1. Yuma Valley (Yuma County)
Why Hunt Here?
Yuma
is Arizona’s top destination for pheasant hunting, thanks to its
agricultural fields, irrigation canals, and dense cover that provide
ideal habitat for pheasants. The Arizona Game & Fish Department
(AZGFD) regularly stocks pheasants in this area during the season,
making it a reliable spot for hunters.
Key Locations:
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge (limited access, check regulations)
Yuma Valley Agriculture Fields (private land—permission required)
Public Hunting Areas near the Colorado River
Tips:
Focus on edges of alfalfa and cotton fields.
Early morning hunts are most productive.
2. Mohave County (Colorado River Corridor)
Why Hunt Here?
The
riparian zones and farmlands along the Colorado River near Bullhead
City and Lake Havasu provide excellent pheasant habitat. Stocking
efforts by AZGFD ensure decent bird numbers.
Key Locations:
Topock Marsh (requires a permit)
Agricultural areas near Fort Mohave
Hunt Unit 16B (check AZGFD maps)
Tips:
Hunt near water sources and thick vegetation.
Late-season hunts can be productive after stocking.
3. Pinal County (Central Arizona)
Why Hunt Here?
Pinal
County’s mix of farmland and desert grasslands supports a small but
huntable pheasant population. The area around Eloy and Maricopa is
particularly good.
Key Locations:
Santa Cruz Flats (private land—seek permission)
Public hunting areas near Red Rock
Tips:
Focus on weedy ditch banks and crop field edges.
Hunting with a dog improves success rates.
4. Verde Valley (Yavapai County)
Why Hunt Here?
Though
not as densely populated as Yuma, the Verde Valley’s river bottoms and
irrigated farmlands hold wild and stocked pheasants.
Key Locations:
Camp Verde area
Private ranches (permission required)
Tips:
Scout near alfalfa fields and along the Verde River.
Late-season hunts may yield better results.
5. Wilcox Playa (Cochise County – Limited Opportunity)
Why Hunt Here?
While
not a traditional pheasant hotspot, Wilcox Playa’s grasslands and
agricultural areas occasionally hold pheasants, especially near stocked
locations.
Key Locations:
Willcox Agriculture Fields
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
Tips:
Check AZGFD stocking reports before planning a trip.
Better for mixed-bag hunting (quail, dove).
Arizona Pheasant Hunting Tips
Season & Regulations: Arizona’s pheasant season typically runs November–February. Always check the latest AZGFD regulations for dates, bag limits, and license requirements.
Stocking Program: Most pheasant hunting relies on stocked birds, so focus on areas where AZGFD releases pheasants.
Private Land Access: Much of the best habitat is on private farmland. Always get landowner permission before hunting.
Use a Dog: A well-trained bird dog greatly increases success in Arizona’s thick cover.
Blaze Orange: Required for safety, especially on public lands.
Final Thoughts
While Arizona may not be the first state that comes to mind for pheasant hunting, areas like Yuma, Mohave County, and Pinal County offer solid opportunities—especially during stocked seasons. By focusing on agricultural zones, river bottoms, and AZGFD-managed areas, hunters can enjoy a unique Southwestern pheasant hunt.
For the latest updates on stocking locations and regulations, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website. Happy hunting!
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