This information has been prepared to assist you in selecting a hunt during the deer tag application process or in preparing for a hunt after you have received a deer tag. A major portion of the area consists of BLM land with some small private holdings. Hunters should consult maps carefully as there are numerous wilderness areas within the zone where hunting is allowed, but vehicles are not, and the Chocolate Mountain Ariel Bombing and Gunnery Range where access is off limits to all but the military. Yuma, Trigo Mountains, Salton Sea, and El Centro.
Camping is closed to all within one quarter mile of a natural or man-made watering hole.
While population trends remain stable, these are desert mule deer and the take is usually low with a 3 to 5 percent success rate. Nevertheless, a few trophy bucks are taken each year. Deer are usually dispersed throughout the unit but are most commonly found in washes that contain iron wood and palo verde vegetation. After opening day, some deer may move into mountains and rocky areas. Four wheel drive is advised within most of the unit due to sandy washes and steep terrain.