Facility Rules and Policies

All hunters must possess a valid Arizona hunting license and applicable tag(s) and/or stamp(s). Seasons for migratory game birds, upland game and big game follow applicable Arizona state regulations. Migratory game birds may be hunted from one-half hour before legal sunrise to sunset. Upland and big game may be hunted during daylight hours. Guide service providers must obtain a special use permit from the refuge. Check the Arizona Game & Fish Department for more information. 

Hunting regulations: 

  • Hunting is not permitted in high public use areas or near residences. “No Hunt Zones” are posted on the ground and are identified in the refuge hunt brochure. Brochures are available at the refuge visitor center or brochure boxes posted throughout the refuge. 

  • Brown Canyon: Refuge lands in Brown Canyon are closed to hunting.  

  • Keep in mind that access may be limited by weather conditions. 

  • The use of dogs when hunting big game is prohibited, without exceptions. 

  • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. 

  • Hunt opportunities include mule deer, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, javelina, coyotes, white-winged doves, mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves, ducks, geese, coots, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, and skunks. No other game may be taken from Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge as all other animals and plants are protected. 

  • Any discharge of a firearm except to take legal game is not permitted. 

  • The use or possession of crossbows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs or other weapons is prohibited except as may be authorized under approved hunting regulations. 

  • The use of artificial light, including automotive headlights, to illuminate wildlife is prohibited. 

  • Pits, permanent blinds and stands, trail and scouting cameras are prohibited. Temporary stands and blinds are allowed but must be removed at the end of each day. Hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited. 

  • The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited. 

  • Baiting is prohibited. 

  • The use of flagging tape, reflective tape, or other signs or markers is prohibited. 

  • Leaving property abandoned on a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
    A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

    Learn more about national wildlife refuge
    is prohibited. 

  • All accidents involving injury to person(s) or wildlife and/or property damage must be reported to an on-duty Refuge official within 24 hours of the accident. 

  • Trapping and fishing are prohibited.