Located in an extremely remote area along the Mexican border, San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is not a refuge many hunters know. In fact, during most hunting seasons, five or fewer hunters visit the refuge. This doesn't mean the hunting is highly restricted; nor does it mean the hunting is poor. Hunters should find birds throughout the refuge's mesquite thickets and grassland habitat. Because the refuge is along the Mexican border, hunters should be aware of the possibility of encountering illegal immigrants and drug smugglers, although no confrontations have occurred to date. Due to the heat of the desert environment, hunters are advised to get out early when game is moving and conditions are more pleasant. Areas open to hunting on the refuge can be found online at FWS, Where to Hunt.
All Hunting:
- We allow only shotguns.
- We allow only non-toxic shot.
- We prohibit the use of spotlights, automotive lights, or other artificial lights for the purpose of spotting, locating, or taking any animal on refuge.
- All State (Arizona Game and Fish Department) hunting regulations apply.
- The refuge is open to visitors from 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after legal sunset. Hunters must follow all State regulations regarding legal shooting times.
Migratory Bird Hunting:
- We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove.
- We allow the use of dogs.
Upland Game Hunting:
- We allow hunting of Gambel’s and scaled quail.
- We allow cottontail rabbit hunting.
- Cottontail rabbit season opens on September 1 and closes, on refuge, the last day of the State quail season.
- We allow the use of dogs while quail hunting.