Zone D-12 in California offers the potential for finding impressive bucks, particularly south of I-10, if you are knowledgeable about the area and prepared for its challenges. Hunters stress the importance of being self-sufficient due to the remoteness and the necessity of having a 4WD vehicle, as roads and trails are not well-maintained. While the remoteness may be intimidating for some, experienced hunters appreciate the opportunity to encounter 140+ and occasionally 200+ class bucks, though this requires significant local knowledge and dedication. For those unfamiliar with the terrain and desert game behavior, connecting with seasoned hunters and collecting as much local intel as possible before heading out is highly recommended.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
High
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Zone D-12 located in portions of Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
You must enjoy the desert to hunt here. Chances are high that you'll just be "enjoying time in the desert" and with others. You will not count a lot of deer on a hunt here.
The terrain in this zone is your typical desert. Flat rolling valley floors with drainages cut out from erosion and a few scattered hills, mountains and buttes.
There are a number of roadways available to access Zone D-12. In the north, the zone is bounded by State Highway 62 and US Highway 95, both of which provide access to improved and unimproved roads. Access roads in the northern areas of the zone include the Havasu Landing Road, State Highway 62, US Highway 95, and the Rice Valley Road, which is partially paved. Interstate Highway 10 runs east/west through the zone, while State Highway 78 runs south and west through the zone and provides access to several maintained dirt roads such as Milpitas Wash and the Bradshaw Trail. In the extreme southern end of the zone, Ogilby Road runs south from State Highway 78 to US Highway 8 and provides access to Indian Pass Road as well as the Hyduke Mine Road. The zone is bounded on the east by Highway 111. Throughout the zone numerous unimproved dirt roads provide good access, but it is strongly suggested that the open route maps be obtained from BLM prior to venturing into the zone to avoid any conflicts.
Zone D-12 contains a mixture of public and private lands. There are numerous private holdings throughout the zone, which may or may not be posted, however the majority of Zone D-12 consists of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Fourteen wilderness areas are found within Zone D-12. Hunting is allowed in these wilderness areas, but vehicles are not. Hunting is not permitted in the West Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range located in northern Imperial County, as well as the Joshua Tree National Park located in Riverside County.
The vegetation in Zone D-12 is comprised of numerous desert plant communities ranging from desert dunes and desert scrub to riparian forests and Joshua tree woodlands. Deer are usually dispersed throughout the zone, but are most commonly found in washes that contain iron wood and palo verde vegetation.
Most of the area is open for camping, but hunters should check with BLM for restrictions.
Zone D-12 encompasses a large geographic area with topography ranging from flat in the lower elevation to extremely steep and rocky in the mountain ranges. Most services are located within the various cities and towns scattered along the main highways, including Needles, Blythe, Brawley, El Centro, and Yuma, Arizona. Hunters are advised to have full gasoline tanks when entering the field and to carry a shovel, serviceable spare tire, and extra food and water. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended and should be used when traveling on unimproved roads and sandy desert washes within the zone.
Roughly 8,336 square miles
69% public land
Elevations range from 0 – 5,300 feet