Sonoran Desert National Monument Most of the Sonoran Desert Nation Monument is open for recreational shooting, with the exception of 10,600 acres in the north and northeastern areas that in 2015 closed to target shooting because of a court-ordered analysis of the impacts of such shooting on the Monument. The prohibited areas amount to only about 2 percent of the total monument. The Bureau of Land Management advises all shooters to follow safety guidelines and only use firearms as prescribed by federal and state law. BLM also requires target materials, ammunition casings and all other garbage be disposed of properly. CAMPING & HIKING Sonoran Desert National Monument Hiking and camping is allowed throughout most of the monument. With nearly 500,000 acres of federally-protected lands, SDNM can entertain novice hikers and adventurous explorers alike. From short, scenic hikes and wildlife viewing, to overnight camping and stargazing, BLM encourages people to explore the numerous hidden treasures of both indigenous and colonial history. BLM advises all visitors to follow park regulations concerning the use of open flame and trash disposal. During the hotter months, April to September, BLM reminds hikers to stay hydrated and always bring a cellular phone in case of emergencies. It is also important to notify someone of the location of your intended hike.
species, season and method-of-take, so do your research with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Bureau of Land Management. When properly licensed and permitted, hunters in the monument could have access to javelina, mule deer, mountain lions, dove and quail. Desert bighorn sheep are also known to live in the Maricopa Mountains, though due to dwindling populations, permits to hunt these illusive mammals have become harder to obtain, with only 80 to 100 being awarded in the state each year through the AZGFD’s lottery system. PUBLIC SHOOTING AREAS
Box Canyon Shooting Range North Hidden Valley Road (scheduled to open early 2024)
About 10 miles west of town, the 68-acre facility is within the Box Canyon Recreation Area. It will accommodate as many as 90 shooters at a time.
Maricopa Shooting Range
Bryan Mordt
Located on Hidden Valley Road, approximately 1.25 miles south of Farrell Road, is Maricopa’s closest public shooting area. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Palo Verde Mountains, this target-shooting area is open and free to shooters of all ages and types. The secluded site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which requires target materials, ammunition casings and all other garbage be disposed of properly. Individuals caught littering may be prosecuted.
FISHING
HUNTING
Copper Sky Regional Park 45345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. 520-316-4600
Sonoran Desert National Monument For Maricopa residents, one of the best places for a local hunt is less than an hour west of the city, in the mountains and valleys of the Sonoran Desert National Monument. While hunting is allowed on much of the nearly 500,000 acres of federally protected land, it can be limited in certain areas and entirely prohibited in others depending on the
Open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Copper Sky is home to a 5-acre lake stocked with a diverse population of aquatic life. Licensed anglers can take home a daily limit of four catfish, four trout, two bass (13-inch minimum), 10 sunfish/bluegill or one white amur (30-inch minimum). Normal statewide limits are applicable to any other species. City park rules prohibit boating, swimming or wading (by humans or pets). Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Copper Sky Regional Park, unless otherwise indicated for a special event.
Pacana Park 19000 N. Porter Road
From sunrise to 11 p.m., licensed anglers can find a diversely-stocked pond with a maximum depth of 11 feet. Arizona Game & Fish keeps this lake stocked with a mixture of fish allowing for an individual daily-bag limit of two catfish, two trout, one bass (13-inch minimum), five sunfish and one white amur (30-inch minimum). Park rules prohibit boating, swimming or wading (by humans or pets). Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Pacana Park, unless otherwise indicated for a special event.
72 New Resident & Visitor Guide 2024 • InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide
Powered by FlippingBook