined three-unit hunt covers Arizona's extreme southwest corner — the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (closed to hunting), and the Barry M. Goldwater Range West. Terrain is pure Sonoran Desert at 500–3,500 feet elevation with isolated volcanic mountain ranges separated by creosote flats. Mule deer densities are low and the combined tag is the only way to hunt this remote borderlands country. Multiple access permits are required.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 45A/45B/45C

Where to Find Mule Deer in the 45A/45B/45C Combined Hunt

Deer use the isolated volcanic ranges that punctuate the creosote flats.

Isolated Mountain Ranges

Ranges like the Mohawks, Sierra Pinta, Growler, and Gila Mountains hold scattered mule deer. Each range requires a different access plan.

Wash Corridors

Major washes between the ranges are travel corridors. Hunt wash confluences at first and last light.

Water Catchments

AZGFD, USFWS, and BLM maintain wildlife water catchments across the three units. These are magnets in this extreme desert.

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How to Hunt the 45A/45B/45C Combined Unit

This hunt is specialized desert hunting with significant access complications.

Cabeza Prieta NWR Permit

Entering the refuge requires a separate USFWS access permit with Military Training Route acknowledgment. Apply well in advance.

Goldwater Range Permit

BMGR West requires a separate range access permit and live scheduling with Luke AFB. Coordinate each day of hunting.

Water and Vehicle Logistics

Distances between reliable water and fuel are enormous. Carry a spare vehicle's worth of water and fuel. Travel in pairs when possible.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle22%

The combined 45A/45B/45C tag is a specialized hunt (~500 tags across three recent years against ~725 applicants). Success rates vary widely — deer density is low and most successful hunters are experienced desert hunters who commit serious time.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	250	368	58.2%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

The combined 45 hunt offers strong draw odds — roughly 1.4:1 applicant-to-tag ratio, making it among the more accessible AZ mule deer draws. Arizona's weighted bonus-point system routes 20% to max-point applicants first and 80% via random weighted draw. A hunter-ed bonus point is available to applicants who complete AZGFD-recognized hunter education.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

I-8, SR 85, and SR 86 paved. BLM/refuge/range roads are rough two-track. High-clearance 4WD required. BMGR and Cabeza Prieta have seasonal and military closures.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. Access complexity keeps casual hunters away.

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Weather

November–January hunts see 60–80°F days and 35–55°F nights. Dry is the norm. Summer temps exceed 110°F — unhuntable.

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Cell Service

Along I-8 — adequate. Across most of the units — none. Satellite communicator essential.

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Nearest Town

Gila Bend (basic services, ~30 miles north). Yuma (full services, hospital, ~90 miles west). Ajo (basic services). Why, AZ (very basic).

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Permit Notes

AZGFD tag PLUS Cabeza Prieta NWR access permit PLUS Goldwater Range West permit, each separately obtained.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many permits do I need for the 45 combined hunt?

Three — AZGFD tag, Cabeza Prieta NWR access permit (USFWS), and Goldwater Range West permit (Luke AFB). Each is separately obtained and must be current on your hunt dates.

Is the 45 combined hunt safe given the border proximity?

The hunt area is close to the U.S.–Mexico border. Travel in pairs, carry a satellite communicator, monitor USFWS and Customs and Border Protection advisories, and be aware of cross-border smuggling routes.

Why so many tags for so few applicants?

Access is genuinely difficult. Permit complexity, remote country, extreme conditions, and low deer density deter most hunters. Those who commit report unique, rewarding experiences.

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Sources & Verification

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

2025-26 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Multi-unit hunt structure for 45A/45B/45C, Season dates, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · supports: Refuge regulations, Access permit required, Wilderness boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
Barry M. Goldwater Range — Recreation Access — U.S. Air Force · supports: BMGR permits, Range scheduling with Luke AFB, Closed zones · accessed 2026-04-17
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Weighted bonus point draw, Multi-unit 45 historical draw results · accessed 2026-04-17