Unit 45A/45B/45C (Kofa National Wildlife Refuge)

Unit 45 — the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge — has a reputation for quality mule deer, and the agency is equally clear that work and scouting are required because the terrain is rugged and vehicle access is limited in the wilderness areas. The population fluctuates with drought.

The Kofa Mountains

Take the El Paso Natural Gas Line Road, eight miles south of Quartzsite on Highway 95, east into the refuge; several roads off it reach the interior of the Kofas. The MST&T Road at milepost 92.7 gives good access through the Livingston Hills and south into Burro Canyon. The Palm Canyon and King Valley Roads, also off Highway 95, reach good hunting country. From the east, the Hovatter Road off Interstate 10 west of Tonopah and the Engesser Road from the Whitewing Ranch area north of Dateland get you onto that side of the refuge.

King Valley

This vast valley separates the Kofa Mountains to the north from the Castle Dome Mountains at the refuge's south end. Large desert riparian areas here provide great mule deer habitat, and the agency says the best way to hunt it is to find hills and glass the flats from those high points. Some very large bucks have come out of this country.

The flat and rolling desert

Much of the deer habitat on the refuge is flat to rolling low desert, and hunting that type of country is difficult even in the best years. Most people hunting the flats try to find high points to glass from. That's the method, and it's worth accepting rather than fighting.

Low hunter densities

One of the real attractions here. Few hunters, a lot of country, and a quality reputation — in exchange for rugged ground and limited vehicle access.

The refuge rules

Vehicle use is limited to existing designated roads and must stay within 100 feet of them, with wilderness areas closed to vehicles entirely. For complete regulations contact the Refuge Manager, Kofa NWR, 9300 E. 28th Street, Yuma AZ 85366-6290, on 928-783-7861.

Rifle success for mule deer here runs about 22 percent, muzzleloader 18, against a population that rises and falls with the rain.

Glass the flats from the hills

This is the agency's method for King Valley and for the flat desert generally, and it's the single most important habit on this hunt. Climb a hill before first light, set the binoculars on a tripod, and work the flats and the riparian strips below. Walking the flats moves deer you never see.

Scout for conditions, not just for deer

The population depends on habitat condition as it relates to drought. Before the hunt, find out what the rain has done — where the browse is green and where the desert riparian country is holding up. That tells you which third of the refuge to hunt.

Use the roads you're allowed, then walk

Existing designated roads, within 100 feet, and no vehicles in wilderness. So the hunt is: drive to a legal point, walk to a hill, glass, and walk further. Plan the pack-out before the shot, because there's no off-road retrieval anywhere on this refuge.

Pick an access and learn it

El Paso Gas Line Road for the Kofa interior. MST&T Road for the Livingston Hills and Burro Canyon. Palm Canyon and King Valley Roads for the central refuge. Hovatter and Engesser Roads for the east side. These are long rough drives — choose one approach per trip rather than touring.

Self-sufficiency

Very little water, long distances, and rough roads. Carry everything you'll drink plus a vehicle reserve, two spares, recovery gear, and tell someone where you'll be. Heat persists well into the season down here.

Call the refuge first

Get the complete refuge regulations from the Kofa manager on 928-783-7861 before you go, and ask about road conditions and the status of the wildlife waters. That last answer is the most useful local knowledge available.