Hunters in Arizona's Unit 35B generally find it to be a beautiful area with promising opportunities for Coues deer and javelina, particularly if prepared to cover ground and glass extensively. Quail hunting in the unit is common, with sightings of Coues deer and javelinas being frequent, though mule deer are harder to locate, especially at lower elevations where the area is dominated by Coues deer. Border patrol activity and quail hunting guides are prevalent, and while access is manageable with a decent vehicle, the rugged terrain demands durable clothing and footwear. The draw odds for javelina appear skewed due to discrepancies in counting first and second choice applicants, but overall, hunters who are knowledgeable and tackle the terrain thoughtfully report seeing multiple bucks daily, underscoring the unit's potential for a rewarding hunting experience if approached correctly.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Coues Deer | 85"-100" | 105"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 75"+ |
High
Low
Unit 35B is northeast of the busiest Mexican border crossing in Arizona, Nogales. Hunters in the Patagonia Mountains take some mature Coues deer. Cover is moderately dense, but hiking is not overly strenuous. Antelope are so scarce that no tags are issued.
Some of the finest Coues deer hunting in the state takes place here. Desert mule deer also inhabit this unit with few big bucks.
Low grasslands and Sonoran desert are found at low elevations. High ground is comprised of canyons, rocky hillsides and steep, rocky slopes. Terrain is moderate and not considered strenuous.
Most land is in Coronado National Forest. Private land prevents access in some areas. Hunters need to get a landowner’s permission to cross some private tracts to reach public property. Just north of the Mexico/Arizona border is the private San Rafael Cattle Company, which is closed to hunting. It is shown on some maps as San Rafael de la Zanja.
Lowlands are Sonoran desert with desert scrub, cactus and grass. Middle-elevation terrain is a mixture of desert grasslands, oaks, pinyons and junipers. Oak and manzanita grow in the high mountains.
Camping is allowed on Coronado National Forest lands. Lodging is in Nogales, Sierra Vista, Patagonia, Sonoita and Tucson.
Roughly 333 square miles
63.3% public land
Elevations range from about 4,200 feet at Nogales to 7,220 feet on Mount Washington
ATVs are helpful on rough, rocky and steep roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
State parks are closed to hunting