U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Public Use Regulations

Buenos Aires

National Wildlife Refuge

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge provides a

wonderful opportunity to experience wild lands and wildlife in a

natural setting. Visitors to the Refuge can enjoy wildlife, scenic

trails, camping, and many other activities.

In order to protect Refuge resources, reduce competing uses,

and safeguard visitors, it is necessary to establish regulations

on the use of the Refuge. Your cooperation is necessary to help

us properly manage the Refuge and its wildlife. Activities not

described in this flyer are prohibited on the Refuge. described in this flyer are prohibited on the Refuge. described in this flyer are prohibited on the Refuge.

Contact staff or visit any Refuge office to inquire about

regulations or Refuge operations.

The desert can be dangerously hot and dry. Be sure to carry and drink plenty of water,

use sunscreen, and wear light-colored clothing, including a hat. Watch out for stinging

insects, venomous reptiles, and thorny plants. Avoid putting your hands and feet under

rocks or into crevices and plants, and watch where you step or sit.

• Loaded firearms may be carried only in hunting zones when actually hunting.

• A loaded firearm is defined as any round in the weapon, including the magazine.

• Firearms must be unloaded and cased when being transported in motorized

vehicles, including All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles.

• Target shooting or the discharge of a firearm/weapon except to hunt is not permitted.

For Your Safety

Firearms

• The use or possession of cross bows, bow and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs or other

weapons is prohibited except as may be authorized under approved hunting regulations.

• During archery season, bow and arrows must be cased when being transported in

motorized vehicles, including ATVs and motorcycles.

Horseback Riding

Weapons

Mechanized Vehicles

Horseback riding is only authorized on designated roads. The use of feed and hay that

is certified “noxious weed free” is required on the Refuge to prevent the spread of

noxious weeds. The use of feed containers must be utilized when feeding animals. All

horses, mules, llamas, and other types of pack animals must be tied, hobbled, or

picketed while in camp. No enclosure may be used to contain animals.

• Laws and regulations pertaining to the operation and use of vehicles on the refuge are

governed by Arizona state law and the refuge specific regulations listed below.

• To limit erosion and to protect plants and wildlife, mechanized vehicles are permitted

on only designated roads.

• Off-road vehicle travel is prohibited.
Mechanized Vehicles, Continued • Travel in any wash or arroyo is prohibited.

• Seasonal road closures may occur.

• All motorized vehicles including ATVs and motorcycles, must be licensed and

equipped to legally operate on state highways.

• The speed limit on Refuge roads is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. ATVs and

motorcycles must be street legal and have a metal motorcycle license plate.

• Operators must posses the proper driver’s license and insurance. Anyone intending to

operate an ATV or motorcycle on the Refuge should contact Refuge Law Enforcement

to ensure the ATV meets the necessary requirements for legal operation.

• Drivers should be prepared for emergencies and changing conditions. Always carry

shovels, spare tires, first aid kits, and emergency food and water.

• All camping is limited to 2 weeks within any 30 day period. Any property, including

camping equipment, boats, trailers, and other personal property, left unattended for

a period in excess of 72 hours is subject to removal.

• Please contact the Refuge office/ Visitor Center for any fire restrictions in place.

• Restrict campfires to established fire rings within the designated campsite.

Build only small fires, and make certain your fire is completely out when you leave. 

• Campfires must be attended at all times.

• Use only dead and down wood.

• Firewood cutting or removal is prohibited.

• All human waste, including tissue paper, must be buried immediately.

• The dumping of litter, sewage, or liquid wastes on the refuge is prohibited.

• Help keep the land and wildlife healthy. Please pack out all trash and restore your

campsite to a natural condition when you leave.

Camping

• Mountain Biking is only authorized on designated roads.

Collecting, possessing, molesting, disturbing, injuring, destroying, removing, or

transporting any plant or animal or part thereof (alive or dead) is prohibited except for

legally taken game. Persons are prohibited from searching for or removing objects of

antiquity, Indian artifacts, or paleontological objects.

• Unconfined domestic animals are not allowed. Pets are permitted only if under

your control all times.

• Disturbance of the peace or other disorderly conduct on the Refuge is prohibited.

• No person who is intoxicated shall enter or remain upon the Refuge.

• All federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and ordinances are enforced on the Refuge.

• Trapping is prohibited on the Refuge unless authorized by Special Use Permit.

Refuge Law Enforcement Border Patrol Pima County Sheriff

1-520-823-4251 (7 am-4 pm) 1-877-872-7435 (24 hrs) 1-520-741-4900 (24 hrs)

Mountain Biking

Collection of Natural Items

and Artifacts

General Regulations